Is it possible to get into fashion design with an interior design degree? What do I need to do?
I am currently an interior design major but I really want to do all sorts of design like design interiors AND do fashion. Do I need to go to grad school? What do I need to do to be able to do both?? THANK YOU!
Get an entry-level job in a fashion house. Network, until you find one, and more importantly, someone who can tell you what they are looking for in the portfolios they look at. There are, believe it or not jobs out there. Not all creative ones, but you’ll have your foot in the door.
Home Interior Design – How To Get Started
If you want to redecorate your entire home, then learning interior design and decorating might be the thing to do. So, with that in mind, interior design software could be one of your purchases, especially if you don’t want to employ a decorator. There are of course advantages and disadvantages to the whole idea of “Do It Yourself”. First, If you’re not a computer-friendly person then you might find it a bit difficult to pilot the waters of interior design software. Again, there is always the alternative, to get yourself an interior decorator where you will shell out substantially more than you can afford. Which in turn, means that you might have to cut down on some of your decorating needs. If you are anything like me, you would be saying right now – “I don’t think so!”
Now, here you are, you have made the decision to give it a go yourself. Leaving the designers and decorators behind. Congratulations! It needn’t be as difficult as you think and can even be absolute incredible fun. The only time that you’ll truly might get a worry is when you need to do your budget. After that it’s a matter of sliding your way downhill through your home interior design plan. And hopefully with barely any bumps or detours. But, those can be exspected, so don’t get discouraged, keep moving forward in your interior design plans.
Now back to the software. If you’re not too well-situated with your artistic abilities and visual image skills you might look to some relief of a well know friend to help you understand the software. However, if you are a die hard and want to learn it yourself, by all means, don’t hesitate. The learning will pay off for you. It doesn’t actually matter either way how you go about it as long as you get you home interior design project off the ground.
After all there’s only so long that you can stand and watch your house fall to pieces around you. Ok, Though that might have been a bit of an exaggeration, if you’re thinking about home interior design or remodeling then now is the time to do it. If you put it off now, there’s no telling when and if there will be a next time.
And one of the very first things you can do for your home interior design project will be to decide precisely what you’re going to do. For example, are you going to go through the entire house one room at a time or are you going to do only one or two rooms right now. This is an important decision, so take your time and make sure it is what you want to do. This decision dictates the how, what and when of then next phases.
After you decide that, then you can move on to the next phase which is provision, what you’re planning to do. And this is where the home interior design software comes in handy. I told you earlier, the learning will pay off, well guess what, here is where it pays off. With this little visual image aid you can imagine what your redecorating plans will do to your rooms and make your life just that much more easier. And in the end that’s really what you want isn’t it, to make your life easier. So, stop putting it off with excuses. Learn the fundamentals of interior design and decorating, get yourself a good piece of interior design software and bring you home back to life.
Bowe Packer
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/home-interior-design-how-to-get-started-98285.html
What jobs are available in the field of interior design with a business degree?
I want to study business in school and minor in art, or possibly double major.. Then I would like to get into the interior design field. Maybe working for a large firm or business. What sorts of jobs are available with this degree?
Information is below.
Interior Design For The Home
Any home can be pleasing with the proper application of basic interior design methods. Some people study interior design to be very good at it but there are people who are gifted with an eye for beauty and for interior designing.
A person who is creative can do some interior designing on his own even without formal training. Those who have an eye for what is aesthetic can just as easily decorate and design his own house depending on his tastes. Of course, it helps to read books and articles about designing to be updated on the basic and latest design methods.
Any interior designer can create a specific atmosphere just by putting together several pieces and unifying them in a single theme. There are interior designers who have a bias for certain motifs like eclectic, modern or even country style. Some go for simple designs without the clutter.
Interior design is not only aesthetic but also functional depending on the requirements of the client. An interior designer can make a small room spacious and an otherwise cluttered room into an orderly one. Interior design is used just about anywhere from homes, offices to commercial buildings.
The interiors of a room should always match the personality of the person who will occupy that room. This is the reason why designers always work closely with their clients so they can make sure that they get a feel of what their clients want in terms of design style.
People have this notion that interior design is expensive. However, designers are not only creative people but they are also very good in budgeting. Most designers will work on a design that will match or fit the budget of their clients. A person can allot a minimal amount for the interior design of his home or office and still come up with an aesthetic and functional room.
Professional interior designers who are formally trained usually have basic knowledge on architecture, engineering and even accounting. They need these courses to make their design aesthetic, structurally correct and cost effective.
The terms Interior design and interior decorating have often been used interchangeably. However, the two terms actually deal with different phases of making a room or a space aesthetic. Interior design is basically the process of studying the personality of the occupant of the room being designed in order to maximize and tailor-made the room’s design for that person’s behavior and personality.
Interior decorating on the other hand is the process of actually mixing and matching the different design techniques like window treatments, the right wallpaper, wall finish and even the furnishing of a room.
There are a lot of opportunities for those in the interior design and decorating industry. An interior designer can go into designing household, corporate or commercial establishments. Others specialize in the design of health facilities or even tourism establishments.
The latest trend now for those in the interior design industry is to be able to incorporate the right engineering and aesthetic design with sustainable development. Even designers are now more conscious about the state of the environment so they tend to use environmentally friendly materials for their designs.
There are designers who specialize and use Feng Shui in their designs. This requires further study because Feng Shui deals with the Chinese’s ancient methods of designing a space to make the design work for the owner’s health, business and other life factors.
The Chinese believes that a structure should be properly designed so as to allow positive energy to enter the structure. When the structure has already been built without the aid of a Feng Shui expert, the mistakes can be corrected through proper interior design using the Feng Shui methods.
By incorporating Feng Shui in interior design, it is believed that a person can bring out all the positive energies in a room to make him rich, happy and healthy. An interior design using Feng Shui can also get rid of bad spirits that bring in negative atmosphere in an abode.
Getting the services of an interior designer can make a room both aesthetic and functional. Any person who wants to make his home livable and functional should try getting the services of an interior designer to maximize his space.
Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/interior-design-for-the-home-69043.html
The Principles of Interior Design
Scientifically one can break interior design down into a few design principles. But be aware because these are not rules, rather see the principles as fundamental underpinnings for a feeling, flair or intuition to interior design.
Principle 1 : UNITY
When doing interior design it is necessary to think of the house as a totality; a series of spaces linked together by halls and stairways. It is therefore appropriate that a common style and theme runs throughout. This is not to say that all interior design elements should be the same but they should work together and complement each other to strengthen the whole composition. A way to create this theme or storyline is with the well considered use of color.
Principle 2 : FOCAL POINT
interior design’s biggest enemy is boredom. A well-designed room always has, depending on the size of it, one or more focal points. A focal point must be dominant to draw attention and interesting enough to encourage the viewer to look further. A focal point thus must have a lasting impression but must also be an integral part of the decoration linked through scale, style, color or theme.
Principle 3: BALANCE
Balance can be described as the equal distribution of visual weight in a room.
The simplest, and most formal type of balance is symmetrical balance, where the same objects are repeated in the same positions on either side of a vertical axis, such as one would find in old fashioned state or gala rooms.
Asymmetrical balance is more appropriate in design today. Balance is achieved with some dissimilar objects that have equal visual weight or eye attraction. Assymetrical balance is more casual and less contrived in feeling, but more difficult to achieve.
Principle 4 : PROPORTION
Proportion refers to the relative size measured against other elemens or against some mental norm or standard. This design principle is of extreme importance when decorating a room.
Principle 5: RHYTHM
In musical terms we would describe rhythmas the beat or pulse of the music. In interior design, rhythm is all about visual pattern repetition. Visual rhythm is based on movement. As in music, rhythm in design can also be staccato abrupt and dynamic or legato connecting and flowing.
Principle 6 : COLOR
Color is an element that tends to inspire emotion in people because color has an influence on the value of life above and beyond other considerations. Colors therefore have a definite impact on the atmosphere that you want to create when doing interior design.
Principle 7: DETAILS
Another important element of interior design where it is necessary to take infinite pains is details. Everything from the trimming on the lamp shade, the color of the piping on the scatter cushion, to the light switches and cupboard handles need attention. Unlike color people find details boring. As a result it gets neglected and skimmed over or generally left out.
As color expresses the whole spirit and life of a scheme; details are just as an important underpinning of interior design. Details should not be obvious but they should be right, enhancing the overall feel of a room.
These principles of interior design should guide you when you start either doing it yourself, or discussing your ideas with your interior designer.
Christine Anderssen
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/the-principles-of-interior-design-75440.html
What Is Interior Design Modern Anyway
Whether you’re going in for old school type of interior design, modern motifs or just whatever it is that you like, you can’t go far wrong in this day and age. That is of course unless you opt to completely mismatch colors and motifs. That said, if you’re a wild-child and like doing the extraordinary, you’ll be okay with these funny color schemes. After all there’s nothing that beats something you’ve created yourself and something which pleases your eye.
These days, as many of you might know, Modern interior design has evolved and broadened. It use to signify something completely different. It was rigid in thought and almost had to have a certain appearance. That is not the case today.
interior design modern aficionados will have it that you should keep things simple and not jumble up lines and color schemes with anything that doesn’t match. This still has some structure to it, but allows for you to design it with your flavor and flare. After all you’re the one who’s going to be living in the house so it should be something you like.
You shouldn’t follow all the advice you’ll get doled out to you about interior design. Modern methods aren’t always the best design ideas that you can get. The deal is this, find a scheme you like and work with it to make it your own. We often get bogged down by all the information out there. If you like things that are elegant or quaint or even just homey, you could always look into doing up your home in old styles, some of which are reasoned classics by interior design modern aficionados.
Despite everything that you hear and read your home shouldn’t have to look like all those sleek and perfect homes that are featured in the many interior design magazines. You can make it different and should. Let your passion move you and don’t be afraid to try out new things. A home with character and warmth is always a delight to step into and this should be your ultimate goal. You know of those homes that they just call you in and almost whisper – “have a seat, make yourself comfortable”. This is what you too should be after.
Not necessarily to make your home into an interior design modern showpiece, but to make it something that you would be proud to take your friends to because it reflects who you are. And it should also be someplace you feel comfortable and able to loosen up after a long exhausting day at work. Learn and give yourself the time for a quick education on interior design. Then take what you have learned and apply the concepts. This doesn’t have to be a four year degree program, just something that will get the creative juices flowing.
While there are many interior design modern look and feel that will suit other people, you should look for one that you can imagine living in peacefully for a few years at the most. Just make sure you take action on what you want to do. Remember, knowledge without action is useless.
Interior design modern methods and modern designs are well and good but not if you don’t feel welcome into your own home. Just as you would look about for something that you would like to live in when you’re purchasing a house, so you should look at keeping that feel of home-coming alive and kicking when you’re going about your interior decorating jaunts. So, to sum it all up: Get the knowledge you need, decide on a scheme, design it and put it into action.
Bowe Packer
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/what-is-interior-design-modern-anyway-101505.html
7 Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid
If you are just beginning a new project, invest a moment to read about “The 7 Interior Design Mistakes”. Here we discuss 7 common mistakes that can prevent your project from reaching your design goals.
1. Don’t Forget… “The Wow Effect”
We have all seen it before. At times it is almost impossible to describe. Everyone is trying to create this dramatic effect in their home or business, but it is very elusive. There truly is an art to creating “The Wow Effect”. Most architects and Interior Designers will look back on their careers, and reflect on one or two projects that they are most proud of. On those occasions, they were able to bring all of the elements together and create… “The Wow Effect”.
When you are just beginning your next project, set the visual and effect goals for the project very high. If members of your design team can see that you are not passionate about the project, they will follow your lead, resulting in a less than dramatic effect.
There will be many days, when it seems like every idea that is presented, falls short of creating the drama. When this happens, sleep on it, and take your ideas with you to bed. Think about the emotion and sense the completed vision of your project. The next day, you will be amazed at the variety of ideas that will present themselves. Not sure why this works… just know that it does.
2. Oops… Clearly Identify The Vision Of Your Project
Often times when we are beginning a new project, we are so eager to get started, we will hurry out, choose our favorite wall color, and start painting. Next, we will begin our search for the other layers of the project. Unfortunately, many times the effect does not always create the drama we had hoped for.
Important – At the very beginning of any project, and before anything is purchased, painted, or papered, you must visualize the entire project from beginning to end. You may find a dramatic finish, texture, or fabric, which would require a different shade of paint or change the direction of the project completely.
Most people will minimize the importance of this step. You will invest a lot of time working this process. But, if you truly wish to create a dramatic project, you must visually complete your project from beginning to end. There is no easy way to do this. The more detailed the specifics, the greater the chance for a dramatic effect.
3. Funding… Establish an Interior Design Budget
It is so important to identify a budget for your Interior Design Project. The cost for ideas can swing dramatically in price. Once you have established your budget, this will provide the needed structure, and will ensure your project is completed on time.
Through the design process, new ideas will be introduced, which may raise your budget. Many Interior Design projects are completed in phases. Most of us do not have unlimited funds.
Clearly identifying the approximate cost of the entire project, will give you the needed structure for this process.
At this point you can make the decision whether to divide your project into phases. Breaking your project into Interior Design phases ensures that your Interior Design Project will have funding, without settling for a collection of design effects that may fall short of your initial vision.
You can now focus on creating the vision and the drama, without becoming overwhelmed with the financial numbers of the project. Do not begin your Interior Design project, until you have established an Interior Design budget for the entire project. This will become the foundation for the project, and will release your energy to focus on … Creative and Dramatic Interior Design.
4. Capturing Your Ideas, Always Begin with a …”Design Board”
Dramatic Interior Design ideas are like the wind. You need to capture all new ideas as they appear. Most people do not do this, but this is such an important step.
When you are creating your design project, put all of your ideas on a presentation board or design board. These are often called concept boards or mood boards.
It is much easier to test new colors, fabrics, textures, or ideas. You will sense when “The Wow Effect” magic is beginning to happen and your Interior Design project is taking form.
Focusing your creative energy is critical to creating “The Wow Effect”. There are no short cuts or easy ways to create dramatic design. We have all seen Interior Design Projects, where an investment of a little more thought, and creative focus, may have produced a more dramatic effect.
When all of your ideas are placed on a design board, visually, you will be able to sense what is creating drama and what is not working. Introducing new ideas is much easier and the process will start to flow.
Finally, you will never forget the moment, when everything is working, and your design project is taking form. It is almost like a “Runners High”. All of the elements are finally coming together, creating the dramatic vision of your project.
If you truly wish to create “The Wow Effect”, do not skip this critical step. Your investment is too great, not to ensure a final dramatic effect. Always use a design board or concept board on any Interior Design project.
5. Understanding … The Principles of Layering Color, Texture, and Effect
Think about it, almost everything that is appealing to the eye, was created with layers of Color, Texture, and Effect. Visually, we love to admire things that incorporate the “Principles of Layering”.
Color and Texture are the tools you work with, and Effect is that intangible that is generated when you bring the layers together.
Think of the seasons, how in the Fall, the colors naturally compliment each other. If the wrong colors were introduced, the final effect would be much different.
Your layers will include, your Floor Plan or Unique Spaces of Opportunity, Paint, Italian Venetian Plaster, Faux Finish, Wallpaper, Ceiling Finish, Flooring, Fabrics, Furniture, Drapery, Lighting, Accessories, and Plants.
There truly is an art to layering. On your design board you will learn first hand about the principles of layering. Your senses will tell you immediately what is working and what is not creating drama.
Invest some time to learn more about “The Principles of Layering”. There are many good books on this interesting subject. Dramatic Interior Design can only be created in layers.
6. You are the Director … “The Importance of Staging”
Staging is the process of creating the mood, ambiance, and feelings, for a designated are. This is such an important step to learn.
Correctly staging the area that… precedes your next area of opportunity, is critical to creating “The Wow Effect”.
If you have too many colors, decorative items, or visual confusion going on in the staging area, this can and will distract from your unique spaces of opportunity.
Staging will create the maximum effect and control the visual emotion as you move through your home. Drama and effect are rarely created by accident.
Remember, “You Are The Director”. How you set the stage, light the room, choose yours colors and texture, will determine the success of your Interior Design Project.
Learn more about the “Importance of Staging” and “How to Stage you Home”. If this is done correctly, walking through your home will be like reading a great novel. You cannot wait to get to the next room or chapter.
7. Looking for Ideas? … Share a Coffee with an Interior Designer
Everyone is always interested in a good idea. If you feel you would like to discuss your ideas and your project with someone else, I would strongly encourage you to meet with an Interior Designer or Interior Decorator.
There is no obligation for this meeting, but you will be surprised how your project will become focused almost immediately. Ask around to your friends for referrals, to view some of there previous projects, and also discuss their fees.
Everyone will not need an Interior Designer. But there may be times, when the layers of your Interior Design project are not coming together. When this happens, meeting with an Interior Designer may be one of the best decisions you ever make.
Finally, creating “Dramatic interior design” is a challenging process. You will spend many days of struggle and effort. At times the tension and difficulty of the process, will make you want to surrender. But I am here to tell you, if you stay with it, and invest the time…
“Someday in the still of your home, you may hear your friends or family members quietly whisper … Wow!
“At that moment, no words need to be spoken, you know in your heart, … You Did It!”
Mark Nordgren
Mark Nordgren
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/7-interior-design-mistakes-to-avoid-681722.html
Decorating Or Interior Design With Laminate Flooring – Ultimate Laid-Back Decor
Decorating or interior design with laminate flooring is taking the home improvement world by storm. Laminate flooring is one the fastest growing areas in the renovation industry. These glueless, floating creations are toted as the best low-maintenance decorating or interior design idea in decades. It has become one of the most popular ways to spend a home remodeling loan. Why is laminate flooring so much in vogue and how can it be incorporated into your decor?
No schedule-juggling homeowner has time for finicky house cleaning chores these days. Laminate flooring solutions are so easy to maintain, that it is turning into serious competition for Milliken Legato carpet tiles and other carpeting ranges. Decorating or interior design with laminate flooring allows you to install your new floor over almost any existing floor. Two exceptions are carpeting and real wood on concrete.
A laminate floor consists of planks with a tongue and groove design. This decorating and interior design solution simply clicks together to form a stable floating floor. Four to five layers are fused together under pressure to form the planks. The most important layers are the high density fiberboard core and the wear layer that is usually covered with tough-as-nails aluminum oxide. This is the layer that prevents staining, scuffing and fading. The decorating or interior design layer resides between the wear layer and the core. This resembles real wood, ceramic tile, or stone tile. The engineering is such that the appearance is absolutely authentic. No more fake or plastic-looking laminates!
It is vital that you match your choice of laminate flooring close to the traffic flow of each area. You will also need to take special precautions in bathrooms and kitchens where water is likely to be a factor. Your general decorating and interior design also has to be taken into account when choosing the coloring and texture of the laminate flooring.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of laminate flooring is the fact that the latest designs emulate real wood floors closely, but at a fraction of the cost. The wood grains are copied carefully and the textures give the floors a highly authentic and realistic appearance. By choosing this decorating and interior design option, you are virtually assured of the warmth and atmosphere of a real hardwood floor without any of the maintenance and warping woes.
The timelessness of wood is replicated to the last detail. Laminate flooring planks are now beveled to give an even more realistic look. In addition, you can opt for a weathered appearance if you prefer. The glueless, click together designs are a snap for do it yourself enthusiasts, ready to use immediately upon completion. The engineering behind this decorating and interior design idea is so innovative that joints are almost invisible. The best ranges come with warranties of up to thirty years.
While choosing a finish, aim to create continuity and balance with the decorating and interior design. Keep in mind that a lighter finish will create a spacious impression, while darker hues are warm and lead to a more intimate atmosphere. If you want to install a dark floor, you will need lots of natural light. If your furniture is dark and heavy, contrast this with a lighter flooring hue for a striking effect.
The diverse ranges allow you to choose a finish and texture to compliment a rustic decorating and interior design style, or a more contemporary feel. A strip floor will expand a room significantly, making this suitable for use in a smaller area. The wider planks do well in a more roomy area. You can even opt to create a unique decorating and interior design style, by combining a variety of plank widths.
If you need to replace a kitchen floor, remember that this is a high traffic, often messy environment, where accidents are likely. A lot of dirt will be trudged in over time. When choosing your decorating or interior design style for this area, you need to make sure that the flooring is hard-wearing, non-slip and comfortable to stand on for long hours. Both vinyl such as Allure Trafficmaster flooring, and laminate flooring are good options here. Be kind to your feet by choosing the best underlayment you can find. Consider a similar flooring choice for bathrooms, as long as installation instructions regarding sealing and the use of glue are followed to the letter.
If you have kids and pets, your living room decorating and interior design will also benefit from a laminate flooring installation. These floors are easy to keep clean and the wear layers are made to be stain resistant. Just make sure that you keep pet nails trimmed to prevent scratches. Extend the living room flooring choice to the dining room. Laminate flooring here is a far more sensible choice than carpeting, due to the danger of staining.
Laminate flooring can also be your decorating and interior design choice in bedrooms. Here traffic flow is usually fairly minimal, so the AC rating can be lower. Remember that your flooring is there for the long haul. Opt for a neutral flooring shade that will tone in with a change of decor at a later stage. Add color and warmth with area rugs if you feel the need to do so.
If you want to create a touch of drama in your decorating and interior design, choose the entry hall for this purpose. Intricate patterns can be created with laminate flooring if you are so inclined.
Before installing laminate flooring in a basement, get professional input to ensure that moisture won’t be a problem. If any of the floors are heated, check with the laminate flooring supplier if this is in order. Not all laminate flooring ranges can be used if subfloor heating is part of the decorating or interior design.
If one of your family members has allergies or asthma, a laminate floor is an excellent decorating or interior design solution. This is one of the best ways to limit exposure to dust-mites. No matter how conscientious you are with cleaning, carpeting remains a dust-trap.
All the manufacturers supply ranges of decorative transition moldings with which you can give your flooring a professional finish. Match the moldings closely with the flooring tones. Where you install baseboards against a wall, these can be of a contrasting color.
Plan your laminate flooring project with care. Create flowing transitions between the different rooms. With a bit of care and forethought, your flooring will become a focal point in your decorating and interior design endeavors.
Rika Susan
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/decorating-or-interior-design-with-laminate-flooring-ultimate-laidback-decor-138859.html
How much should I expect to pay for interior design consultation?
I would like to hire an interior designer to help me design my home. The furniture throughout my home is high quality and is traditional in style. I may need to add or replace very few furniture items, but seriously need need help with color selection. How much should I expect to pay for color consultation for a 2 story traditional home?
On the average, most interior designers expects to receive $20 per hour. If the designer doesn’t have a degree in Interior Design but you just enjoy doing the work, you can pay him/her $10 or $12 per hour.
What other types of companies can an college graduate in interior design work for?
My girlfriend is a recent college graduate in interior design. She moved to minneapolis and has tried a lot of architecture firms to see who is hiring but to no avail. She is very upset that she cant find a job in her major because of the lack of hosuing and commecial starts in the current economy. What other companies could she work for with that major or other jobs she should look for?
I know people who went to school for interior design. Most of them worked for stores in NYC setting up window displays.