Wednesday, May 12, 2010

the plan

after doing research on interior design and reading Vault Career Guide to Interior Design its helped me decide wether i want to pursue in the field or not. im still very interested and like the thought of being able to design for people who need the help. my plan is to still pursue in the field and do basic classes online while at home for 2 years.then its off to the wonderful city of Chicago for their arts college to major in interior design.most likely ill attempt to be self employed over working in a firm.ill mainly focus on exhibit, modern, zen, and residential design. overall this assignment has made me even more interested on my career path i want. hopefully once i get into college it wont be as much of a shock with everything ill have to know for the field.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

what type of interior designer are you?

Bathroom Design – Specialize in designing bathrooms that are elegant and restful as well as functional.

Corporate Interior Design – Design comfortable and efficient work spaces that will fit with a company’s image and goals.

Exhibit Design – Create exhibits for clients ranging from art galleries to zoos, or help companies design exhibits for tradeshows and showrooms.

Feng Shui Interior Design – Use the principles of Feng Shui to get the energy flowing and create balance in an environment.

Green Interior Design – Become an expert in designing spaces using products and methods that are environmentally friendly.

Health Care Interior Design – Help make health care centers such as hospitals, cancer centers, drug treatment centers, nursing homes, social services providers, doctors' offices, dental offices, etc. more efficient and welcoming through interior design.

Hotel Interior Design – Create inviting spaces for the hotel industry while considering several important factors such as: comfort, function, aesthetic appeal, concept and budget.

Japanese and Asian Interior Design – Bring the graceful, uncluttered aesthetic of Japanese and Asian interior design to clients in any geographic location.

Kitchen Design – Give your clients the kitchen they've always wanted. Develop expertise on appliances and efficient kitchen design.

Modern Interior Design – Incorporate the sleek look and practical principles of modern design into your work.

Residential Interior Design – Work with clients to improve the form and function of their living spaces, while helping them define and reflect their personal style.

Restaurant Interior Design – Develop design concepts that will contribute to positive customer experiences and the success of restaurant businesses.

Set Design – Use your design skills to work in film, television or theater.

Zen Interior Design – Create beautiful interior spaces using the minimalist style of Zen

While traditional style is still the most popular style in the United States, contemporary style decorating is probably in very close second place.

Influenced by the sights, sounds, smells, and colors of the intriguing North African country, Moroccan style has gained popularity over the last few years.

Country style decorating, which reached its height of popularity in the late 80s and early 90s, is still quite popular.

French country decorating brings the colors and textures of rural France into your home to create a warm, inviting interior.


Mission style decorating focuses on natural elements, beautiful woods, and quality, hand-crafted details.

Tuscan style decorating, which is hugely popular right now, brings to the senses the colors and textures of the Italian countryside.


The art deco style was made popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and is characterized by the use of mirrored surfaces, aluminum, stainless steel, and glass.

Mexican style decorating celebrates the vibrant colors and beautiful textiles of Mexico.

Victorian style decorating is all about ornate details, opulence, and formality.

Shabby Chic is a style that was created and made popular by designer Rachel Ashwell in the late 80's and early 90's. This style continues to be popular today.

self employed vs. design firm

Work Hours – If you are self-employed or work for a small firm, you are more likely to work flexible hours as you adjust your schedule around your clients' needs and deadlines. If you start your interior design career in a large design firm, you will probably have more predictable hours.

Environment – Large design firms may have the resources for a more comfortable work environment and state-of-the-art equipment. They also have established connections with related firms and specialists. This can be an important consideration for anyone starting an interior design career.

Clients – If you are self-employed, you may have more say in which jobs you take; however, you are responsible for finding your own clients and connections.

Self-employed/ work for small consulting firms tend to have erratic and variable work weeks, quite often meeting with clients during evening or weekends when necessary. Their workloads are sporadic and depend on how busy they happen to be at a given time, and they tend to work in relatively small and somewhat congested environments.

Employed designers work more normal hours in a relatively comfortable setting.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

basics to coming up with a design

~ First choose a style you’d like base your room off of.
casual style: simple details, textured elements in fabrics and accessories, restful horizontal lines, soft upholstery, low-luster surfaces, and arrangements that avoid perfect symmetry.
formal style: fits best in a home with high ceilings, large and tall windows, and architectural features such as a large fireplace mantle or beautifully paneled walls.
contemporary style : fits best in a home with high ceilings, large and tall windows, and architectural features such as a large fireplace mantle or beautifully paneled walls.
Traditional: calm, orderly, and predictable. There is nothing wild or chaotic in a traditional room.
~ Then decide if you have any influences from around the world. For example,
french country style
tuscan style
swedish style

paris apartment style
~ After that pick your favorite colors.
~ Finally express your style.



Wednesday, April 7, 2010

things you should be able to do

Understand the person’s personality and behavior and made an atmosphere where he/she feel comfortable and happy.
Incorporate their personality into the design so it reflects them not the designer

Understand the requirement of your client.
Examine the space
Listen to the client’s needs
Determine whether building permits are required for work involved
Create a design that he thinks will satisfy the client
Client’s desires, likes, and dislikes are known by the designer


Imagine, imagine, imagine = creative

Must be able to read blueprints, understand building and fire codes, and know how to make space accessible to people who are disabled.

Postsecondary education
Have strong communication skills
Multi- taskers and problem solvers
Concerned with achievement

Monday, March 29, 2010

floor plans

So I know spring break I went back to the drawing board this past week for several rooms around the house. As long as I get the okay to do it my mother’s living room will be cream colored with and accent wall of a shade of brown, and will use a dark chocolate as the accent color around the room. My room will remain a white wall but with black accents (desk, shelves, frames, closet curtain, and bed spread); otherwise I’m using bright and fun colors. Also I’m using polka dots and some graffiti that a friend drew up for me. I will get a couple pictures up to see later on.
The one thing I can’t stress enough for myself is to sketch the mural you want and have the colors planned before going to actually do it in paint. It’s as well important to plan a whole room out that way you don’t start it and get it halfway done when you decide it doesn’t look right. When you make a floor plan it’s easier to know how much space you have to work with, how much material you need to get the job done, and experiment with colors.
Selecting a floor plan might seem like an easy process, until you move in and find that the foyer is too narrow or the kitchen island is too close to the refrigerator door. Among the factors to think about are the daily routine, the way you entertain, the age of any children, and the presence of pets. Furniture is an important consideration throughout the house, as it can dictate room size or configuration. Those with large pieces of furniture should think about where their prized pieces will fit. Is there a wall large enough for the entertainment center or the sectional couches? Picking the "right" floor plan is an important decision that sometimes is overlooked in the frenzy of house hunting. Take some time to think through the many variables that go into finding the perfect floor plan for you.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

I chose interior design/decorating for many reasons. First I really think its something id enjoy doing for a large chunk of my life, and as well be happy while doing it. Also I just find it fun in general to design the insides of houses. First started a little my self by redoing my room and I’m still in the process working on it. Then I started to design my grandma’s house which she wanted done and in result I’ve done every room but the kitchen, which I’m planning on doing. I just find the job very entertaining and something that you’re not doing the same thing over and over again each time, day after day. I feel that in order to become one you want to make sure you get along with others, willing to change ideas to work with the customer, can draw, and are able to manage a budget. I got started by watching shows, such as, Trading Spaces and Extreme Makeover. I personally think there are advantages to both shows. Trading Spaces is more modern and could be done in any room and on Extreme Makeover the do rooms that fit everyone as well as some very creative rooms you probably wouldn’t see in most houses.
If you’re asking yourself like I am, what if it doesn’t work out then what? I have a few other paths I’m considering. If it didn’t work id probably do landscaping, photography, or cake decorating. I guess, in general if I really think about it I really like design and creativity. I enjoy helping others and I feel if I do interior design I can help with things some people wouldn’t do or have no idea how to do it. I know it won’t be an easy thing to accomplish, but I think about it as it’s something you want to do so you’re going to do it. While doing some research previously I’ve found that it’s possible to get into interior design without actually taking a program for it, but it’s required to have some type of formal education.
As well I highly recommend if you’re planning on taking interior design that you also get an education in interior decorating as well. You may think they are the came thing but its not. Interior designer job is to organizing a space to suit its function, making sure that designs match are in compliance with building and safety codes, managing the construction and installation of a design, and a few others. And interior decorator is primarily concerned with surface decoration -- paint, fabric, furnishings, lighting and other materials.