Downloadable and Printable Work Sheets for Interior Design Projects


As an interior designer who needs to run a day-to-day business, books play an essential role. Sketchbooks, planners, project site workbooks, logbooks, mood and ambience books, drawing books, etc. It's the nature of the profession. Books. Books. Books! 

But:
  • Are you NOT tired of stiff paperback spines that never flatten when opened?
  • Do you NOT find it annoying whenever you attempt to (forcefully) open a book flat, damaging its spine irrevocably?
  • Would you NOT like to find ways to avoid (or prevent) these bothersome book-opening issues?

If you feel this way about your paperbacks (and hardcovers are pricier anyway) like sketchbooks, journals, workbooks, and industry-specific notebooks, the following alternatives are for you.

What Are the Benefits of These Alternatives?

  1. For starters, this system works out cheaper.
  2. It ensures you can open pages wide and flat against a surface.
  3. You can fold your pages over without ripping a spine.
  4. Flipping through pages is a breeze.
  5. You will work better and quicker on your pages.
  6. You will write and sketch effortlessly, even without a surface/table.

Interior Design Downloadable and Printable Templates


These are the alternatives to paperback books. You can download and print a whole book, a few pages, or a couple of sheets. You can then bind them any way you wish, using any of the following:
  • Ring binders.
  • Spiral binders.
  • Plastic Comb binders.
  • Wire binders.
From checklist pages to a 120-page interior design project journal with project documentation, client data, worksheets, sketch pages, and mood and vision pages, printable worksheets will keep your projects organized systematically and professionally.


 

Digital Downloads Are Worth the Tiny Investment


A beginner designer, freelancer, or one who's been practising for many years needs these printables for the smooth running of their interior design business. And the great thing about them? They are so inexpensive at less than a dollar per client, per project!

It's a worthwhile investment. Think about it.


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African-Themed Ethnic-Style Interior Design Idea

African-styled ethnic interior design in modern-day home styling is often associated with exotic interiors. The style is embraced by creative and artsy people who love ideas that make them stand out "from the crowd".

An ethnic-style interior setting.
(Image used under license from 123rf.com)

Ethnic interiors are associated with bold patterns, textures, vivid earth tones, unusual forms, artwork, and some eccentricity.

Many believe ethnic designs are tribal. While many more think tribal designs connote ethnicity. They are all right in many ways. How? The ethnic decor is a beautiful mix of tribe, tradition, art, nature, and the elements.

How to Transform a Room Into an Ethnic Haven


Transforming an interior space into a stylishly-ethnic haven from scratch is simple. It is fun to put together because there are no rules per se, only three basic requirements typical of the theme.

  1. Natural (plants, jute, clay).
  2. Traditional (wood, fabrics, furniture).
  3. Art (carvings, sculptures, local art, handmade crafts, animal prints).

The requirements reflect the African cultural identity and traditions.

Assuming you already have the basic furniture all set in place: sofa, coffee table, armchair, side tables, dining set, etc., add some of the listed to enhance or upgrade the space to an ethnic-styled interior:

  • African tribal mask (one large piece or a group of three smaller ones).
  • Wall-hung talking drum.
  • Handwoven rug with a tribal pattern.
  • Large floor pillows (for sofa) - a mix of plain textured fabrics and African prints.
  • Leather pouffes (footstools).
  • Planters (terracotta, rattan, handwoven baskets).
  • Display wood carvings, stone sculptures, and other small-size artefacts on surfaces (tables, stands, floating shelves).
  • Faux animal skin throws.
  • Large brass, copper, or clay urns.
  • Lampshades (made from local Ankara or loom-woven fabrics).

Bedroom design with a touch of ethnic.
(Image used under license from 123rf.com)

If the room is already styled contemporary (or modern), you can add tribal accents and complements. Add at least five items to create an aesthetically pleasing ethnic interior decor. This type of mix with a modern style works best for most.

Going totally ethnic may end up looking consuming and overwhelming. But there is no rule against going the whole nine yards. Some like it that way.


African-Inspired Home Decor (Video)





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Do You Live in a One-Bedroom Apartment? Here are 5 Quick Interior Upgrade Ideas

Some residents living in one-bedroom apartments do get tired of the same interior arrangement, year in and year out. Why? Because the apartment is small and the movement path is short (just between the living spaces and bedroom), it soon gets uninteresting.

Feature wall and a study desk for a small apartment.
(Image used under license from 123rf.com)

When you start to feel this way, it is time for a quick and affordable interior upgrade. So, how can you achieve this fast and easy without spending more than a few dollars? Here are five ways how:

1, Foliage


Adding potted plants to a room brings the outdoors into an interior space. You can use either natural or faux plants. If you have good natural light filtering into the space, go for natural foliage. And for a living area that lacks much natural lighting, faux plants are best. Place a large potted plant in a conspicuous corner of the room. Add smaller or ornamental plants on shelves, mantelpieces, windowsills, and other available surfaces.

A large plant positioned beautifully.
(Image used under license from iStockphoto.com)

2, Area rug


If you can, invest in a new floor rug. Put a small console by the entrance and add a small-sized runner rug in front. A new, colourfully textured rug can have just as much of an impact on the space as a new sofa will. Alternatively, you can place the rug between the living and dining zones. It will visually separate both areas.

3, Change furniture around


Swap around furniture and decor elements instead of buying new items. For instance, you can switch the bedroom rug with your current living room rug. You can also bring the accent chair from the bedroom to the living room and replace it with one of the armchairs from the seating area. That is two room upgrades for zero dollars.

4, Window art


Window art will transform any interior space, making the room appear like you are looking at some beautiful scenic view through your window. View a garden, a patio pool, a seascape, or a mountainous landscape with window decals. This change works well if you have a miserable view from the inside.

5, Create a feature wall


Never underestimate the transformative powers of framed pictures, illustrations, and paintings. Choose a wall as the room's focal point and turn it into a picture gallery. Paint the wall a different colour from the others. Paint is cheap, fast to apply, and very effective. Since you are painting only one wall, invest in a colour that works fabulously with the rest of the interior.

Do-It-Yourself Project


All in all, these five tasks are doable in an hour or thereabouts. You can do them one evening after work, or on a weekend.

And money spent? It will always depend on you.

For instance, you may wish to splash out on the area rug. Or you may decide to splurge on potted plants or a striking floor lamp.

The idea behind this post, however, is to help you achieve a fast, easy, and affordable way to upgrade your interior when you start to get tired of its looks.



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Before You Design Interior Spaces, Do This Important Thing First

Before interior designers begin to create a concept and prepare preliminary drawings, they must first decide on a theme. The professionals know a good design starts with a theme. 

The style of choice can range from minimalist to elegant country, eclectic, contemporary, ethnic, Art Deco, traditional, feng shui, etc. Once this is ascertained, the interior design process can begin.


A living room theme.

A stylish theme for a living area. (Image used under license from 123rf.com)

They then begin the technical aspect: sketch floor plans, elevations, furniture placements and 3D representations. Furnishing, finishes, and other elements are noted.

But if you plan to upgrade a space or give your interior a makeover, employing the services of a professional interior designer is pricey and in many instances, unnecessary. Why? Because you can do a lot of the tasks required, yourself. You don’t need professional skills to apply clever and transforming interior design tricks.

Choosing a Theme

You should pick a theme with a lot of thought. But the good thing? There are no rigid rules concerning choices.
  1. Do you live alone or live with a partner?
  2. Do you have young kids still scampering around?
  3. Is your home full of occupants?
  4. Are you ready to ensure that you can maintain the aesthetics of the style?
If you have a sense of designing and decorating, then, go ahead and create a unique theme; a mix of the old and new works great. Combine no more than two themes (except for eclectic styling). Anything above that will be an overkill. But make one more dominant over the other. 

For example, a dominant modern theme with splashes of vintage-inspired elements will give a striking look. You'll love the nobody-else-has-this-style feel.

Plan to use elements that'll enhance your theme. Think finishes (floor, walls, and ceiling), colour scheme, artwork, textiles, patterns, and textures. There are also window treatments, lighting, and decor items that translate the theme perfectly.

Hire an Interior Designer or DIY?

After you've decided on a theme and (importantly) your colour scheme, you can begin your upgrade/makeover project. A good thing, we now live in a DIY era, so you can be your own interior designer and save tons of money.

Of course, there are certain tasks you cannot implement without contractors. For instance, if your upgrade requires some wiring, you need a licensed electrician. And if it involves a kitchen upgrade, you'll need a licensed plumber. You may hire one from your local home improvement store. 

Work at your own pace. Know what you can do and hire someone to do what you can’t. And if you don’t have that lump sum of money available, you can do your interior design work in phases.

7 Timeless Themes for Your Home (Video)





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7 Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen
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Looking for a Creative Headboard Idea? Use a Statement Piece as Your Bedhead.

Using decorative metal (or wood) art is another creative headboard idea.
Using decorative metal (or wood) art is another creative headboard idea. 
(Image created by viryabo@polyvore)


Would you like to own an impressive headboard without breaking the bank? A statement piece that ups your bedroom aesthetics and creates a focal point for the room?

Today, the average cost of a not-so-great headboard can run into hundreds of dollars. Nothing eye-catching or unique either. Just some plain old wood (or upholstered) bedhead style.

Now, let's talk modern, abstract, and creative, something artsy and conversational - metal art headboard.

This may be more expensive than using drapes, decals, or upholstered panels but it'll give you a fantastic dramatic look.

Metal art ideas range from simple wirework and rod configurations to intricately sculptured sheet metal artworks. It can be installed on the wall above the bedhead position at least 18 inches above the mattress.

If you have an eye and feel for design, browse online shops (eBay, Amazon) garage sales, or local (flea) markets. You'll be pleasantly surprised to see cheap/affordable finds you can improvise and turn into headboard features.
 

Tips
  • Allow the artwork to span the bedhead and bedside cabinet positions.
  • Use abstract or free-form designs to create art forms.
  • For a distinctive look, use metal-framework with shatter-proof mirror insets.


(This blog post is culled from an originally published article by the author on Discover.HubPages in 2013) 

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