Category: Interior Design

Wallpaper can transform a room, but it is often hard to choose which pattern is right for your particular space.  Here are some issues to consider when choosing the right wallpaper:

wall decor

1.Your wallpaper should play off the other colors in the room.  If you already have a lot of strong colors in the space, consider a wallpaper with one or two different colors.  If your room does not have many colors, wallpaper can be a great way to bring colorful energy into the space.  Try to get a sample of the wallpaper so you can see the actual shade of the color in your room.

2.Pattern size. Some wallpapers are much more graphic than others.  How buys is the room?  A highly graphic pattern will draw attention and stand out.  Again, think balance.  Choose what your room needs.

3. Room size. If a room is small, consider a wallpaper with a mural scene with a horizon line in the distance.  If a ceiling feels too high, wallpaper will make it feel lower down.

4. Style. Wallpapers range in their mood and style, from formal to funky and everything in between.  While it can be fun and interesting to mix vintage and modern sensibilities, keep in mind the entire room when you choose your pattern so you achieve the tone you want.

5. Hanging objects.  Wallpapers with more subtle tones and patterns are generally better for hanging objects.  If you do want to hang an object on a bold, graphic pattern, the object must be large or bold as well.  (Mirrors often work well.)  Think about the objects you will hang on the wall before you buy the pattern.

Quality is another important factor when selecting a wallpaper. Today’s washable wallpapers are coated with a thin layer of pvc and are very durable. They are easy to clean with a damp sponge.
You can find textured wallpaper that have the texture of wood or brick and many others. There are also flocked wallpapers for people who like the softer texture of velours.
The newest fad is metallic papers. They are very popular with the tech generation, although most are fairly expensive are they are found in designer wallpaper collections.
You must also consider how many rolls you will need. This will depend on the size of the area to be wallpapered and on the motif you choose. Generally you should measure the area then add 20% to 25% to cover cuts and scraps. It is better to buy a little more than to run out in the middle of a project.

Wallpapers have long adorned the walls of most of our grandparentsâ home. Those wallpaper borders had colours and design that only grandmotherâs liked. Wallpapers have come a long way from those limited designs to a stylish, sleek and upgraded version we see today. Wallpapers can make any walls look captivating. Nowadays, wallpapers are not limited to walls alone. These are being used on ceilings, as art forms and many other applications. Modern wallpapers have grown to be an integral part of interior designing. Today, several types, textures and designs of wallpapers are available. Wallpapers can instantaneously display a sense of personality and style and in turn have an impact on how we feel.

The types of wallpapers

Several types of wallpapers are out there. Selecting the best can be tiresome work. Therefore to ease the strain, here is a list of popular wallpapers:

⢠Vinyl: This wallpaper is made of paper layer topped with the printed vinyl film. This material is water, vapour resistant, and can be cleaned easily. Therefore, this wallpaper is best to consider for bathrooms or kitchen as it is a great alternative for tiling and is cheaper. It can be used as a combination with tiling to get a contrasting texture. These also come in the form of brick wallpaper, which fake the original brick design.
⢠Paste the wall/ Non-woven: These wallpapers are becoming highly popular nowadays. Its added advantage over some wallpaper is that it is breathable. This character helps in eliminating moulds and mildew formations. These wallpapers are washable making it a good choice for the kitchen. These come in a variety of types such as designer wallpaper and floral wallpaper. Floral wallpapers are widely used as it enhances the artistic beauty of the rooms.
Non-woven wallpapers are easy to apply and have âpaste the wallâ feature, which means it does not expand on getting wet. These are also very easy to remove and come off as a single piece. That is mainly because it is made of natural and synthetic fibres, which add to its tear-resistant character.
⢠Glasscloth: This designer wallpaper falls on the expensive style. Nevertheless, it is a safe bet for those looking for fresh looks apart from patterns and colours. These are perfect to create depth and interest to a room. These are also highly durable and have a long life, which can withstand daily wear and tears.
⢠Anaglypta: Deriving its name from the Greek word Ana (meaning raised) and Glypta (meaning cameo), these wallpapers are back again from the Victorian era. This was the first washable wallpaper with durable decorative designs. These are suitable for hallways as its durability helps in reinforcing walls and hiding the imperfections.
⢠Flock: These are the oldest wallpapers. It was originally designed to mimic velvet hangings in the early 17th century. It was a symbol of luxury used by the wealthy and adorned the wall of pubs and restaurants.

These are available as black and white wallpaper and in other contrasting colours. Flock wallpapers help in absorbing sound and making bold statements. These wallpapers are for those who seek a luxury feel.

Finding home design help can free up valuable time and energy. Learn the difference between an interior designer, decorator or consultant for the right fit.

As more home owners choose to update their homes rather than buying new, the need for finding home design help has grown proportionately. Home design professionals are well worth the investment but finding the right home design help by knowing the differences between an interior designer or decorator, architect or contractor, and home center consultant will help you identify the perfect home design expert for your specific project.

Hiring a Home Consultant

The home consultant is most often found at a home improvement store, furniture show room or other related home product store. I found mine when I bought a bed online, she answered my call about a query I had and later I hired her to come to my home to help with the bedroom decor. Their services are often free if you choose to purchase home project supplies from their store. They are qualified to answer a wide variety of design and and decorating questions specific to their assigned department.

A home center consultant may have a professional interior design license but at the minimum will have completed various retail design workshops.

Most offer some level of a computer design service to help identify and configure the look you want through this software. These computer programs will draw floor plans to the scale of any room, manipulate color, add cabinets, flooring, fixtures, etc. This provides the client with an idea of the finished result before he/she commits to the costs associated with purchase and installation.

Choosing a consultant can be hit or miss in respect to the design skill they bring to the table, but the service they provide is a great value if you are planning to do the project yourself and are happy to purchase through their representative stores.

Selecting an Interior Designer

The title of “interior designer” is used for a professional in the field who has completed a 2 to 4 year degree in interior design and has passed a comprehensive licensing exam. An interior designer will help you plan a budget and lay out floor plans by considering function of the room, space, design trends, and the family’s needs.

When bringing your own design ideas to the table, an interior designer will be able to spot areas that may need adjustment. They can also improve function by spotting areas that may be falling short when it comes to making the best use of the available space.

Most have the resources to find and purchase specialty furnishings at better prices than retail. Fees range from hourly, one time fee or cost plus mark up percentage based on what is purchased through their service.

Hiring an interior designer is a good choice if you want a new designed look and are more interested in the end result rather than the process.
Hiring a Home Interior Decorator

Interior decorators use the existing decor to enhance what you already have. They can also create a new scheme also from using what is also available simply by adding additional accents or repurposing furniture. Viewing the room in new ways, they are experts at pulling in a new look by identifying and defining your sense of style.

Interior decorators are not required to be licensed though they too may possess a 4 year degree or are certified through a technical school or industry/retail program. Most charge by the hour and also have access to money-saving furniture and accessory resources.

Interior decorators are perfect for that home design project when your eye is on saving money and will be content with what you have by giving it a fresh new look.
Selecting a Residential Architect

When a major home design project is in the works such as enlarging a kitchen, changing the floor plan or adding a bathroom an Architect is the one you need to get the job done right. They deal with the structural foot print of your home and will ensure these structural changes are done solidly and according to state and federal codes.

The education of an architect is extensive; requiring 6 to 8 years to earn a degree, followed by a 3-year internship program and a final certification exam.

A project that requires an Architect will most likely need a partnered contractor and possibly a designer to complete the home design plan. The architect then acts as the liaison between all professionals by integrating all the design plans from each participating professional, providing a blue print and then supervises the work to ensure it proceeds according to that plan.

Architects may charge a flat hourly fee or present a 10% to 20% contract for the total construction cost.

Hiring an architect is the safe way when making major changes to your home’s original structure.
Picking a Home Contractor

A contractor is the right hand man of the architect. These are the foot soldiers of an extensive home design project. Contractors file the necessary building permits along with any other legal documents that are required. They will schedule deliveries and can often get discounted deals from their frequently used lumber yards.

They are up to date on county building codes, have connections with quality subcontractors and most educate themselves in the latest building materials, in order to stay competitive.

Contractors must be licensed with the state, city and county in which they are working, but they are not required to have a university level degree. They may, however, be members of a state building association which requires a high degree of workmanship and good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

Cost plus fee is determined by size, number of hours and overall price of project.

Even if your updated home design is planned, the benefits to getting a home design expert’s opinion is a good option. The quality of the work you do will determine the additional equity value that results from those new home design spaces, as well as providing immediate happy home comfort.