How to achieve indirect lighting in interior design.

For our planet the sun is a major lighting source. The light which we receive on earth varies in intensity and quantity depending upon the geographical location on earth.

For normal human activities inside the building what we require is indirect light. There is a major difference between direct and indirect light. Direct light from the sun produces light in high quantities but also generates a lot of heat, which may not be required or at sometimes can be uncomfortable.

Indirect lighting produces a good quality diffused light by eliminating the heat that's being produced from sunlight. Interior designers always look for various ways that will increase the chances of achieving good quality sunlight into a room.

the basic principle behind indirect lighting is easy. Obstruct the direct sunlight on a surface that will absorb the heat and throw our or disperse the light alone uniformly inside the room.

This requires a good study of various light entry points of a given room and selecting surfaces that will receive direct sunlight. Then applying finishes to these materials that will absorb the heat but at the same time reflect a lot of light to the interiors.

There is a major challenge in doing this.

Let's say that I select a bedroom to be treated for indirect lighting. I select a plane wall opposite or adjacent to the window opening that will receive direct sunlight. If I paint the wall with a bright color, it will definitely reflect the light in the entire room, but at the same time create a "glare" that can be quite uncomfortable for the users.

So just creating reflecting surfaces is not the solution. The surfaces that will reflect the direct light and at the same time won't produce a glare are recommended here.

This can be easily achieved using artificial lighting. The greatest advantage of artificial lighting is that you can select the number of light sources in the first place. Then light sources can be very creatively be hidden using shaders and other design elements, so that the light spots can be directed towards reflective surfaces.

A very common use of this technique is, project the light spots on a bright reflective ceiling and the ceiling will uniformly disperse the light in the rest of the room. Projecting the light on ceiling will eliminate the problem of causing glare, since the ceiling is always above the normal eye level.

Using a centralized light source on the ceiling and throwing the light on adjacent walls is also a good solution. This will also save a lot of wiring lengths, cutting your cost in the fixing up of the total electrical system.

A careful choice of reflective surfaces inside a room can greatly enhance the light qualities in a room. In interiors there are hundreds of objects that receive light. Objects such as walls, furniture ceiling, floor will have a tendency to reflect light away from them. Objects like windowpanes, glass panels in the furniture will absorb or will allow the light to pass away the light thought them b reducing the heat and intensity of light.

That's why careful selection of materials during design stage can cause a good lighting solution. Also the lighting solution will differ from room to room depending upon which direction the room faces outwards. For this the sun path must be taken into consideration. By careful study of the sun path it will be easy to decide the color schemes and finishes for satisfactory result in indirect lighting.

I hope this article was helpful to everyone.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Shrinivas Vaidya discusses some excellent tips on home renovation at his website .You will also find some great concept level thinking on bedrooms and decorating ideas.

An Overview Of Commonly Used Materials In Interior Design

Every interior space has some unique qualities attached to it. If you have visited a natural outdoor space like a forest, you will notice thousands of varieties of "textures" in the form of wooden barks, leaves, ground surfaces, stones, water etc...

All these natural elements create a unique visual effect and all visual effects have a corresponding effect on human mind. That's why when used carefully textures can create wonders in interior design.

The most commonly used materials in interior design and decoration are wood for furniture, cloth for linen, rubber/leather for flooring or upholstery, paper as wallpapers, plastic for accessories like lampshades and other decorative items, steel for furniture.

Let's take a closer look at these materials and their textural qualities.

1) Wood....

Most commonly used for furniture, door frames, shutters. The main reason behind this is it is easy to work with wood. The art of carpentry is an age old profession. Because of the nature of wood like softness and the same time the amount of strength it can withstand, makes it a popular choice amongst furniture designers.

A fully polished wood surface gives a very rich finish and projects user friendliness. Also wood comes in many varieties and colors, each having its own pros and cons.

2) Cloth....

A very natural choice for linen. Since a cloth finish is a smooth one it is most suitable in a bedroom where comfort is a very vital factor. The biggest advantage of various types of cloth is that most types are washable so maintenance is easy.

Cloth has one more important quality that it can be "painted" for expressing detailed decorative patterns, that can greatly add to the beauty of the space.

It is also possible to do "embroidery" on cloth, if painting is not a good choice or budget doesn't allow. Depending upon the weave of the cloth strands the thickness, transparency, etc. can be easily achieved. This makes the cloth most suitable for various kinds of uses such as linen, curtains, bed sheets, etc...

3) Rubber/Leather....

Rubber is used in the form of PVC flooring, is easily available and most importantly is wash proof and durable. It can be printed upon using design patterns of any style, rich with colors. Comes in the form of large sheets or even individual tiles.

Unlike tiled flooring the PVC flooring is much less affected by atmospheric changes. Other types of tiled floorings or even wooden flooring can have a direct effect on the surface because of the expansion and contraction of the flooring material. A PVC flooring is glued to the tiled flooring I hope you have benefited from these words.

4) Plastic....

There are infinite uses of this great material. The only disadvantage environmentalist have pointed out that it is not bio-degradable.

Because of its artificial nature it can be "manufactured" in various. colors, shapes, sizes, strength. The biggest advantage of plastic is it is waterproof and electrical shockproof. That's why mainly used for electrical accessories. It is lightweight as compared to other material types. Entire furniture pieces such as chairs, tables can be easily molded out as a seamless model in plastic.

5) Steel/Iron....

Steel is mostly used in interior design where the main purpose is to give support and carry weight to the floor. That's why main use of steel is done to create the structural frame that carries the weight of the people who are going to use the furniture piece.

A very common type of steel is the "Stainless Steel". Because of its shining nature, it very quickly gives a rich quality to the object being used on and enhances the overall quality of the interior space.

Furniture objects that have been designed with a combination of wood and steel look much balanced from aesthetic point of view. But doing so requires a careful study of the joiner details, especially where wood and steel joint together.

The following discussion was only a brief introduction of the types of material being used in interior design industry. Every day more and more good quality and cheaper material types are being presented in the market. I hope this article was informative to everyone.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Here you will find some great concept level design tips for bedroom sets.Visit today.

An Overview Of Commonly Used Materials In Interior Design

Every interior space has some unique qualities attached to it. If you have visited a natural outdoor space like a forest, you will notice thousands of varieties of "textures" in the form of wooden barks, leaves, ground surfaces, stones, water etc...

All these natural elements create a unique visual effect and all visual effects have a corresponding effect on human mind. That's why when used carefully textures can create wonders in interior design.

The most commonly used materials in interior design and decoration are wood for furniture, cloth for linen, rubber/leather for flooring or upholstery, paper as wallpapers, plastic for accessories like lampshades and other decorative items, steel for furniture.

Let's take a closer look at these materials and their textural qualities.

1) Wood....

Most commonly used for furniture, door frames, shutters. The main reason behind this is it is easy to work with wood. The art of carpentry is an age old profession. Because of the nature of wood like softness and the same time the amount of strength it can withstand, makes it a popular choice amongst furniture designers.

A fully polished wood surface gives a very rich finish and projects user friendliness. Also wood comes in many varieties and colors, each having its own pros and cons.

2) Cloth....

A very natural choice for linen. Since a cloth finish is a smooth one it is most suitable in a bedroom where comfort is a very vital factor. The biggest advantage of various types of cloth is that most types are washable so maintenance is easy.

Cloth has one more important quality that it can be "painted" for expressing detailed decorative patterns, that can greatly add to the beauty of the space.

It is also possible to do "embroidery" on cloth, if painting is not a good choice or budget doesn't allow. Depending upon the weave of the cloth strands the thickness, transparency, etc. can be easily achieved. This makes the cloth most suitable for various kinds of uses such as linen, curtains, bed sheets, etc...

3) Rubber/Leather....

Rubber is used in the form of PVC flooring, is easily available and most importantly is wash proof and durable. It can be printed upon using design patterns of any style, rich with colors. Comes in the form of large sheets or even individual tiles.

Unlike tiled flooring the PVC flooring is much less affected by atmospheric changes. Other types of tiled floorings or even wooden flooring can have a direct effect on the surface because of the expansion and contraction of the flooring material. A PVC flooring is glued to the tiled flooring I hope you have benefited from these words.

4) Plastic....

There are infinite uses of this great material. The only disadvantage environmentalist have pointed out that it is not bio-degradable.

Because of its artificial nature it can be "manufactured" in various. colors, shapes, sizes, strength. The biggest advantage of plastic is it is waterproof and electrical shockproof. That's why mainly used for electrical accessories. It is lightweight as compared to other material types. Entire furniture pieces such as chairs, tables can be easily molded out as a seamless model in plastic.

5) Steel/Iron....

Steel is mostly used in interior design where the main purpose is to give support and carry weight to the floor. That's why main use of steel is done to create the structural frame that carries the weight of the people who are going to use the furniture piece.

A very common type of steel is the "Stainless Steel". Because of its shining nature, it very quickly gives a rich quality to the object being used on and enhances the overall quality of the interior space.

Furniture objects that have been designed with a combination of wood and steel look much balanced from aesthetic point of view. But doing so requires a careful study of the joiner details, especially where wood and steel joint together.

The following discussion was only a brief introduction of the types of material being used in interior design industry. Every day more and more good quality and cheaper material types are being presented in the market. I hope this article was informative to everyone.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Here you will find some great concept level design tips for bedroom sets.Visit today.

What does it take to be an Interior Designer?

What does it take to be an Interior Designer?

 by: Marjan Zemljic

When trying to decide if Interior Design is right for you, it helps to know what that really means. Interior Design is not simply the profession that makes rooms and places pretty; it takes a little bit more than that. You need to know how to do some of the technical aspects of design also. Some of these technical things include:

Designing and reading blueprints: This is particularly for the projects that require a great change in the areas structure like wall removal etc. This is also required in order to make additional rooms, build gazebos, and adding extra rooms. You will need to draw up blueprints of the entire house or read the originals copies, so that you can do your job without causing much disturbance to the rest of the house or environment.

Environmental Analysis: Once you can read blueprints, you will have to analyze the information that is listed so that you can best decide where to go with your ideas. You need the ability to effectively create or remove space in a particular environment so that you can cause little or no disturbance the environment as a whole when making your changes.

Environmental Lighting: Many people forget that lighting is included in any space changing project. You must have knowledge of how lighting works, and have a general idea of what is needed to install light fixtures in areas that do not have them already. Many homes are not equipped with lighting fixtures in some rooms. Of course, if you wish to change the lighting fixtures from general lamps to say, track lighting, you may have a problem if you do not understand how to install it.

Basic Plumbing & pipe structure: If adding or changing spaces in kitchens and bathrooms, plumbing fixtures are often changed or re-organized. You will need to understand their basic functions in order to effectively plan a change that involves them, or is to be done around them.

Before you consider Interior Design as a profession, you should ask yourself these questions.

Creativity is a subtle, but important quality to have when considering interior design as a profession. Much of your advancement will depend on your ability to be original in your creative efforts to design any space. Clients will always want to keep a designer that can offer them something that nobody else has.

You will also need to be able to turn whatever items that they already have into works of art. Sometimes clients do not want to change everything, or buy new furnishings and draperies; they simply want to make whatever they do have look and feel different. Creative thinking is the only thing that is going to help here.

• Colors are your friend, and creativity can help you in setting colors against one another. Many designers love to add color to a room and change things just using this method and perhaps adding accents to existing items.

• Accents in a room can vary. You can create a great space by adding throw pillows, valances, and vases. This is the perfect career choice for a person that likes to be creative, abut not idle and/or isolated.

Am I Organized?

• Believe it or not, Interior Designers have to be extremely well organized to be able to handle all of the little details that go into doing a good job. You have to be able to keep track of your entire inventory, while keeping on top of other things also like, materials, tracking orders, employees, and making sure that you stay on or below the budget that your client set out for you.

• It is no easy feat to try and keep track of all the things that have to be done; especially when youve got people constantly surrounding you. You must monitor what everyone is doing and still manage to keep up on what you should be doing. Do not forget that you also have to appear calm because your clients will likely be asking you a great deal of questions. If you are scattered and panicked, it will be difficult to answer all the questions and look cool at the same time.

• The ability to know where everything is at, and where every person is at is another aspect of organization. It is very hard to keep jobs if you are constantly wondering where things, and employees are.

• You will need to be very well organized if your design projects lead you to having to add or remove a room and/or wall. This type of work requires the use of blueprints. You must be able to read them as well as draw them up, you cannot do this without a great sense of organization.

How Good am I at Problem Solving?

The ability to problem solve is a necessity for an Interior Designer. As an Interior Designer, you will encounter glitches, and it is a must that you can deal with them. Many times, these glitches will need to be solved on the spot.

Your organizational skills will come in handy when you need to solve a problem as well. An organized workplace will help you to have an organized mind. Thoughts have a way of being cluttered when your work space is likewise.

Being able think quickly and under pressure is a definite asset to problem solving. Your problem is not going to get easier if it takes you too long to come up with a solution for it. Actually, waiting can just give the universe more time to make the problem get bigger.

Can I Multitask?

Most jobs require a good ability to multitask. None of these jobs requires it as much as Interior Design does. The reason for this is because Interior Designers are often doing more than one thing at a time. You can be giving instructions to your contractors, working with your assistant on the fabrics, all while explaining it your client. This can cause a little bit of stress, but if you are good at multitasking, it is not so bad.

If you are not particular good at multitasking, you need not worry. Some people have just never been put to the test as far as thats concerned. You may have had a relaxed job setting, or you may have worked on an assembly line for a few years. Many jobs require you to do regular tasks. They can be quite monotonous. If this sounds like you, I will list a few tips on how to help you learn to multitask.

Marjan Zemljic is owner of Home-decorating-ideas-and-tips.com, and author of "How To Break Into The Interior Design Industry!" In his book you will find out how you can do exactly that. Visit his website at http://www.home-decorating-ideas-and-tips.com/interior-design.html

Onyx in High End Interior Design

Onyx is gaining popularity as an interior design material for properties in the top end of the residential and commercial market. Onyx is quite rare, compared to other natural stones, which is partly responsible for the relatively high prices it commands. It is also considered to be a semi-precious natural stone, along with alabaster and lapis lazuli.

Its main attractions are translucency, colour and natural pattern. Translucency makes onyx a unique natural stone and helps create outstanding interior designs. Onyx is typically highly polished to enhance its natural translucency. It comes mainly in white, yellow (or honey), brown, pink and green colours. The most popular colours are currently white and honey, the latter being chemically similar to white onyx with an addition of iron oxides. White onyx originates mainly from Persia and honey onyx is quarried mainly in Turkey.

Natural patterns of onyx form unique and intricate designs. When lit up, patterns become almost three dimensional. Back lit onyx panels are very popular interior design elements, especially when made of yellow or brown onyx. They are particularly recommended for bars and restaurants where lighting is usually dim. However, even in a well lit room such panels will stand out. The richness of the pattern is very important. Other popular items often combined with appropriate lighting include lamp stands, table tops, bar stands, skirting, windowsills and stair risers. Even a small item can make a lot of difference to a room.

Onyx also used for wall cladding and various stonework, including bath surrounds and vanity units. It is similar to marble in this sort of applications. In many cases, marble or limestone may be more appropriate. Your natural stone supplier should recommend most suitable materials, giving consideration also to the technical characteristics of different natural stones. It has to be said that onyx is quite a delicate natural stone. Thin panels made of onyx could also be experimented with as an alternative to stained glass windows, again due to translucent properties of onyx.

. Erika provides interior design advice to Stoneville (UK) Ltd. More info on onyx and other natural stones can be found at http://www.stoneville.co.uk/.

Making The Most Of Your Smart Decision To Hire An Interior Designer

Making The Most Of Your Smart Decision To Hire An Interior Designer

 by: Karen Trubner-Kent

So youve decided to hire an Interior Designergood move! Now what? Before you start planning your reveal party, youll need a basic understanding about the process to ensure that you get the most design for your dollar and that you have a fun and fabulous experience, no matter what type of project is ahead of you.

Youll need to learn the basics of choosing the right design professionals, establishing a budget, outlining the details of the contract, considering your lifestyle and communicating your challenges.

Choosing the Right Designer: Beyond the Portfolio

Professionally trained Interior Designers have undergone extensive training in the various elements of modern and historical design, art and architecture. They have a basic foundation of knowledge that allows them to develop concepts in a variety of styles that range from traditional, contemporary, art deco, eclecticor a combination of several styles.

That being said, not every designers talent is right for every project. For yours, youll want to choose someone whose portfolio speaks to you in a positive way. As with every profession, designers tend to develop personal styles that carry over into their projects. It could be the sense of clarity and order you see in the furniture arrangements, or maybe its a color palette thats used in a unique way. It could be the modern touches worked seamlessly into a roomful of antiques, or the interesting textures of the fabrics.

Referrals are the best way to find a designer, so if the home of a friend or colleague appeals to you, by all means ask them for the designers number! You can also visit Web sites to get a better feel for the designers talent and personal style. Expect to spend a bit of time on the phone discussing your project with the designer and/or completing a questionnaire that will give them a better feel for your tastes and your project prior to the kickoff meeting.

Youre looking for someone you instantly trust and respect, who communicates excitement about your project, no matter how big or small, and who trusts and respects you as well. After all, this person is transforming your most sacred and cherished space!

Establishing a Realistic Budget

Everyone has a budget, so dont feel bad about setting yours in stoneor tile, or brick. No matter what the amount, your designer should help you get the best value and the highest quality possible. Be wary of anyone that summarily dismisses your grand ideas based on budget alone: A first-rate designer will work hard to achieve your key design goals, perhaps by spreading the job out over time or suggesting alternative solutions for your project.

A great benefit of using a professional designer is that she has access to materials unavailable to the general public, so no matter what your budget, your home will feel unique and very you.

Your designer will also manage the entire process, whether it involves space planning, lighting design, purchasing, ordering, selecting finishes or monitoring the construction and installation of the project elements.

Outlining Terms of the Contract

Make sure you read and sign an official contract before any money exchanges hands or work begins. In addition to the legal aspects, a contract summarizes the plans youve been discussing such as your budget, design fees, accountability regarding subcontractors (painters, carpet layers, etc.).

Youve selected the designers and signed the contract now comes the fun part!

Considering Your Lifestyle

Your home environment should complement and support the way you and your family really live or really want to live. For example, if youre starting a home-based business, you might turn your cluttered garage into a functional office. If your spouse loves to cook, you might knock down a wall so the under-used formal dining room becomes part of the kitchen. Many families make the mistake of letting the layout of the home dictate their activities vs. reorganizing the space to embrace their lifestyles.

To ensure that your designer understands how you live now and how you want to live, share as many details with her as you can. Also share your personal tastes so she can incorporate them into the designs. If you hate plaid, tell her now, before she gets too deep into the first draft.

To help you better prepare yourself, answer these questions before you have your first meeting with the designer:

• Are you a creative person? In what ways does your home limit your creativity or your hobbies?

• Do you like the present color palette? Does it need updating?

• Are they any rooms that feel cramped or stuffy? Any rooms that feel empty, cold or unwelcoming?

• Is adequate, well-organized storage a problem? Can you find things when you need them?

• Are your bathrooms functional, pleasing spaces? Do you or family members have special needs (e.g. grab bars, easy-entrance shower stalls, etc.)?

• As you walk through your rooms, jot down your favorite qualities about each. Do you like the proportions? Is there adequate ventilation and lighting throughout your house?

• Are there any rooms that you dont use regularly? Could any of these rooms be used for more than one function? Could any of these rooms be used for a completely different function?

• Does your home balance open space and private areas?

• Does the entryway do its job of setting the stage for the rest of your home by welcoming guests and making a statement about the people who live there? If you normally come into your home through the garage, does that area welcome you?

Focus on Your Challenges

A designer works best when you share your wish list, express your ideas, and then keep an open mind. That means communicating how you want to live in the space and then entrusting the designer to make it happen. After all, you hired this person for her experience, talent and vision!

For example, one homeowner hired a designer to help her reorganize her tiny office so she could be more productive. Instead, the designer suggested that she move her entire operation downstairs, into the den she used once every two months to watch movies. She did, tripling her space and doubling her productivity in just three months.

Contrary to TV, where designers admonish clients for questioning their plans, real-life designers understand that youre the person who ultimately needs to love the space. They want you to be happy and want you to give your input so youre absolutely thrilled with the results (and so youll recommend them to your friends)! Thats why they do so much probing upfront about your tastes and how you live, then incrementally present their ideas throughout the process.

Hiring a designer is like giving a gift to yourself! You made the smart decision to hire an Interior Designer, youve been smart about the planning process, and now you can rest assured that the time, money and energy you spend returns truly smart, stunning results!

Karen Trubner-Kent LLK Interior Design The principals of LLK Interior Design (www.LLKInteriorDesign.com) have been creating beautiful, practical spaces for corporate and residential clients around the Puget Sound for a combined total of 16 years. Services include space planning, custom design, model home design, kitchen and bath design and residential lighting. Later this year they will appear in an episode of HGTVs wildly popular show Designers Challenge. In addition, LLK Interior Design participated in Meet the Designer at the Seattle Interiors Show in October 2003. The principals of the firm are members of the American Society of Interior Designers, the Master Builders Association and Built Green. LLK Interior Designs studio is located in downtown Bellevue, Washington, where they hold client appointments and monthly interactive Design 101 classes. info@llkinteriordesign.com