ARE YOU AN UNDISCOVERED

INTERIOR DESIGNER?
PART 1

Concepts
&
Rules of Design

Contents
E-book Terms of
Use ..................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction .................................................................................................................
................. 3
Tools of the
Trade ......................................................................................................................... 7
Interior Design - Interior Decoration What are they
exactly?.................................................... 8
Planning, Design
Concepts ............................................................................................................ 9
Ergonomics and
Anthropometrics .............................................................................................. 11
Summary .....................................................................................................................
................ 14

Introduction
Are you fascinated by design?
Do you want to be an Interior designer, decorator or just decorate your
own home?
This series of ebooks describe through text and illustration whats required when
undertaking the profession of Interior Design and the elements of the interior design
project. It will help you get started on those renovations that you would love to do
but dont know where to start or if you so desire will educate you on whats involved
to undertake a career in interior design.
The e-books are divided up into specific sections of design elements, tools and
rooms. By reading the sections you will gain a very comprehensive insight into the
professional world of interior design and decoration. Concepts & Rules of Design,
Are you an Undiscovered Interior Designer? Part 1

Each area has introductory text as well as items of instruction and links to
allow you to discover the world of interior design and if its a subject that
you wish to know more about. Even professional designers will be able to
use this book as a tool for reference or as a refresher.
It seems that Interior Design is a complex subject that requires a huge amount of
skill and knowledge to undertake. Well, guess what? Thats entirely right but with
knowledge and direction on where to find that knowledge the professions intricacies
are shown to you.
In this ebook from interiordezine.com we will show you what you need to know to
the level that you want to go to. The information and resources contained within is
for the novice through to the professional with continual upgrades and
improvements.
If you have the flair to undertake a home makeover then its not necessary to be a
fully qualified designer.
For the more complex commercial or extensive domestic situations where you are
dealing with other peoples aspirations and money and are engaged professionally
and in business in this industry then you will need qualification and registration in
many states and countries.
You will find with this book that one size does not fit all and that you can take it to
any level that you want and we will show you how.

So what do you need?

Passion, determination and practice, but then of course you already have that and
that is why you are here reading this book!
Creative flair - Youve already got it so let us show you how to get it out into
practical applications.
A good knowledge of design and furniture history - a bit of reading into these
fascinating subjects and youll be hooked .
A vast subject that is part of the interior design industry, interior decoration is the
visually aesthetic side of interior design. Interior design includes the spatial
planning and the proportions of the room to make it aesthetically pleasing using
particular techniques (eg the golden mean), interior decoration more often than not
refers to color, texture, fabrics and furnishings.
To be an interior decorator requires a great deal of knowledge and skill especially
about color and furnishings and being fluent with what product is available on the
market..(read more)

The ability to demonstrate and draw your ideas so that the design can be
understood by a contractor and built - these are techniques easily learnt. (Click on
the graphic below to see how this was planned)
The ability to show how to get those ideas into product - simple systems and
how to form an instructional drawing.
A memory for products and finishes - You already have this it is just a matter of
expanding it in an organized fashion.
The knowledge of the steps to take a project from conception to completion we take care of that as you go as well as a summary. Concepts & Rules of Design,
Are you an Undiscovered Interior Designer? Part 1

Tools of the Trade

Within this book and through the links to its website (interiordezine.com) there is
the largest worldwide free educational resource for interior design and decoration.
There are over three thousand pages, examples, diagrams, photos, illustrations,
links, books, downloadable ebooks and forms, step-by-step processes on everything
about interior design and accompanying all of the information there are free online
educational courses on color, decorating and curtains (with a lot more to come).
This is added to regularly so keep using the books and the website resources and
subscribe to the newsletter and blog for the latest ideas and information. Often a
link will be inserted which is the word colored and underlined. Follow these for
comprehensive information, illustrated examples and downloadable forms tools and
resources
Your two guides are Chris and Lee Brown
Chris and Lee are both professional and qualified designers. While legally unable to
offer specific design advice online relating to a project if you have any queries about
the website and its resources please feel free to contact Chris and Lee, they can
answer some questions or show you where to look to find the answers.
To use this book, each area of skill required for Interiors is given an introduction and
then there are links back to www.interiordezine.com that explain and demonstrate
the subject further, as well as excerpts from the sites relating books or available
courses.
Dont forget there
Color ecourse
are free ecourses
on the website to
help you learn.
Using these will
help
you
understand
the
process
and
elements of the
design
industry
with ease in a step
by step method
and
concurrently
have the resources
of the websites
available at the
click of a mouse.
Just register for the
course and it will
be sent to your
email every few
days. Click here to
start and let the
course
complement your
reading.

ARE
YOU AN
UNDISC
OVERE
D
INTERI
OR
DESIGN
ER?
PART 3

Color
&
Lightin
g

This document is the

copyright of Dezine Holdings

Limited 2013, All Rights
Reserved
www.interiordezine.com
however distribution of it is

allowed and encouraged but it

must be done so in its entirety
and with all links intact. Not to
do so is in breach of the
copyright waiver granted by
Dezine Holdings Limited 2013
and www.interiordezine.com 2

E-book Terms
of Use
This book and its
contents
are
copyrighted
to
Dezine
Holdings
Ltd.
The use of this
book is governed
by Our Website
Terms of Use as
contained on our
website.
Without
limiting
the
application
of
those terms, the
following
provisions apply to
the use of all
books from this
website.
The use of these
books does not
imply the provision
of a contracted
architectural
or
building
consultancy
service to the user
except
where
specifically agreed
in writing.
Book users are
encouraged
to
seek
assistance
from
correctly
qualified
and
skilled
professionals and
trades
people
before undertaking
any design and/or
construction work.

Book users are

also encouraged to
check with their
local
regulatory
authority
to
determine current
standards
for
design
and/or
construction.
The
liability
of
Dezine
Holdings
Ltd is limited in
terms of the Our
Liability
provisions
contained in Our
Website Terms of
Use

Color
This is a topic that
the
Interior
Designer
and
Decorator
must
know inside out. It
is a core subject.
There can be no
shortcuts here and
as such our color
website on this
subject
is
very
extensive.
Interestingly color
is so important
that there have
been
many
systems developed
to
help
create
color schemes that
work however the
best
color
consultants have
the
eye
and
imagination to be
able
to
apply
different pallets to
different
clients.
One size does not
fit all and having
seen
many

designers stick to
their tried and true
scheme because a
new client loved
the last scheme
they did is Ok but
leads to a very
mundane
ability.
You will need to
build
an
understanding of
how colors work
together to create
successful
schemes.
There
are
numerous
factors
that
influence
your
decisions
and
understanding
most of the points
below will set you
on your way.
What color is
and why it affects
us so much. The
personal side of
Color, showing you
colors and their
meanings,
how
they
can
be
interpreted
and
used
to
evoke
mood.

Basic
color
theory and the
different systems.
free color ecourse
The color wheel
and how to use it.
How to use
colors to enhance
a plain room. get
color tips
How color gives
the appearance of
depth,
distance,
definition,
of
hiding things and
opposing

contrasts.
How color is
merely
a
wavelength in light
and the way light
actually works

Color
Meanings

The
following
graphics
represent the basic groups of
colors in the spectrum and
their properties and effects
on
mood
that
each
wavelength can have. Click
through to learn in depth
information for that color.
Red
Red Color Meanings
Red Color Schemes

PART 4

Construction, Fittings, Fixtures

& Services

E-book Terms of Use

This book and its contents are copyrighted to Dezine Holdings Ltd.
The use of this book is governed by Our Website Terms of Use as contained on our
website. Without limiting the application of those terms, the following provisions
apply to the use of all books from this website.
The use of these books does not imply the provision of a contracted architectural or
building consultancy service to the user except where specifically agreed in writing.
Book users are encouraged to seek assistance from correctly qualified and skilled
professionals and trades people before undertaking any design and/or construction
work.
Book users are also encouraged to check with their local regulatory authority to
determine current standards for design and/or construction.
The liability of Dezine Holdings Ltd is limited in terms of the Our Liability
provisions contained in Our Website Terms of Use Construction, Fittings, Fixtures
and Services, Are you an Undiscovered Interior Designer? Part 4

Contents
E-book Terms of
Use ..............................................................................................................................
.1
Construction ................................................................................................................
............................ 3
Materials and
Finishes ........................................................................................................................
.... 7
Materials and finishes for walls, ceilings and
floors. .......................................................................... 7
Carpet ..........................................................................................................................
........................ 8
Timber .........................................................................................................................
........................ 9
What is Wood or
Timber? ................................................................................................................... 9
Timbers, the types and what they are used
for. ............................................................................... 10
Ceramics ......................................................................................................................
...................... 10
Wall Finishes Paint ..........................................................................................................................
11
Paint
Effects ..........................................................................................................................
............ 12
Fittings, Fixtures and
Services ............................................................................................................... 14
Summary .....................................................................................................................
.......................... 16

Construction
While Interior Design and the creative flair are the fun parts that make the interior
aesthetics work, you still need a basic knowledge of how buildings and the items
inside them are held together. These are the nuts and bolts side of holding the
interior that you design together.
As with most things we see around us, you need to have a foundation to work from
and so it is with Interior Design. If you dont have the basics in construction and the
language that the building industry uses then it is like a table without legs. A step or
plinth rather than a table because the correct instruction hasnt got to the person
who builds it.
The construction techniques and principles will also help you formulate practical
ideas when designing. You can build or design almost anything, but some things
are more practical and economical than others and different techniques and
finishes can give the desired or similar effect without the cost being prohibitive.
It is up to you to decide on the constraints if any and work from that.
The funny thing about construction is that it has just a few simple principles but
numerous ways of achieving this, so it can be as simple or as complicated as you
want to make it.
For example. There are a number of factors that should be considered when dealing
with constructing something.
What it the item to do e.g. is it a Container? A Surface? Shelter? Support?

Therefore construction involves the following and a great deal more:

The basic forces that are in play on objects such as buildings and joinery
Forces
How building items are constructed such as, foundations, flooring, walls, ceilings
and roofs.
Framed members and structures
The composition of materials such as concrete, glass, fiberboards, timbers and
how these apply to different situations and why.
Glass
The trims applied inside a building relating in particular to an Interior Designer.

Wood
The principles behind staircases and what makes them appropriate for different
situations including basic rules for stair design.
Stairs
What joinery is, including cabinetry and doors and windows.
Windows
Why moisture is the buildings enemy and how in particular this relates to interior
design.

The above is a small part of the construction knowledge that helps make up a
competent Interior Designer and although it can be daunting, a one step at a time
method soon gets you underway to understanding construction and how this
knowledge is applied to the design and drawing that a designer produces. If you
dont know how it is built how can you expect others to be able to build it.
Basic Timber Framed House with a Concrete Floor Slab and Foundation

Materials and Finishes

Materials and finishes for walls, ceilings and floors.
This topic involves what materials to use and where. Be it paint, carpet or timber
veneers interior designers all have a vast knowledge of the products that are
available for the use in interiors. They know what to specify and where. Its a
fundamental body of knowledge that every designer has and it has to be right
because if it is specified into an inappropriate area and the product fails then the
finger will be pointed at you as the designer to fix it.
The Interior Designer builds an extensive knowledge of products that are traditional
as well as new, knowing which to use, and where and when to use them.
For example, types of floor coverings. When specifying a floor, considerations that
must be made are; what is available and what is appropriate for the particular
situation, as well as being aesthetically pleasing. This will include the construction
and wear factors so that you make an informed decision.

Carpet
Carpet is an important element in interior design and decoration. It is an expensive
item to purchase and it generally covers a large area of the home flooring. So
choosing the right carpet is imperative. Learn everything about carpet, ranging from
the products or yarns used, the types of construction of carpet, the different names
or carpet types and the underlay and types of installation available. There is also a
section on appearance pitfalls just a few things to consider when selecting carpets
for a project, commercial or residential. You should be able to find all you need to
know about carpets in the floor finishes section of the website, starting with how
carpet is constructed.
How carpet is constructed

It is important to understand the two main methods of carpet construction as it is a

large financial outlay for the client and they will have endless questions on
why Read More

Timber
What is Wood or Timber?

Understanding basic information about timber and wood for interior design and
decorating. We find out what is wood and timber?
What is Timber and Wood?
Which word to use? Timber or wood? I was taught that the easy way to remember
was that you put wood on the fire to burn and keep you warm and you use timber to
build things from. But I know that some people use the word wood for wooden
blinds, wooden floors, wooden furniture. So perhaps my definition is incorrect. Here
we will explain what wood and timber are.

There are over 6000 common names for various timbers worldwide and
approximately 2000 in everyday use. These are made up of 60 species of Pine, 20
species of Oak, and 40-50 species of Mahogany.
We class timber as:
Indigenous meaning native to a country.
Exotic native to a country but grown in another and imported, a timber which is
imported into a country in board form. Much more.

Timbers, the types and what they are used for.

Timber and Wood Boards used in Interior Decorating and Design
Find different types of wood boards definitions and their uses in home interior
decorating and design.
Plywood
Plywood is stronger and more dimensionally stable than timber of the same
thickness. That is because it is constructed by gluing an odd number of sheets of
veneer with the grain of adjacent sheets at right angles to each other. This provides
stiffness and reduces the amount of moisture movement in the timber. 3 Ply is the
most economical and most readily available ply. In the US it was known as
veneered stock. It comes in many grades, interior, moisture resistant..more

Ceramics

Tiles and Clay Based Flooring Finishes

Brick and Brick Paviours
Bricks are made from clay, which is formed into shapes and dried in a kiln. Paviours
are made in a similar fashion but they are thinner and often have special finishes on
the surface. They are both hard-wearing and chemical resistant. They are laid on a
bed of mortar.

Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are made from clay, pressed and tempered into the required shape
and size and fired at high temperature. They are available in a vast range of colors;
sizes and some have textural designs on the surface.more

Wall Finishes - Paint

Paint, what it is made of and where to use the different types?
Paints are thin coatings applied to surfaces in a liquid form. They dry and become
flexible solids. They have many uses, the protection of the surface from sunlight,
dampness, dust, abrasion, and weathering.
They provide easily cleanable surfaces that help keep the substrates clean and tidy.
They can alter the interior by the use of color, light.

Paint Effects
Paint Effects, the different types of paint effect can be endless covering anything
from sponging to graining and 3 dimensional effects. Types of paint effects for
decorating home interiors are almost endless and applied correctly can save a great
deal of money rather than using the real thing. Paint effects started thousands of
years ago and there are examples marbling used in Rome as real marble to all the
walls was cost prohibitive for some households.
Here is a brief definition of the different types of paint effects available to interior
designers. They are useful tools for adding extra flair to an interior. Understanding
what the different types of paint effects are allows you to be able to specify to your
painter what type of look you want and because you know how to achieve that look
you will also be able to specify the colors and process for it to be done.
Lacquering (Japanning)
Lacquering is the layering of numerous coats of varnish, sanding in between coats.
This creates a smooth lustrous effect. The original technique came from Eastern
cultures and the sap of the Lac tree was used. It is popular for use on furniture and
can be used on walls.
Crackle-Glaze
Crackle-Glaze imitates old peeling paint and provides a cobweb look. The crackle
glaze is applied between two water based coats of differing colors. This then
produces a series of cracks on the top layer and exposes the base coat color
underneathmore
The finishes and materials available in todays interior design and decoration is
extensive and to select the finishes or products requires vast knowledge and more
importantly where to gain or access that knowledge. The internet is a huge help
nowadays but the designer still needs to know what to look for amongst the design
parameters set.

Try and count how many different materials are used in this picture
Selecting product, as discussed requires accessing the products performance
capabilities. The following items should be considered:
Economic and budgetary issues. Does the budget allow for the initial purchase
cost of the material as well as the installation? Does the product require long-term
maintenance, which may impact on the weekly household budget?
Durability considerations. Will the product withstand daily wear and tear water
spillage, foot traffic, pets, and children with artistic flair, furniture movement? Is the
product able to be easily maintained? Is it easily broken, or scratched, prone to
changing temperatures?
Safety issues. Is it slippery when wet (flooring)? Is it a fire hazard? Does it have
hard or sharp edges? Does it provide a surface for glare? I.e. is it highly polished
and reflective. Is the product dull and dark and impede vision without the lights on?
Comfort and Aesthetic considerations. Does it look great? Does it fit in with your
scheme, texturally, color wise, patterned items? Does it meet the acoustic and
thermal insulation requirements of the local building authority? Do the tactile
properties live up to the look? I.e. is it soft to touch, silky to run your fingers over, or
cool underfoot?
Keeping all these items in mind, read on to have your interior finishes and product
knowledge increased. A way to remember the product and its properties and
functions is to consider where you would put each and why as you read along.
There are so many more varieties of these products becoming available on a daily
basis, so it is important to keep up to date with what is available in the marketplace
in your area. In our practice, we have sales representatives who call on us and keep
us up to date with new products. If you are working for yourself or are simply
tackling your own home then Im sorry but you have to do the legwork and go and
visit the stores and see what is available.

You will know the basic understanding of what you are looking for and all the criteria
that the product must live up to. You can now enter a store and save time by ruling
out all the materials that dont fit into what you want. If there is something that
looks good and you dont know anything about it ASK! That is the best way to
keep learning and keep your materials and product knowledge up to date.
Remember the sales people are there to sell to you, they also need to educate you
to be able to understand their products and materials and how they could work in
the environment that you are proposing them. You may find that they are not what
you want, that doesnt matter as you have been through the exercise, have gained
some knew knowledge and in future you will know where to go to get that product.
If you are just beginning, this whole process can be a little overwhelming.
Take a notebook and write down where you are, what products they have, what
brands, note the service (if you receive good service that can save a lot of time later
on when ordering product and following up etc), think about any jobs you have on,
any products that may be suitable, or simply use this as your reference manual until
you get fluent with where to go and who has what! You will find that you like some
people to deal with rather that others, this is good as Interior Design and Decorating
is about forming relationships, first with your client, then with your suppliers and
contractors, to ensure you get a successful result.
To conclude, dont be afraid to ask questions, it is the only way to learn! Do you
think doctors read the manual and jump in to treating patients without asking
questions from those around them with more experience NO, they take years even
after graduating to be let loose on their own! So dont be shy.

Fittings, Fixtures and Services

The interior trim of a building is where the detail is. This area of design is part of the
make or break input into the design. Here you find many skimp on the detail and
what could have been a fabulous interior is reduced to a plain and mundane item.
This topic is about specifying the correct fitting, choosing it by aesthetics aswell as
practicality and how the fitting works.
It is important to know what you are talking about when dealing with the client or
with tradesmen. To speak with authority on this and make sure the fitting is correct
is vital for the interior to work.
How often have you seen an item of hardware and not been able to describe it
accurately to a sales person or product rep. For example with hardware an
escutcheon plate, which is common in every building, is something we take for
granted, but when it is not used it makes the item look unfinished and dreadful. An
escutcheon plate is a simple (usually) metal surround that adds the finish to a hole
in the door, ie key hole or other area that the bolt of a door bolt slides into. Maybe
you knew this or didnt, however as an Interior Designer these simple items have to
be chosen and specified.

Other areas that are part of the hardware of an interior are listed below, so use
these links for a more comprehensive look at particular items and their uses. Door
locks and Hinges
Door Hardware
You also have to know about the trims that finish an interior either for a modern or
traditional look. These may include items such as:
Skirtings, baseboards, cornices, architraves, dados, picture rails, pelmets. Their
definitions and uses are found at the following link: Wood moldings
Fixing Systems. How things are held together for example what fixings to use

where such as the correct screw or bolt.

Electrical Fittings. The types and their uses in an interior.
Electricity. What it really is and what a designer should know about it.
Plumbing

Fittings. The basics of a plumbing system, the fittings and what to use

where.
Bathroom

Fittings. The internal items required in the bathroom. Designers have to

become quite personal with their clients and must be able to advise on everything
in the interior.
An excerpt from interiordezine.com bathrooms and basins below:
Types of Basins. A basin may be set into joinery; wall hung or be self-set on a
pedestal. The basin set into joinery may be recessed or semi recessed. All these
types of installation have their practical uses and vary in size and cost. Other
constraints or attributes that a designer should be aware of when specifying a basin
are the type of tap and spout fitting to be used.
Are they separate or integral?
Is an over flow feature required?
Is there space for soap, brushes, towels etc. or are they held elsewhere?

Never forget the color and the style (modern or traditional), as this is not only
paramount to your scheme but also will hide or show dirt.
There are many sizes of basins and their use is of course the determining factor. The
sizes displayed here should be remembered when planning. For example a basin
inside the room in which the toilet is housed may only be required to wash hands
and the room may be very small, so the size is very constrained. An average size
may be only 250 mm deep and 450 mm wide.
The fittings within a home are endless and the client will rely upon your skill and
professionalism to get the correct choices and advise on them

Summary
This was a selection of information about construction, fittings, fixtures and finishes
we hope that you now have some insight into the life of an interior designer.
Please take advantage of the other ebooks and ecourses available.

Curtains
&
Soft Furnishings

E-book Terms of Use

This book and its contents are copyrighted to Dezine Holdings Ltd.
The use of this book is governed by Our Website Terms of Use as contained on our
website. Without limiting the application of those terms, the following provisions
apply to the use of all books from this website.
The use of these books does not imply the provision of a contracted architectural or
building consultancy service to the user except where specifically agreed in writing.
Book users are encouraged to seek assistance from correctly qualified and skilled
professionals and trades people before undertaking any design and/or construction
work.
Book users are also encouraged to check with their local regulatory authority to
determine current standards for design and/or construction.
The liability of Dezine Holdings Ltd is limited in terms of the Our Liability
provisions contained in Our Website Terms of Use

Contents
E-book Terms of
Use ..............................................................................................................................
.2
Introduction .................................................................................................................
........................... 4
Discover Curtains Types, Styles, Design Ideas, and
Photos ............................................................. 4
Traditional
Upholstery ...................................................................................................................
..... 6
Modern
Upholstery ...................................................................................................................
.......... 7
Curtain
Accessories ..................................................................................................................
........... 8
Tie
Backs ...........................................................................................................................
................... 8
Curtain
Articles ........................................................................................................................
............ 9
Curtain Photos & Curtain
Ideas ......................................................................................................... 10
Free Curtain
Ecourse ........................................................................................................................
. 12
Types of
Curtains........................................................................................................................
....... 13
Summary .....................................................................................................................
.......................... 14

Introduction
Curtains and soft furnishing is a fascinating topic which adds the texture, softness
and finishing touches to the decoration of a room.

Discover Curtains Types, Styles, Design Ideas, and Photos

We all know that curtains keep out the light, keep in the warmth and add privacy
but the very fact that they come in many types of fabrics designs and textures
makes them one of the most simple way of redesigning a room. Curtains help
provide a soft warm environment as well as creating color, pattern and texture for
your home window treatment.
There are so many options and choices of fabrics, tracks, rods, styles and headings
for drapery that we often dont know where to start looking to work out which
curtain type will best suit the windows in our home and this can become confusing
often causing us to give up before we even get started.

At curtains.interiordezine.com you can begin learning about curtain design, drapes

and panels. Whether it is for modern, contemporary, themed or traditional styles,
we have curtain photos to give ideas for you to make well considered interior
decoration choices. We provide you with all the education that you need for free.
This topic requires that you have a basic knowledge of the following points:
Knowledge of the types of fabrics available and the ability to recognize them.
Click here

 An understanding of yarns and fibers, the different types available and how they
are classified.

How fabric is made, recognize different types of weave and what they are used
for.

 Ways to decorate textiles or fabrics, from dye, printing and the weave.

Have a concept of the numerous fabrics and textiles available on the market and
what they can be used for.

 The different types of curtains (drapes), how they are made, headings, linings,
accessories and how to hang them

The different types of window treatments available, and where they are used.

 Recognize which window treatment best suits different situations.

Be able to select fabric for a use understanding all the factors required to make it
a successful choice.

 Recognize the different types of windows and have sound solutions for how to
decorate them effectively.

Have knowledge of decorative finishes and when to use them.

 How to select upholstery fabric to ensure you get good performance.

Have a trained eye for color, texture, pattern, tone and balance.

The topics that the Interior Designer covers are wide and as specialized as fabrics
are; they are one of the main items used inside a building. Fabrics have the ability
to instantly change the appearance and perception of an item such as a wall, chair
or bedroom, so it is essential that the Interior Designer has a competent working
knowledge of what the fabric is, the construction, properties and where to use it.
Upholstery is the padding or cushioning and covering of an item of furniture. The
main aims are to provide comfort to the furniture and aid in the overall shape and
form of the piece.
A traditionally upholstered chair and footstool

Traditional Upholstery
Traditional methods for covering seating were to start with a timber frame. Webbing
was then interlaced and stretched over the base of the seat frame and steel coil
springs were stitched to each intersection of webbing and attached with cord at the
top. Then a layer of horsehair or coir fiber filling evenly spread followed by a
Hessian covering. It was then finished with a layer of hide (e.g. leather) or a woven
fabric. This combination provided great comfort to a chair. The process for more
utilitarian upholstery was to omit the springs and use a thick layer of the filling.

Traditional Upholstery Base

Modern Upholstery
With the introduction of mass-produced furniture the more traditional form of
upholstery has been superseded making use of advances in product and material
development as well as revolutionary machinery.
The simplified version today used for seating is perforated plywood or MDF board as
the base attached to a timber frame (or metal or laminated ply, the list goes on) a
synthetic foam or latex is used as the cushioning followed by a covering of fabric. In
which there is now and endless choice of composition, from leather to polyolefin
from hemp to silk.
The bed shown above has full upholstery but is it boring? How could it be
changed?

The bedroom above lacks a focal point, it lacks color, pattern and texture or good
combinations of these and it could quite easily look better as it already has such a
wonderful upholstered velvet scroll top bed.
The side table and chairs look too small in the space, they are ornate and need to
be replaced with one large velvet upholstered armchair. The bedding looks
unfinished. This velvet covered bed needs an equally opulent bed covering, not a
simple white cotton quilt. A silk bedspread with stripes, a heavy brocade or a large
jacquard fabric, something that adds ..read more

Curtain Accessories
No decorative interior window treatment is complete without a tie back, hold back
or a tassel or two. Find out what decorative curtain accessories are and when to use
them, they could help you create a stylish designer window.
Valances come in many forms and combined with a tassel fringe or lace can make a
window look more dramatic.
Scarf drapery is a simple, often a little sew way to dress up a window treatment,
these look great with beaded trim, or a picot braid.
Most important is curtain tracks or rods, without these we couldnt hang up your
curtains! They add a decorative element to a room and can enhance a style or
theme of interior decoration.

Tie Backs

Tie backs are a practical and decorative accessory. They are used to hold back the
curtain from the window. Tie backs are a simple way to introduce fun and drama
into an interior, there are so.

Curtain Articles
Following these links will take you to a wealth of curtain information and articles
The Ins and Outs of Curtains
There are only a few simple rules to follow here; the length of the hung curtain
should be? read about the simple curtain rules
New articles on curtains.
Are you Searching for Unique Window Treatment Ideas?
Find your inner self with Window Treatment Ideas
Window Treatment ideas for your living room.

Curtain Photos & Curtain Ideas

These curtain photos will further explain the types of curtains, styles of curtains and
provides ideas for bedrooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
Learning about curtains and drapery is made easier by looking at photographs in
conjunction with yoursee more
Sheers on a French pleat head with a decorative rod. They gently diffuse the light
and create a formal backdrop for the freestanding bath.

Colored Sheers with angled leading edge, soft and subtle, gently cover the window
and create a warm glow of natural light in the bathroom.
Scarf drapery over a decorative rod with a trim on both edges of the fabric, the side
drape has used a tie back to create a pouf in the curtain. This Grecian Themed
bathroom

Free Curtain Ecourse

Find out what is involved in this free curtain design and drapery ecourse here.
Curtains are a major part of home interior decoration and design, so it is vital you
gain these skills as an interior decorator or designer. (You may have already
participated in the free interior decorating ecourse, these are additional skills for
you to use as an interior designer or decorator).
With this ecourse you will learn how to take a client brief, how to decide on which
style of drapery you need, how to deal with unusual window shapes, the basics on
how to hang curtains with tracks and rods, the type of headings, choosing fabrics
and how to tie in your design with the remainder of your interior color scheme

Types of Curtains
There are so many different ways to decorate a window. Here is a selection of the
different curtain styles and types. These will give you ideas on what type of curtain
style to use for your window decoration.
Decorative Curtains Curtain Valance
This is a deep frill of fabric at the top of a..more
Tab top curtain on decorative rod with finial

Summary
This was a selection of information about curtains and soft furnishings we hope
that you now have some insight into the life of an interior designer. Please take
advantage of the other ebooks and ecourses available.