Apartment Interior Designs

Home Lighting

There are three basic types of lighting found in a house: ambient, task and accent lighting.

Ambient Lighting is commonly referred to as general lighting that makes a comfortable and visual environment, it enables one to move about easily and safely and defines the space. A basic floor lamp can be used in homes but there are some fixtures in the market that can as well be used to achieve this:

    * Torchiere lamps are fixtures to direct the light in the upward direction and generates soft and diffused light.
    * Wall Sconces are wall mounted light fixtures that provide a subtle background.
    * Spotlights are prevalently utilized for a beautiful looking walls and ceilings.
    * Can lights are installed in the small opening of ceilings that projects light downward. They also conserve space as they do not take too much space and are used in narrow spaced rooms such as bathrooms and spaces near the staircases.


Task Lighting functions by providing mostly concentrated light in the workspace, for reading, cooking or eating. It is required for this lighting to be glare-free and focused on specific area. Some light fixtures that achieve the purposes of Task Lighting are:

    * Table lamps are common fixtures for lighting that focus light directly where it is needed.
    * Wall Sconces, though can be used to provide general illumination, may as well be placed on either side of a mirror for shaving or combing inside a bathroom or bedroom.
    * Ceiling pendants or chandeliers may be installed in dining areas for eating purposes.


Accent Lighting makes something special visible, drawing in the eye and provides dramatic interest. It directs our focused to the lit area, these lights can appear to be three times as bright as ambient lights. Often used to highlight selected areas and items such as artworks, paintings or sculptural pieces.

    * Spotlights is a common lighting fixture for accent lighting.
    * Chandeliers may also be used in providing light that emphasizes particular objects on a room.

Modern Furniture

Interior Design: Choosing Patterns : How to Start Choosing Patterns

When selecting a pattern be aware how it will affect or complement the design of the room in the following ways

Choose a Pattern with the Right Mood

Large patterns offer a dramatic focal point while small patterns often provide a muted backdrop. All of this also depends on the color of the pattern and the contrast between the various colors in the pattern as color has such a big effect on mood. Greens add freshness. Blues have a cooling calming effect. Orange or red add excitment and drama.

Choose a Pattern with the Right Colors

Consider how the colors in the pattern will tie in with the rest of existing room (or the room you have planned). If you are starting from scratch you will have an easier time selecting a pattern and can use the colors in the patttern as the basis for your scheme.

Choose a Pattern with the Right Scale

Large patterns are dramatic and are better seen on a large surface where they can be viewed without too much interference from furniture. They tend to dominate a room and will make a small room seem smaller but they are very effective on a single wall or on a large area such as a bedcover or full-length curtains.

Small patterns work like muted colors and are better for small areas and for rooms with uneven walls and odd shapes. A room decorated completely in small patterns tends to look bland so it is good to contrast a large pattern and a smaller pattern which use similar colors.

Choose a Pattern with a Suitable Style

There are many types of patterns but they fall generally into the following groups:-

Florals

These range from chintz like patterns reminiscent of a country cottage to large scale over-sized flowers beloved of contemporary designers so there is a floral pattern to suit every room.

Stripes

Stripes may be dramatic wide stripes in two contrasting colors suitable in a formal room or multi-colored narrow stripes which add an informal fun element

Apartment Designs Photos

Small Apartment Design Ideas

Ten Tips for Small Spaces

•      Remove your interior doors (use curtains instead on closets and doors).

•     Replace your big refrigerator with a smaller, undercounter model. It's more than enough room.

•     Treat yourself to a really good, sturdy small vacuum (we love Meile).

•     Use track lighting aimed at walls to free up floor space and create an expansive feeling.

•     Install lighting inside closets so you can see what's in there. They will be easier to maintain and you will gain the feeling of more space.

•     Clean your windows often so that more light comes in and your view is not blocked.

•     Buy quality cookware, tableware, and linens. Small luxuries go a long way.

•     Go wireless, transfer all your music to your computer and sell your CDs!

•     Use full spectrum light bulbs to energize and enliven your home.

•    Have lots of dinner parties. People actually socialize better in small spaces. And, as an added bonus, apartment dwellers who entertain take better care of their homes.