The Monochromatic Design

With many color combinations, it is color theory that makes a design stand out. This view demonstrates the monochromatic appeal to interior design.
 

The color theory of a monochromatic theme is the use of one color in multiple shades that gives off a unified look of that one color the homeowner adores. The reader should look at what colors offer the most aesthetic or pleasing look of that one color that he or she would want to live with. If a certain color does not make the reader feel good or make the homeowner sigh in relief when they see the home, then maybe that color is not the right one.

For an example, the reader may appreciate the fine hues of a turquoise blue. If the reader or homeowner walks into a room and a “calming” flows through the homeowner, then turquoise blue is the color he or she should use. By adding other shades or tints of blue, the homeowner adopts a monochromatic approach to design. To enhance this look, the homeowner should use a neutral color such as white or light gray to make the look more appealing to the senses. A good combination of denim blue, slate blue, and white can reflect a certain look that may remind the homeowner of sailing on the sea, whereas a denim blue, slate blue, and cocoa brown may reflect a more modern style of the city or a contemporary apartment.

Combining Colors in Design

 

This method of combining colors can be used with every color. For instance a room in monochromatic reds can accentuate passion, love, rosy skin, candied apples, or a fiery lipstick. A green can reflect a dense jungle, or forest with large palm trees and spiny pines; a lake-front property or the entrance into a beautiful garden also can be a reflection in a green combination like blades of grass, avocados, limes, and green apples.


With such pleasing color choices, the way to design is limitless. As a designer, he or she should try to paint a young teenager’s room with his or her interests. In one such design, for a teenage girl who loves red and adores her friends, the designer should paint the room in a strong raspberry red color and accessorize the room with many shades of reds, pinks, and plum color to reflect the teenager’s color interests. The designer should then take photos the teen has of her friends and copy them in an achromatic tone to create wallpaper of the teenager’s pictures. With this wallpaper idea, the designer should cover the teen’s focal wall behind the bed and add black lamps and white candles in crystal holders. The majority of the room will reflect a monochromatic design of reds with a splash of neutrals to accentuate the teenager’s new personal wallpaper.

Monochromatic Room Ideas

If a room seems too empty and boring and the walls are lacking in art, adding a monochromatic paint pattern such as stripes or blocks can create an artistic design. A homeowner should enhance a room with dramatic colors by adding a strong hue of color for the bedding. If the duvet, shams and back pillows have saturation in rich tones of a preferred color, this will create an intense and pleasing monochromatic look to the room. The opposite is to add a relief of color to reduce the overwhelming tone of the hue used in a room. This effect will balance the room and make a monochromatic room more appealing to the homeowner.


Using a monochromatic design will not only enhance the room but also make the room a conversational piece for the homeowner for many years. Accessories may change in the future as the homeowner’s interest may change. Later if the homeowner grows bored with the color in his or her room, 2000 plus other colors are available to choose from. Maybe he or she will want to use an analogous design for the next big design endeavor; as of the present time he or she can sit back and relax by enjoying a monochromatic room with a view.

A Client Profile for Interior Designers

Interior designers have one tool valuable to their design, and that tool is the client profile. Each designer creates a profile of his or her client who offers pertinent information that assists the designer in delivering a successful home design. Profiles are different because of the individual client, but the process or steps are the same for each profile. The information of the client is important to be accurate and complete. The best way to start a client profile is to build a template with the names, ages, and occupations of the clients. On the document, the location of the address and city, the phone numbers, and e-mail addresses should show for the ease of contacting the client.

After the designer has established a client profile, he or she should understand five key subjects that allow the design to fit within the homeowner’s needs and wants. These five key subjects are the homeowner’s lifestyle needs, decorative needs, bedroom configuration, living room setup, and dining room accommodations. Learning these key subjects is the designer’s job to find a design plan that meets the requirements of the client. For the success of this plan, the following requirements must be understood and met:

Lifestyle Preference:

The designer will discover if the homeowner would prefer a casual or formal lifestyle. For an interest, the designer will learn what the client enjoys in his or her spare time like a hobby or interest. If entertaining friends is one of their interests, the designer would need to know how many guests the space will need to accommodate. A lifestyle can be expensive, so the designer will establish a budget and how much of the home will the homeowner want to focus on in this project. Starting a project of large proportions, another home member needs to come into mind; the home’s pets. Learning the number of pets and the kind of animal is important at this venture.

Decorative needs:

In this a designer will establish color preferences and what the client like or dislikes for color choices. After learning color choices, deciding on furniture style or design is important. With so many styles like traditional, rustic, modern, or eclectic the designer will need to show photos of each to gain a bearing on the client’s wants. Showing photos is a perfect way to see what the client wants because some homeowners are unaware of style definitions. Another way to learn if there is a preference in themes is to determine if there is a selection of collectibles like nostalgic Logos, sports teams, specific artwork, preferred sculpture, or porcelain dolls. The last decorative item is to determine a fabric preference whether it is linen, cotton, chenille, leather, suede, or a naugahyde.

Bedroom Configurations:

Determining a bedroom layout makes up diverse interests for the homeowner. Here they sleep, watch television, read books, or work. When the designer learns the homeowner likes to read in bed, he or she will recommend lighting options for the homeowner. The designer introduces seating selections to accommodate whether the reading is in bed or in the comfort of a chair. Another reason for a seat is for the purpose of entertainment like television, or listening to music, or working at a writing desk. A piece of furniture can fit in the bedroom if the designer follows the rules of scale. A writing desk, a drafting station, sewing machines, or tables are specialty items that suggest mood or ambiance. The last item is storage needs and how or where this will be in effect.

Living area setup:

This point shows where family and friends would meet or how the homeowner can use the space daily. If the home entertains musically, the designer will determine space for portable instruments or the dimensions of a piano. A television is also a piece of entertainment with the option of connecting video components and electronic video games. There is a good transition from games to the function of conversations. After a time, communication takes over, and the guests will need a place to sit and talk. The designer will determine if this space is ideal for displaying art. The artwork and entertainment creates an atmosphere, and the designer will determine what types of ambiance the homeowner wants to express.

Dining room Accommodations:

The designer should determine if the homeowner likes to host or entertain guests. If the homeowner does wish to entertain regularly, the designer will ask and clarify how many dinner guests will the homeowner invite on average. The designer will ascertain if the homeowner prefers formal or informal engagements or whether they are intimate or in a group setting. Another factor would be the type of meals the homeowner serves for dinner. Types of dinner could involve sit down affairs, buffets, or casual gatherings. Last, the designer will offer options for family or business get-togethers.

The design plan will stem from the answers obtained by this client profile. The designer will offer a professional summary prepared and presented to the homeowner, This summary is an explanation of how the designer will meet the client’s needs. The summary will have essential knowledge in space planning, circulation or traffic patterns, organization or storage tactics, and future growth in the family.

A client profile allows the designer to present a sample board of the plan and the schedule on how the work will proceed. Designer’s offering a client profile summary of work completed, the presentation board should show a border around the perimeter of the presentation board, and the writing should be clear and precise. If the designer is working with an assistant or design partner, the names, and contact information should be on display attached to the reverse side of the board.

Tips in Designing a New Home

When the time comes to develop a home, always take accents and style into consideration when designing the dream. Just like starting an outline, a scope of services or a work schedule, one should know the conclusion before work begins. Media and security systems, lighting, and flooring choices to fireplace locations, and decorative wall finishes; these decisions of the complete home interior aid in establishing the general tone one should seek.

When innovative principles or concepts are thought out, the elements—which embody the abstract concept—should match the style of the exterior home as well. The home’s design should show both interior and exterior detail that corresponds with the family's personal values and interest. One process is beginning a client profile, in the form of an interview, which allows the designer to understand the client’s needs and wants for the new home.

Accents and Styles for the Home

Quality Flooring Options: Wood flooring can beautify any home when selecting a decorative floor treatment of high quality. With different wood choices and stain colors taken into consideration, bamboo or cork offers the most durable and decorative home flooring finish. Many manufacturers and flooring contractors offer more than 20 different colors in both cork and bamboo flooring accessible for the homeowner’s preference.

• Bamboo Flooring: In the case of high traffic areas, early floor wear is an enormous problem, especially if the product is substandard material. Whether the homeowner desires a beautiful look or a durable surface because of use in the home, bamboo is the material for both purposes. A bamboo floor with a coat of high quality protective urethane offers the greatest durability. Manufacturers will specify this protective coating to influence the decision and with good cause.
• Cork Flooring: For flooring that withstands prolonged use, cork is an excellent product for the duration. This practical product prepares an impressive and fashionable floor. The cork is resistant to damage, and easily maintained at the same time. Cork has many uses besides flooring, as it can decorate ceilings and walls. A wall installation can aid in sound proofing and replaces the overused panel affect that is historically popular. Cork is a universal material and is an excellent product.

Matching Wood Flooring: Believed in the past, the kitchen’s wood flooring should match the wooden cabinetry. In reality, one should not match the two products of wood stain. In design, it is ideal to have the two products complement each other because matching can be a difficult task unless stained at the same time. When a designer has the option to use other goods like linoleum or stone, the two products—flooring and cabinetry—do not match, but complement the appearance by finding products that look nice together. Designers will always make sure the wood flooring accents with wood cabinetry, but never attempt to match the two.

Visual Enhancement

Painting and wall covering: Wall finishes have the capability to detail personal interests both in beauty and durability, especially when installed by an experienced contractor. The use of different paint colors or wall paper is taken into consideration, and the wall finish dictates the tones for design. Some painting professionals present more than different color choices in paint, but offer valuable advice in proper product, placement, and quantities. Wallpaper is available in various finishes that create an attractive appearance of cloth, leather, sanded designs, hand-painted patterns, and commercial vinyl. Commercial papers are manufactured in larger sizes set approximately at 54” wide, whereas a standard size varies from 21” to 27” in width.

Lighting Styles and Meaning: One can tell much about a home by the lighting fixtures and the benefits of the lighting use. Lighting affects the mood and the comfort of the home. This effect is caused by the variance of natural lighting, combustible light, and the use of cool or warm tone lamps or bulbs.  There is a purpose for most lights in the home, and a few are task, accent, and direct light or diffused light. These choices give a soft or sharp image to any space or purpose. The sharp or direct light concentrates and draws attention to a specific item or area of the room.

The diffused light floods the space with indirect light that creates a softer look and less eyestrain if used properly. Lighting can enhance or take away from the color of a room by reducing or enlarging the appearance of the space. With this in mind, there are many lighting styles that show off diverse aspects of any room.

Fireplace Options: The use of a fireplace adds immense charm to any home, by giving it that warm and comfy feeling. With so many fireplace designs to choose from, the only limits foreseen by designers are space requirements. Factors to consider with a fireplace are how much heat is needed for the room. This would require information on capacity versus square footage. What fuel source is desired for use? The options are wood, gas, or pellet. Is the fireplace used solely for decoration or will there be food preparation? Depending on use, this will dictate style and capacity.

Specialty Areas or Needs

Kitchen Design: Functionality and style are balanced to a properly designed kitchen. The kitchen displays the homeowner’s personal design style, which creates a satisfying environment the homeowner could be comfortable with daily. The finished kitchen design is the product of a properly executed construction of the most frequently visited space in the home. The balance is important as the kitchen is a safe dwelling for family and friends. Functional attributes such as slow closing cabinetry, storage space of tracked pull-out drawers, and hidden revolving trays; accompanied by stylized woodwork and decorative colors. This well-situated kitchen can result in a kitchen the family will take pleasure in for years to come.

Elderly and Handicapped Design: For many homes, elderly design can become an issue with homeowners as disabilities become more prevalent in the elderly. The largest problem with home design is bathing and dressing. As the homeowner ages, mobility around the home, especially in the bathroom, it becomes difficult to use a conventional bathtub. Walk-in bathtubs are extremely helpful as they provide easy access because of a door and the availability of a seat. These attributes make bathing easier and more comfortable for the elderly. Other benefits of these bathtubs are safety and the relief homeowners can rely on for personal hygiene. Installing a walk-in bathtub is one of the many ideas to apply in elderly design, and others are the use of safety bars, non-skid flooring, a counter top sink, and a raised lavatory.

Deck and Patio Design: The entire property is an extension of one’s home and should be designed as such. Nothing is more peaceful than sitting on a comfortable patio chair or chaise outdoors while talking. This space can be formal or informal, depending on the needs and desires of the homeowner, and decking or informal patios are provided in decorative woods or splinter less composites. Whether the homeowner entertains guests, enjoys barbeques, or watching their children play; decisions are made by individual homeowner interests. Online resources are available to assist in designing and building one’s vision of his or her deck or patio. Like interior wood flooring, decking, and patio materials come in multiple colors and styles and can be purchased through retail stores or local designers.

Dressing Concrete: A simple method in covering lackluster concrete is covering it with a wood deck. There are other applications involving stones sealed in polyurethane or decking tiles. A composite wood tile is a quality material durable and design friendly. These wooden tiles are a speedy and low-maintenance solution and can offer a façade that gives one all the benefits of solid hardwood flooring without the hassle of building a conventional deck. Decking tiles can cover nearly any hard surface, and the homeowner has the option to use them both indoors and out. Some other problems than concrete are damaged brick, cracked ceramic tiles, distressed asphalt, rough wood decking, and compressed gravel.

When crafting a specialty home for the homeowner, developing the home plan is not that easy. Understanding what consists of the client’s needs or lifestyle assists the designer in creating the home a client wants in comfort and serenity. This understanding comes with listening to the client and shaping what he or she asks for in the finished product. As mentioned, creating a client profile, determining desires, providing quality products, and offering valuable guidance, is key to delivering a homeowner’s dream into a reality.

Patrick Tremblay

Interior Design by Yourself

RL Huntingcoat Red

If the house has not changed in some time, home design can be boring. Many wish they could have some help from a professional. One problem is the market, which makes acquiring professional help out of one’s budget. In times like this, one thinks there is nothing to be done. Nevertheless, do not give up hope, there are plenty of interior designers willing to give his or her concepts freely that one can apply on their own if the need arises. At this juncture, here are tips on doing one’s own home interior design.

Software used in Home Interior Design

Using home interior design software is a careful way to do ones interior design. This unique software allows the homeowner to decorate the home on his or her computer in a basic plan prior to executing any ideas. This is ideal if one plans to rearrange furnishings or paint colors. If the homeowner moves the furniture about it is strenuous and usually requires assistance. The homeowner does not want to waste the day pulling heavy furniture from one end of the room to the next. In its place, one could apply different scenarios on the design software. Additionally, using this software can assist in viewing paint choices as well. One does not have to purchase the expensive software to see paint colors to use in design. The homeowner could use inexpensive design software and get a basic idea of colors just the same.

Home Improvement Stores

Many people do not realize the potential a home improvement store has to offer besides lumber and tools. The homeowner may use the home improvement store to help in one’s interior design. One tip is to look for a local home improvement store’s class schedule. Many home improvement stores have workshops to assist in learning fundamental home design concepts. These workshops feature standard painting styles, color combinations, and unique carpentry, or construction concepts for the home. These workshops assist one in designing any room one wants to design.

To conclude, one should consider looking through paint selections in the store. Many paint selections are set in harmonious styles. The paint strip or fan deck of paint colors often display attractive accent colors. If the homeowner identifies colors that go well together, he or she should look for combinations of paints that accentuate the paint one is using as a main color in the home. These combinations take the guess work out of home interior design, making one think positive about his or her design choices.

The Holiday Palette

Winter Holidays are not set in the traditional colors now; you can go beyond the traditional red and green and make your home glitter with any palette.  Whatever colors you use, keep it unified with harmonious tones. You can use a color in general or try using various colors per room. Whatever palette you choose it should reflect your decorating preferences and highlight the rooms with personal touches. 


Use wintery white hues or ivory with a
brilliant combination of aqua, chartreuse, and blue. Another option would be to use a royal blue or purple with gold or silver garland, or use a rustic affair with rusts, gold, and autumn greens accompanied by crystal fruit or butterflies.  Wherever you decorate it should be dripping with metallic silver or gold, icy-blues or greens, and shimmering cascades of frosty crystals. These tones will set the stage for a dazzling holiday theme that will be everyone’s dream and envy.

There is more space than just your tree to decorate; using ornaments sporadically throughout the home in a simple way can be an unexpected surprise.  Use natural elements, such as your mirrors to reflect trinkets of beads and ribbons.  Use sprigs of frosted berry branches and add glittery ribbons and bows. Tie your lamps, table legs, and many handles with ribbons to add a spirited sparkle of glitz. Wrap potted plants and various boxes and accessories with bows to portray gifts, and safely use votive and seasonal candles to warm the room with comfort and joy. 


 

Nothing brings out the holiday spirit more than a compellation of seasonal music. The setting can reflect a spirited or muted environment, depending on the music you choose.  Set the stage for a beautiful holiday season and invite friends and family over for a cup of tea or eggnog.  In whatever manner you choose to decorate—or celebrate—Set your palette for high spirits and holiday cheer.

2012 Holiday Home Tour

This Residence is reminiscent of Spanish Colonial design with its soft aqua and antiqued red hues. Many of the homeowner’s pieces portray authentic style from carved throne chairs to elaborate iron works and vintage fabrics. With such collectables as the restored sconces and the classical interests in music, the cultural beauty inspires a plethora of long conversations and entertainment. Many of these treasured items bring peace and comfort to a hectic life of a professional. The walls are plastered in a pristine glow of off white accented in pale clay tones and intricate colorful tiles, setting off the rich hues and tapestry features; inviting one to come, relax in comfort and style. Iron and dark tone woods douse the home in Spanish Flavor.

The Grand Salon features many fine furnishings and art acquired by the homeowner’s diligent choosing. This enormous room was meant to be the heart of the home. The color palette speaks in warm tones, and draws attention to the fireplace and spectacular art hung throughout the home. Its ornament beams and pendant lights with rich culture are key to bringing an authentic character to this grandeur and size. The room is perfect for a large gathering or an intimate dinner for two. The large exhilarating rugs adorn the hand-scraped hardwood floors, and the classically inspired rooms set the mood for a special gathering of friends and family.

The gentleman’s quarters evokes memories of past musical adventures. Fun eclectic drums accented with red create a happy retreat from the world. The décor based on Spanish design, is the focal point of the room with a variety of musical lore. Any style done well is appreciated: traditional, whimsical, classical or ethnic, whichever fulfills the client’s desires. This room can reflect a personality in design, which gives the homeowner and Patrick an urban quality among Santa Clarita’s historical surroundings and culture.

The master suite is like entering a retreat that transports the homeowner away to a soothing his creative senses. Rich wood tones and an elegant ivory décor dress this room in luxurious delight, whereasthe quirky tiles and eclectic accent furniture grounds the room to comfortable surroundings. The textural play of materials gives a relaxing and tactile touch for the homeowner all day long. The master suite has a dual purpose as the office is just off the room where a large monitor can function as a computer or as a big screen television. This utility functional space adds a clean and unencumbered look.

Entering the home is like stepping into another time. On the left is the private quarters accented in simple elegance and recreational comfort. To the right, a magnificent hall that leads to a beautiful sunning area adorned with graces of hand-carved furnishings and tapestries in art. The bench is decorated with colorful pillows, and surrounded by plants and poinsettias. Further in the Grand Salon the luxurious space is lit by pendant chandeliers accented with a crown of laurel leaves and berries welcoming those entering the space. The room is fresh and styled to entice, as the visitor can drink in the room as a welcoming beacon to draw, charm, and graciously unfold the rest of the home.

Design in Today's Market

RL Cabin Master Bedroom

In design, mixing styles can be fun and cost effective. No longer just Eclectic, it applies to the design in blending various styles from origin to era.

A mixed style should present pieces with shared aims to generate unity within the design. Eclecticism is definitely not a jumble or mish mashed collection of arbitrary pieces but an intended and considered design. When a shared component or idea ties the home together, the home can take on a character of personal preference and unique style.

When furnishings communicate to each other in scale, shape, pattern, texture, color, or finish, a mixed style of interior design can enhance the room and bring it together. Contrast is an important element for a mixed style. As a general rule, a color scheme can be universal by using neutral colors as a backdrop or for large furnishings. Furniture no longer has to match perfectly but a mixture of related furnishings can embellish a design nicely.

In various design schemes such as rustic living, Asian traditional or Country French, mixing furnishings will complement the appeal to the homeowner. The homeowner looks for appealing design styles. One of the most beneficial resources is consignment or vintage shops. The consignment shop holds treasures of quality or name brand merchandise at a discounted price. These furnishings are unique in design as it gives new life to many styles and themes many people look for in decorating. Obtaining quality at a lower price is a valued perk for the do-it-yourselfer or the professional designer.

Rustic living is a relaxed, lived-in style and there is no reason to fear sitting in a rustic living room or stopping by for a chat in a rustic style environment. A rustic design style is informal with a complement of well made, sensible furniture, colorful material, and functional rather than trendy accents. With rustic styles, adding multiple textiles and countrified furnishings can be obtained by visiting these treasure troves of recycled design and style.

If the homeowner is looking for something more traditional, he or she could find Asian inspired furnishings that display bold colors along with ornate furniture and accessories. Asian furnishings are ornately carved designs with craftsman painted details or lacquered finishes. When looking through consignments ask the salesperson for assistance. The shop may have everything the homeowner is looking for; they just need to look around as everything is transitional in the store. Another nice benefit is the shop owner displays mixed styles within the shop to aid in complementing the various pieces on display.

Some various pieces can enhance this dramatic style by featuring animal prints and astrological signs, such as tigers and fire-breathing dragons. Creative ginger jars, large vessels, and beverage pots painted with exaggerated design in varied colors or in the traditional blue and white glazes are also fashionable in Asian interiors. The most prominent color in Asian style is red because it represents good luck. The most traditional items are wall murals and shoji tri-fold screens depicting characters of historical and legendary folklore. These are often painted in striking or vibrant colors. The majority of these items are sporadically on display throughout the shop.

Country French is an epitome by a palette of bright colors. This south of France design is reminiscent of colors that include deep aubergine (dark purple) and vibrant lavenders. Other provocative colors used for porcelain are bright cadmium yellow, and cerulean blue. Furnishings usually with a small floral or animal pattern are typical fabric motifs for Country French design.

Not unlike rustic styles, basic Country French furniture is pine or maple in structure with a sturdy functionality. An ample plank-style dining table is traditional Country French furniture. Caned chairs, not to be confused with wicker, usually accompany this elegant piece.

Other telling furniture pieces are armoires or four-poster beds with massive carvings and embellishments. Lavender wreaths with wheat shafts and wrought-iron gates surrounded by roosters, lamps, and sprigs are perfect accents and accessories for this style.

With today's market, budgets are reduced by half. Knowing that the homeowner has the option to find high-end or brand materials at a discounted price is a plus when he or she looks for that perfect piece or style furnishings. By frequenting a consignment or vintage shop the homeowner or designer will always find that special treasure that will complete a design. When finding just the right piece one can usually expect to find just that—one item—so it is important to understand the art of mixing styles. Mixing styles can aid in making sure the means of the budget are met while bringing fun and excitement to the adventurous homeowner.