Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Design: 8 Steps to Follow for a Successful…

Like any project that involves money, you need a budget or at least a range before you start. Do some research or bring in the experts  – an interior designer, contractor/builder, and/or architect – to give an estimated investment.

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Interior design by Karen Mills/Photography by 29 Pixels, LLC
  1. Decide on a design style or mix of styles that will flow with your architecture and existing furnishings you will be re purposing.   As an interior designer in Kansas City, I always suggest clients select several photos of room designs they like and make sure any spouse or significant other involved agrees.

 

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 2. Determine your color scheme ensuring it coordinates with adjoining rooms and any                   existing furnishings to be used in the interior design.   If you have no idea, take a look in               your closet to see what colors you’re drawn too or pull colors out of an inspiration piece               such as art, a rug, or fabric.

  3. Create a floor plan so you know what fits in your space and the sizes you need.   To do that       go online and use space planning software or get an expert to help.

  4.  Set a timetable.   At this point you might want to bring in an expert – interior designer                  and/or contractor/builder- to review your design plan/timetable because investing a                      few dollars for a master plan and viable timetable can help avoid thousands of dollars in              costly mistakes from bad decisions or huge delays.    

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Interior design by Karen Mills. Photo by 29 Pixels, LLC

5. Design and order custom furniture and any built in cabinetry after consulting with your        interior designer or tradespeople if you’re managing the project yourself.    At this point all          custom designs need to be finalized and ordered.   In addition permits need to be pulled for        construction.

6.  Select and order all plumbing, flooring, tile, and general lighting needed.

Karen Mills' blog
Interior design by Karen Mills/ Photo by 29 Pixels, LLC

7.  Design any custom draperies, bedding, rugs, wall/floor/ceiling finishes, or pillows                 needed along with choosing hard window coverings, light fixtures, and any ready                 made furnishings.    Then order.

8.  Purchase artwork, hardware pulls, lamps, and all other furnishings needed.

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Interior Design/Interior Decorating

Interior Decorating: Fabulous New Finds in Chairs

 

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Courtesy of Lee Industries

Ready to see what’s new or fun in chairs from the interior design industry?  Here are some of my favorites that are starting to make an appearance or already have.

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Courtesy of Lexington furniture

Love how the embossed leather is juxtaposed against the shiny metallic arms to create a “wow” look.

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Elka chair by Bernhardt furniture

This Elka chair looks so inviting and could fit in a wide range of design styles, making it a popular choice for interior designers.

Alexandra chair by Hickory furniture
Alexandra chair by Hickory furniture

When I saw this Alexandra chair I just made me smile because its so feminine and light.  Plus I love the quatrofoil design in the back that’s commonly described as Moroccan style.

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Dixon arm chair by Century furniture

How beautiful are the lines in this Dixon chair with arms that almost feel like they’re trying to hug you?

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Barrington chair by Dunn

Love how much style is in the Barrington chair by Dunn.  Amazing how a simple wood chair can have such a feminine edge to it by introducing sexy slim legs and a thin profile seat.

For more great trends and photos sign up for our interior design blog here

Plus become a fan of Kansas City’s interior designer and former host of Living Large design show, Karen Mills, on Facebook here