MySpace Designers

Choose from the best bedroom interior design ideas to create your own special dreamland!

Sleep is an essential part of the human condition. Each night, you must find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and drift off to sleep. In most cases, this activity occurs in a bedroom, a place specifically designated by most societies as a place to sleep, rest, and relax. As a rule, your bedroom should always be a place where you can feel safe enough to drift off to sleep. After all, it is where you spend at least six to eight hours each night. Its overall design is, therefore, incredibly important in nurturing an atmosphere of relaxation and safety so that you get the most out of each sleep cycle.

The best interior design bedroom ideas embrace two key components. First, a suitable bedroom emphasizes peacefulness and simplicity. Simply put, great bedroom interior design ideas underline the “less is more” model. When designing your bedroom, you must always remember that too much furniture and not enough space is the wrong path to take.

Many times, simplicity in your bedroom interior design project is also achieved by using monochromatic hues. More often than not, bedroom interior design ideas utilize colors that create a balanced atmosphere. The carpeting, walls, and window treatments showcase the same hues. These tones can be airy hues of blue, pink, lavender, cream, sea foam, et cetera. They can also be rich notes of brown, taupe, gold, and green. In the end, well-balanced color schemes are most effective for any bedroom interior design venture.

The second key component in the best interior design bedroom ideas underlines the notion that a bedroom is not just for sleeping. A bedroom interior design project often includes some space for just “hanging out.” A large bed is a great focal point in a number of bedrooms, but it doesn’t have to be the only place to relax. Thus, when designing your bedroom, create an option for a reading nook or a private spot to relax.

Embarking on a bedroom interior design project can initially seem daunting. Luckily, a number of experts share their ideas online. Designers at HGTV.com and MarthaStewart.com offer extensive information about the best interior design bedroom ideas. Ultimately, they adeptly convey the merits of creating your own style using other great bedroom interior design ideas.

All things considered, your bedroom should be a special, safe retreat from the outside world. Make sure you choose the right bedroom design to create an atmosphere of peace and quiet for that nightly trip to dreamland.

Laundry Room Design

With the right planning and organization, a laundry room can be transformed from a dull utility space into a treasured spot. Imagine getting laundry done faster while enjoying your surroundings at the same time. Start by analyzing how you live and what features to consider as laundry room design ideas. Then, turn those ideas into an actionable plan and throw in a few decorative touches for a pleasing ambiance.

Laundry rooms are no longer relegated to the basement or the garage. Many homeowners prefer their laundry room to be located near the kitchen for convenience or by an entrance so it can double as a mudroom. Another trend is to place a laundry area near the bedrooms or even inside a master bedroom closet. In a small home, a stacked washer and dryer can be installed almost anywhere including a pantry, closet, or bathroom.

Laundry Room Design and Decorating Ideas

The major components of laundry rooms are mostly functional in nature. Typical items which should be considered in planning the space include a washing machine, clothing dryer, ironing station, and sink area. The washing machine will require plumbing lines that supply both hot and cold water along with a drain. Clothes dryers can be powered by either electric or gas sources, and the latter will necessitate a gas supply line. Both types of dryers call for venting to an outside wall.

Extra amenities like a work sink and an ironing station will make your laundry room design even more efficient. A laundry tub or sink will require plumbing, but will make it much easier to soak clothes and clean up wet messes. Installing a fold-down ironing cabinet like the Hide-Away ironing board will save valuable floor space in the wash room. Also, the laundry room design should include adequate task lighting above the appliances and work areas.

Another laundry room idea is adding shelves above or near the washer and dryer to keep detergent and other laundry supplies close at hand. If space is limited, then think about a rolling cart which is made to fit between the appliances. Also consider the addition of a rod or pole for hanging up clothes fresh from dryer or drip-drying items. A two-story house will benefit from a laundry chute which prevents lugging hampers up and down stairs.

For larger spaces, you can install laundry room storage cabinets which will keep items organized and conceal them for a tidier look. This type of cabinetry can be custom built to maximize your storage capacity or assembled from modular and pre-fabricated cabinet components. If space permits, upper and lower cabinets can both be installed to make the most of the area. Lower laundry room storage cabinets can then be topped with counters or a worktable surface for sorting and folding the wash.

Laundry Room Decor

Since the laundry area is rarely seen by guests, you can feel free to decorate the room in the style and color of your choice. This is chance to take a risk and try out a daring hue or a kitschy wallpaper design. Laundry room decorating ideas should include whatever makes you smile, since this will lead to a more enjoyable wash day. Of course, you can always coordinate the laundry room décor with the rest of your house for consistency.

When considering paint color or wallpaper in your laundry room design ideas, make sure that the wall finish will be water resistant. Look for satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss paint and vinyl or coated wallpaper made for kitchen and bath applications. The finish of the laundry room storage cabinets can also add a lot of character and warmth. There is a range of wood stain and paint finishes available such as natural gloss, darker stain, crackle finish, and tinted glazes.

Laundry room decorating ideas can also be influenced by other activities in a multi-function room. A wash room can double as a craft room, exercise room, sewing room, or even a butler’s pantry. If the area is used a hobby space, use those interests as a theme for the laundry room decor. A nice tablecloth can be draped over the appliances for an impromptu buffet area during parties and get-togethers.

Decorating an Apartment

Despite the many constraints associated with apartment living, it is your space and should reflect who you are. Add your own personal style so you can be comfortable, entertain well and enjoy being at home.

Despite the many constraints associated with apartment living, it is your space and should reflect who you are. Add your own personal style to your apartment so you can be comfortable, entertain well and enjoy being at home.

Color

When selecting a color scheme, choose three or four colors that you like and that work well together. Use these colors throughout your apartment to give it a feeling of unity. When creating your pallet, keep in mind the colors that exist in the apartment that cannot be changed. Many newer apartment complexes have neutral colors throughout or allow you to choose from several existing color schemes. But, if your apartment has teal painted cabinets or pine green carpet, be sure these colors work with colors you select. Read Design and Color to learn more about selecting a color scheme.

When decorating an apartment with color, vary the amount of each color and allow one color to dominate in each room. Once you choose a predominate color for a room, use lesser proportions of each of the other colors, for example use half as much of the secondary color and a quarter of the third color and so on. Using equal amounts of each color or using too many different colors can make an apartment design look disjointed. Change your proportions and dominate color in each room to add variety while maintaining harmony.

Accessories

Lighting is very important in apartments. Standard center-room ceiling lights can cast harsh shadows and leave key areas unlit. Use portable lights to reduce unwanted shadows, add functional lighting and serve as or enhance a rooms focal point. As a general rule, lampshades for table and floor lamps should be about 3.5 feet from the ground and torchieres should stand 5 to 6 feet above the ground.

Curtains are another essential apartment accessory. They provide privacy, add style, and give a room a finished look. Whether you are going for dramatic, natural or romantic, curtains let your personality shine through. Further customize window treatments with designer curtain rods and finials.

Furniture

When choosing furniture for an apartment, scale is very important. Apartment living often results in having small rooms so it is important to purchase furniture that is sized according to the space available. If your apartment design is small or if you plan to relocate to another apartment soon, avoid the impulse to purchase huge overstuffed sofa or a Paul Bunyan bedroom set. Instead, consider shopping in stores that specialize in scaled down furniture designed for apartments and small spaces.

Before shopping for furniture, take measurements. Measure your available space to determine optimal dimensions for furnishings. Next, measure your doorways and the building’s elevator and entry way to make sure furniture purchased can be brought in. Many older buildings have smaller doorways than modern apartment buildings.

For more apartment design ideas, read our section on Decorating Small Spaces.

Decorating a Dorm Room

Each year college students across the nation prep for classes, hectic schedules and long cram nights, but why not start your preparation where you lay your head at night? A comfortable and practical living space is key to success. With a little planning and a few dorm room decorating ideas, you can have that ideal setup that allows your personality to shine while incorporating all the necessities of dorm living. The first step is to select a theme. Whether you are into sports, the arts or video games, choose an idea and simple color scheme that reflects who you are.

Dorm Room Decor

With little room to spare, light fixtures can serve as trendy decorative accessories. For a minimal amount and a little creativity, any stylish pot, container or even a figurine can be turned into a light stand. Numerous stores carry fashionable lighting options including strobe, disco, laser, and motion activated lights.

For inexpensive art, pick up some picture frames at a local dollar store. These frames can be spray painted to match your color scheme and used to display printouts of your favorite quotes, pictures of family, friends, and places, or even artwork by younger siblings. While you are at the dollar store, search for interesting vases that can be filled with pebbles and used as pencil holders or small containers to hold desk items and change.

Dorm Room Furniture

When thinking about furnishings, start with the bed. Each day in college should begin with a good night’s rest, but the chances are that your bed will double as a make-shift sofa when friends or family visit. Don’t settle for boring. Invest in bed coverings that reflect your personality and fit your color scheme, then toss in a couple of throw pillows for pizzazz.

Next on your list should be a place to study. Before shopping for a desk, measure your available space. Stores that specialize in children’s furnishings or furniture designed for apartments and small spaces offer compact desk designs. When choosing a desk, consider one with a hutch that can serve as a multipurpose storage area for books, clothes, toiletries, or even a small TV or stereo.

Milk crates make an inexpensive dorm room storage solution. The crates can be stacked like a bookshelf or slid under the bed like a drawer. In a pinch they can be turned upside down and used as a chair or table.

Office Design

One of the most important elements for office interior design is functionality. When your office space is well-designed and useful, it can improve productivity as well as workplace morale.

Home Office Design

Almost everyone has a home office, either for paying bills or more often for telecommuting and conducting daily business. The increased time spent sitting at a desk means that you should take ergonomic principles into account when buying office furniture and planning the room’s layout.

Go with the largest desk surface that will fit the space proportionately. For those on a budget, a large table or an old door on top of two filing cabinets may work nicely. Spend the most money on your office chair, since this piece is instrumental in creating a safe, comfortable working environment. A place to store and sort papers will help keep your office organized, save your time, and reduce stress levels. A simple filing cabinet or file box, along with a tiered sorter tray, will probably be adequate for most storage needs.

Another home office design idea is to keep your workspace separate from your living area. For those with an extra room or modified closet, it’s easy to shut the door at the end of the day. When using part of another room as an office, try adding a screen, divider, or drapery to conceal the space. An office armoire or cabinet is another option for saving space in office interior design.

With square footage at a premium in many cities, creating a multi-functional room is a popular home office design idea. Keep the office as the main focus, while incorporating discreet pieces for other functions. Try a futon or sofa bed if you need guest lodging, so that it also can also be used as visitor seating. When integrating exercise equipment, consider compact pieces that can be easily stored in a closet.

Commercial Office Design

When planning office interior design for a corporation or business, it’s important to think about the company culture as well as employee ergonomics. The layout and design of an office conveys the business philosophy of the firm as a whole. An open floor plan with multiple conference areas will promote interaction between departments and encourage employee communication.

The fashionable office design book, Radical Office Design, by Jeremy Myerson and Philip Ross, features unique ideas that put typical office cubicles to shame. The book explores “knowledge work” which is about creatively applying and exchanging information. This idea has lead to office architecture and interiors that are out-of-the-box and embrace new technologies. Radical Office Design showcases 43 remarkable offices along with 200 color photos and 50 architectural sketches.

Medical Office Design

Thoughtful office interior design is also valuable for the medical office. As a facility meets the needs of patients, the staff is required to manage sensitive patient files.

The first space to consider in medical office design or dental office design is the waiting area or main lobby. This should be a comfortable space with adequate light for reading and furniture that is easy to keep clean. The next major area is the nurse’s station, which should feature an excellent storage system for the filing and flow of patient files.

When it comes to the patient treatment rooms, attention should be given to creating a calm environment to put patients at ease. Soft colors, interesting artwork, and natural elements will promote the well-being of office visitors. Dental office design should also include comfy treatment chairs that can accommodate patients of all sizes and ages.

Pre-Design

This is the time to gather information. Write out your goals and gather relevant information such as your requirements, budget and layout. Do an inventory of the interior design items that you already have and what you think you might need. Discuss office design ideas with your staff and gather as many options as possible while getting feedback as well. If you are going to use some of the services of a professional office designer, contact them to begin the process.

Activity in Space

To create an office or home office design that will meet your needs, you should first identify all the activities that will occur in that space. If you need to share that space with other activities in your home the design will have to be planned accordingly. Because most office design plans include electronics and phone utilities, your design should fit with an area that easily allows for these connections. Also, check out professional office design services, which can offer you a stress-free way to create a professional and productive environment.

Layout

An office or home office layout design is determined by the space that you have available. You will want to create a layout that you can add to as your business and needs grow. A simple layout can consist of a basic strip for a desk, bookshelves and equipment, if you are sharing space within an existing room. If you have an extra room, attic or basement that you can reinvent, then your layout can be more expansive. Making a centerpiece to a home office design plan is a good idea so as to provide a focal point for your work. Often a desk can be such a centerpiece.

Furniture

Modern, casual, traditional, even antique designs make appearances in home offices. The furniture that you choose creates the first impression that anyone entering has of your professionalism. Modular furniture is an easy way to go, especially if you don’t mind putting it together yourself. Furniture needs to be practical in addition to being attractive, so make sure that you have space for all of the equipment that you will need. If you need a large monitor and personal computer it might be best to go with a computer desk station rather than an antique Rolltop desk. Home office design ideas include all styles from shabby-chic to ultra-sleek so don’t be afraid to hunt for furniture that best fits your design plans. Remember that good furniture also means good storage and organization so make sure that you have enough drawers and compartments for your business needs.

Decor

The best thing about having an office or home office is that you can plan the interior design any way that suits you. Lighting can be dramatic or understated, as long as you can work in it. Consider a dimmer so that you can change the lighting to suit your needs. Artwork can be a powerful design statement. You can include family pictures, or your favorite prints, framed. You can choose the color of the walls, the style of rug or carpet, and how many plants that you would like to surround you as you work. Creating a complete design is important so try to write down your ideas before you go shopping. Although it may take some effort to find exactly what you want, your home office is the place where you will be spending a good amount of your time. Flip through design magazines or surf the internet for home office design ideas so that you can create a space that is not only work orientated but also one in which you truly feel proud and comfortable.

Design Development

In the design development phase, ideas are explored and tested. Office design ideas are narrowed down and considered according to budget and layout. Office design services have offered suggestions, their own budgets and ideas. Now comes the decision making. Remember your goals of increased productivity, image and safety. Organizing the office design begins with your inventory list, done in the pre-design, and the choices you have made about the interior office design. Research possible outlets, stores and companies from which you can purchase what you need. If you are on a budget, consider ordering from liquidation centers of design outlet stores.

Ordering

If you have followed the first two steps then your office design ideas are ready to come into being. It’s time for ordering. The web is an excellent place to do price comparison. Double check your inventories and amounts so that you are sure that you have everything that you will need. Sometimes companies will give a discount for big orders of office interior design furniture so be sure to ask if they will. Unless you are planning on picking up the equipment yourself, arrange for delivery and possibly installation.

Delivery and Installation

Here is where an office design service or good interior design company can make your life easier. Delivery and installation can be the toughest aspect to an office design or redesign. Make sure that you have plenty of help on hand and that your layout and design plans are always in arm’s reach. Hopefully the company that you ordered from will do most of the work and you can oversee your design ideas put into place.

Office Space Design

“Office”

A place in which business, clerical, or professional activities are conducted.

The administrative personnel, executives, or staff working in such a place.

A duty or function assigned to or assumed by someone. See Synonyms at function.

A position of authority, duty, or trust given to a person, as in a government or corporation: the office of vice president.

Due to the advent of laptops, cell phones and flat-screen monitors, our working spaces have more flexibility and freedom than ever before. Our spaces and the exploration of them can be much more mobile and agile, which should aim to inspire us to create great works and again, re-define our spaces.

Through nature, light, manufactured materials, furniture and creative interior designers we have the tools to shape our working world. This is the place that we spend most of our time and at least 5 days or 40 hours a week-more waking hours than anywhere else. Why shouldn’t we be inspired and energized by it?

We each construct a picture of what the definition of “home”, “office” and “space” means, but there is much more potential than what is initially realized. Along with practical information about designing an office, we hope to explore and re-define how this space can be used, what it means and most importantly how it can inspire you.

Office space design is not just about using office space in the best possible way. Good office design ideas can increase productivity, enhance a professional image and keep workers happy with comfortable and ergonomic office interior designs. Office design ideas can be found in books, magazines, the web, or you can simplify matters and hire an office design service that will do the work for you. Office design services are available virtually everywhere and they will take care of every step from the pre-design to delivery and installation. If you decide to do-it-yourself, then here are some tips that the professional Office Design Services use for their own projects and office design organizing.

Choose a Design

Does your work focus around computer or technology-based equipment? Do you do product-orientated work, arts, or drafting? Or will you need a good library or file cabinet for the financial or law work that you do? What you do for a living will determine the core idea of the design for your home office. What do you need to accomplish in this space? Answer this question and you can design a home office that meets your exact needs. The benefits to an individually designed space are multifold as you find everything you need within reach, encourage your productivity, and enjoy your surroundings as you accomplish your work.

Home Office Styles

Whether your home office is a separate room or a part of an existing space, you can create a home office design that is both functional and attractive. Your design ideas should include the basic materials that you will need to work from home but it is also essential to make your surroundings comfortable, professional and expressive of the work you do. You will find that you will work best in a space that makes you feel at ease. You will want to find lighting, colors and designs that strengthen the desire to work from home. The interior design of your home office can be broken down into layout, furniture and décor. But for any office, you must first you must plan carefully. It’s best to start with the layout.

Create a Layout

The basic strip layout is a good idea if you are starting small or from a shared space. A corner is another option for a shared room. Other layout options are an L-shaped area so that you are partially surrounded by your work or a U-shaped area so that everything you need encircles you. Storage space is an important factor in good home office design plans so make sure that your layout contains enough space to stay organized.

Identify a Focal Point

A focal point gives the eye a primary point of attraction so that it can naturally begin to take in the interior design of a room. This can be a desk, an office armoire, or even a structural part of the room like a fireplace. From this point the rest of the design can begin and be built around this centerpiece. You can always add on to your layout as your business grows. Make sure that this focal point isn’t too big because it will make the space seem smaller.

Whatever type of design plans you choose you can be sure that your needs will change as your business grows. Be sure to leave a little room for your plans to grow too. It is important to blend functionality with design style and aesthetics. Remember, a good work environment creates good work habits.

Decorating a Rental Home

Renting a home does not mean you are doomed to living in a space that does not reflect who you are. While the home owner may object to permanent changes, with a few tips you can turn your rental into a home that reflects your style.

As with any interior decorating project, the first step is to select a style and a simple color scheme. To help find your style, visit our design idea center where you can find sources of inspiration and learn about numerous design styles including Tuscan, Asian and Contemporary.

Decor

Most of the rentals have neutral colors that lend themselves to any style with the help of accents like rugs, lamps, curtains, throw pillows, and art. Large area rugs and small carpets can be hung up to add color to walls or used over tile or carpet to make a room look warm and cozy. If your landlords objecting to nailing things to the walls, use stand up mirrors and display photos and art on top of fireplace mantels, dressers and shelves. Candle votive holders, tabletop fountains, stylish vases can be used anywhere and can fit in homes of all sizes and styles.

In addition to providing privacy, curtains and shades provide a terrific medium for expressing creativity. They come in a wide variety of colors, materials and patterns and give a finished look to any style.

Furniture

Good quality furniture can last a lifetime, and purchases made for a rental home can be used in future homes. Select pieces and sets that fit your style. To break up monotony in a room, purchase a rare or unusual item to be used as a focal point.

Before shopping for furniture, take measurements. Measure your available space to determine optimal dimensions for furnishings. Next, measure your doorways and entry way to make sure furniture purchased can be brought in.

Decorating Tips to Make Your Kitchen Work for You

Forget the media room, the great room, or the backyard, it’s the kitchen that continues to be the family hub, the heart of the home for daily activity and entertaining. For this reason, the design of kitchen space should address how the room is used. Identifying how you like to cook, eat and entertain are important steps in creating an efficient kitchen space.

Whether you are building from the floor plan up or simply reorganizing, kitchen tools and space planning have the most powerful impact on a kitchen’s effectiveness.

According to Bob Azimi of Atlas Tile & Stone in Laguna Hills, Calif. “The best way to make your kitchen work for you is to consider how much time you will actually spend there, so that you can design your kitchen to fit your needs. The kitchen is the most popular room in the house and has the most traffic.”

The Kitchen Pro

Ask any chef and they’ll tell you that cooking with the right equipment makes all the difference. While a full kitchen overhaul can be costly, here are some ideas that blend functionality and fashion.

* Mix and match. It is perfectly acceptable to equip your kitchen with appliances you like, one by one. Most culinary experts do not choose an entire matching set of appliances from one manufacturer.

* Choose stainless steel fixtures and appliances because they work with any color palette are built for standard sizes so they are easily retrofitted to your space.

* Expand freezer space. If frozen dinners come flying out of the freezer door every time you open it, consider adding refrigeration or freezer drawers in your kitchen work island. These compact units can add as much as 30 to 40 percent more refrigeration and freezer space to a kitchen, making them fantastic kitchen space savers.

Conquering Space

Gadgets and small appliances can be very handy but tend to hog space. Consider these tips to manage clutter:

* Sinks with integrated accessories, i.e. integrated drain boards and colanders, are more efficient, stylish and eliminate kitchen clutter.

* Create more counter space by adding a small center island or rolling cart.

* Trade in your kitchen table for a bar-style counter and stools. They free up floor space.

* Get creative to better utilize deep cupboards and organize drawers.

Once you have your kitchen in order, it’s time to start thinking about decorating and bringing it up to date. Azimi said the most popular trend in kitchens today is contemporary.

“Antique bone seems to be a popular color and off white cabinets is another one,” he said.

Other popular choices are rich, deep woods and stainless steel appliances that give a modern ambiance. Indeed, today’s kitchen is truly the gathering spot for family and friends to share, celebrate and of course, eat!

Decorating Your Home Theater

With newly built homes containing more square footage than ever before, there is plenty of room for specialty dream spaces like home theaters. Even smaller homes can easily accommodate a modified, simple version of a home theater system. Once considered a luxury, such residential amenities are now within reach for the average homeowner.

Home Theater Essentials

Whether you just have room for a basic home theater system or you have a full-fledged home movie theater, the first consideration is the big screen. While this can be any large size television, many people choose to install a home projector theater. This type of system can be a front or rear projection model. Other options for an imposing big screen include flat plasma screens and high-definition television models (also called HDTV). The experts at your neighborhood home theater design store or electronics retailer can make suggestions about the best screen for your space and budget.

The second major component of a home theater system is the sound experience. A home projector theater or other big screen is usually enhanced with some form of surround sound setup. This essential home theater design element is another high-tech item which may require research and consultation with a specialist. In a nutshell, surround sound systems use multiple speakers tactically positioned throughout the home movie theater room. Some of the most popular sound systems are Dolby Pro-Logic which uses four speakers and Dolby Digital which includes an additional fifth speaker with subwoofer bass capability.

To keep the rest of the household nice and quiet, it’s a good idea to invest in adequate soundproofing. The optimum solution is to place soundproof panels inside the walls of the theater room. There are materials made specifically for soundproofing, but you can also choose less expensive, high density insulating materials. For example, installing pink insulation and extra drywall layers will reduce sound and vibration from traveling too far. Since sound moves through the air, make sure to seal all doors, cracks, and drywall seams with caulk or weather-stripping. Keep in mind that an upstairs home theater will require insulation or mass loaded vinyl on the floor, while a basement theater will call for soundproofing on the ceiling.

Home Theater Comfort

With all the technical elements in place, it’s time to focus on making the home theater design inviting and cozy. For a family room or living room, choose multifunction home theater furniture like couches with built-in recliners or snug chairs with ottomans. This arrangement will allow for comfortable movie viewing while also serving as a central family gathering space the rest of the time.

If you have a separate home entertainment room, then specialized home theater furniture is more appropriate. Typically upholstered in leather, home theater seats are stylish arm chairs with nifty features like cup holders and touch control screens. For the best screen visibility in a dedicated home movie theater space, arrange your home theater furniture in a large semicircle or in tiered rows using platform risers.

To make the most of viewing your home projector theater system, make sure that any windows are covered with light-blocking shades, blinds, or draperies. To further prevent glare issues in a home movie theater, you can also paint the walls a dark shade such as navy, purple, or hunter green. Another option is to upholster the theater walls with a richly colored fabric which will help control the room’s acoustics and luminosity level.

No home theater design would be complete without a few extra items. Consider adjustable lighting fixtures which can be dimmed for just the right atmosphere. For an authentic home movie theater experience, include some interesting movie posters and a popcorn machine. Home theater furniture can also be fitted with motion actuators or tactile transducers which pick up on bass frequencies and create an interactive shaking or moving sensation.