Harmony in Interior Design and Decorating

In interior design and decorating a home, harmony can be defined many ways with words. It can mean agreement, unity, flow, cohesiveness. But beyond any word you choose to describe harmony, it is in the end how the space makes you feel when you are in it. Following are two main points to think about so you room will feel harmonious.

Unity and Variety need to be combined with just the right balance to be aesthetically and visually compatible. Unity can be achieved by repetition and/or similarity of parts. . For example, lines you see in the architecture of your home could be a repeated in some of the major pieces of furniture to maintain the integrity of the architecture and as a result, unify the look.
The same would hold true about accessories and art that echo the style and colors of the furnishings and solidify the uniformity. Good design will balance unity and variety for harmony.

Even when choosing wall colors for your home, harmony is important. One color can often be boring and monotonous. Having a variety of wall colors that are chosen so the flow one to the other will and placing them on the walls so they complement their surroundings and architecture is so important in creating harmony in your home.

After many years of experience in interior design, one of the top design mistakes I see is lack of harmony in client’s spaces. Whether it is helping clients choose wall colors or furinture or window coverings, harmony is important in making you feel good in your space. Give us a call and we will be happy to help you create harmony in your home.
Anita Thompson…. Interior Spaces… 503-692-6077 Visit our website for more information.

Top Trends in Decorating Today

We are looking for a respite from an increasingly chaotic world. We want homes that are comfortable, relaxing, healthy and safe, but also reflect your personality. At Interior Spaces in Portland Oregon, our goal is to help you make your home not only function well, but also be aesthetically pleasing. Following are some top trends we have noticed that our clients request in decorating their homes.

Color and Light Can Change Everything…

It is a scientifically proven fact that light affects our health and color affects our mood. It is no wonder that getting the right colors on the walls is a top trend in the design of home interiors. Windows have been described as the house’s eyes to the world. Because of this trend, window coverings are no longer the standard mini blinds that we have seen in the past. Good interior design will incorporate not only the right selection and placement of color on the walls, but also the appropriate window coverings your home. There are so many options of fabrics and styles it can become overwhelming. A professional decorator can help you pull color and light together.

Serenity Reigns Supreme…

“Spa” and “zen” have become buzzwords associated with the home. Communications are instant, travel is frequent, and economies are connected. We are citizens of a global village and our homes reflect that. Rooms or wardrobes that feature only one style or place of origin seem as out of date as last week’s headlines. How to combine different styles and colors can be a home owner’s nightmare. But getting a professional interior master plan in color and furniture layout can make all the difference in the way your home feels to you. That's our speciality at Interior Spaces, a full interior design and decorating firm in the Tualatin, Tigard, West Linn, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Wilsonville Oregon area plus Vancouver Washington.

The Healthy House…

Going “green” in our private homes is just as important as the environment. One of the top trends today is analyzing how interior furnishings and finishes are affecting our health. From what carpet you choose, to what pillow you sleep on, it is important to know what chemicals and fibers are treated and how it can affect you health. Because of this there also is an increasing trend to bring nature indoors and into our interior decorating. From natural fibers, natural woods, the earth toned color trend have become the new modern! Hiring a professional interior designer with this expertise can help you choose finishes and furnishings for you home that will bring health and happiness to your home.

Give Anita at Interior Spaces a call at 503-692-6077 to set up an appointment. Or visit us on the web at http://www.portlandinteriordesign.com/

Recall information on Roman Shades, Roll Up Blinds

Check out this new Video from Window Covering Safety Council on Vimeo regarding child safety

Recently the media has given a lot of attention to the recall on roman shades and roller shade blinds for your windows.  This is especially important in children's rooms or play areas.  However, with the new products that window covering companies now have it is important to consider them when retrofitting or putting new window coverings in your home.   The following link is to information regarding the Window Covering Safety Council and it's recommendations.

Here is our recommendation... buy from a company that for years has been concerned with making window fashions safe for homes with infants, young children and pets has always been a top priority... Hunter Douglas. They specifically address concerns that have recently surfaced about the safety of roman shades and roll-up blinds in the PDF titled "Hunter Douglas and Child Safety."

Highlights of their child safe window treatment designs include:

• Hunter Douglas Vignette® Modern Roman Shades are the industry's only roman shade with no exposed rear cords.
• Hunter Douglas developed the first Break-Thru® Safety Tassel, which is designed to break open under pressure should a child or pet become entangled in the cord loop.
• Their innovative motorized lifting system, PowerRise® with Platinum™ Technology, allows you to raise and lower window treatments with just the press of a button.
• Hunter Douglas cordless LiteRise® system has no operating cords; it just pushes up and pulls down from the bottom. The shade or blind raises or lowers evenly to the desired position, and then holds that position, locking in automatically.  

Or if you are in the Portland Oregon and Vancouver Washington area, call us for on-site demonstration. 503-692-6077