Interior Decorating Ideas

From LoveToKnow Interior Design

Finding interior decorating ideas is easy if you know where to look. If you’re inspired to re-do a room or your entire home, you can find the ideas you’re looking for in several different places. Decorating ideas can come from many different places, but you need to know a little about your style before you dive right in to making over your home.

pencils, paper and design ideas

Interior Design Styles

There are many different styles that decorators and home owners use to make their spaces look better. If you’re considering bringing a new design element into your home, you need to consider the style you’re going for and whether or not that element will add to the style. Even if you don’t know the exact term for the style of interior decorating you like, you can probably figure it out by looking at the following list.

Interior Design Styles
Design Styles Descriptions
Art DecoThis unique style was very popular in the 1920s and 1930s and has persisted today with its machine inspired designs and throwbacks to ancient cultures.
Arts & CraftsCrafted pieces, warm colors and Mission Style furniture are all elements of this style.
AsianClean, austere Japanese style interiors and bright, bold Chinese styles are two variations of this popular design style.
ClassicalThis style is inspired by Greek and Roman architecture.
ContemporaryThis design style is typified by clean lines and mostly neutral colors with pops of bright color.
CountryCountry style can run the gamut from barnyard inspired animal décor to comfy, casual furniture.
GothicDark woods, elements of fantasy and rich tapestries typify this style.
RusticAlso called log cabin style, this style has exposed hardwood and a relaxed atmosphere.
TraditionalThis design style is elegant but usable. Intricate details and patterned fabrics are part of this popular style.
TropicalBright colors, elements of the beach and inspiration from exotic locales make this style popular in coastal areas.

Visit Interior Design Styles for descriptions of even more styles.

Finding Interior Decorating Ideas

Once you determine your design inspiration, it’s time to look for interior decorating ideas. There are many places you can find ideas to incorporate into your space.

Decorating Books

Decorating books are helpful resources if you are trying to go after a particular style. Books on different decorating styles are available that you can use to change your space. Decorating style books are a good investment if you’re committed to a particular style in your home. There are also helpful decorating books on staying organized, finding your own unique style and various home improvement projects that you need to finish your design goals.

Interior Decorating Magazines

Magazines like Architectural Digest, Elle Home and Better Homes and Gardens are all good jumping off points for finding interior design ideas. There are also magazines that focus on each individual design style, like Romantic Homes or Country Home. Subscribe to these magazines by looking for them online, or browse through them at your local library.

Decorating Shows

Thanks to specialty television networks you won’t ever have to be without design inspiration. TLC, HGTV and the DIY channel on cable and satellite are bursting at the seams with design shows. When you watch these shows, keep in mind that you typically won’t be able to achieve the same results in a day or two, like they do on some shows. As long as you keep this in mind, you will be able to find plenty of interior design ideas with these shows.

Designer Showcases

These local events can be a plethora of design ideas. As an added benefit, you can get connected with local designers and contractors if you need professional work done at your home. Search online for showcases in your area and make an effort to go see what designers are putting together.

Websites

There are a lot of design ideas available online for you to get inspiration from. You can search for your favorite design terms to see what others have done. You can also browse through design portfolios of professional designers. The aforementioned television stations also have websites with design showcases.

Using Interior Design Ideas

Once you’ve collected ideas from your various sources, it’s time to put your ideas together for your own unique design. As you’re looking for inspiration, start building a design notebook of your favorite design elements. Tear pictures out of magazines or print them from online design websites. Your notebook will be a storage place for all of the ideas that you want to use in your home. The best home design projects don’t look like they are straight out of a magazine. You should blend your favorite styles together and add a few personal elements. If you like the clean look of contemporary design, but prefer the color palette of arts and crafts design, why not use them together? Interior design is all about making the space comfortable for you. Use the interior design ideas to guide you, but keep your own interests in mind.



 


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