Browse Forums Interior Decorating Lounge 1 Jan 19, 2012 7:36 pm Hi there, I'm completely new to this but just moved into a new (shared) house and need to give it my own flair. When i say completely new i actually mean i have no idea about any sort of design rules. Unless being glued to the home lifestyle channel counts for anything? I just wanted to ask if anyone could suggest some good 101 type books etc on interior decorating. I just need somewhere to start. This is something i've always been interested in but never had the opportunity to do anything about. Any pointers on what to read, watch, google etc would be great! Thankyou in advance! Kirsty Re: Help for a beginner!? 2Jan 20, 2012 1:02 pm Hi Kirsty - not sure how the professionals go but I tend to ignore any hard and fast rules other than: - Only buy what you actually like, not what is "in" - Try to live in the space for a while before changing it - you learn more about how you use it, the lighting throughout the day and start to visualise how it could look - The only other rule I have is about making it your own and avoid buying everything from one store - mix and match and play around with the things you already have. Look through magazines and collect images of things that you like. I have a scrapbook that I can then develop mood boards from which are really just a reference. And keep reading blogs and forums, you'll be amazed at how many ideas you pick up that look great and are cheap and easy to achieve. Re: Help for a beginner!? 3Jan 20, 2012 5:09 pm Last time I looked, there were plenty of design and decoration books available from book stores. Not K-Mart, but Angus & Robinson and the alike. Google is a great resource. (rules for decorating) http://interiordec.about.com/od/article ... nrules.htm http://interiordec.about.com/cs/articl2 ... cordos.htm http://www.housebeautiful.com/decoratin ... ecor-rules http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/color-ru ... index.html http://asyoulikeitdesign.ca/2010/03/08/ ... ing-rules/ Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: Help for a beginner!? 4Jan 20, 2012 9:03 pm I've only ventured as far as the first website and already i feel like I'm on a path instead of being lost in the jungle. Thankyou so much I think i may start to attempt my first mood board this weekend. I've been looking at a career change and this might just be it. They always say to study something you enjoy so it doesn't feel like your working. I'm excited and ill keep you updated with my progress! Of course anyone else who reads this... i could never have too much guidance and advice Re: Help for a beginner!? 5Jan 21, 2012 11:25 am Hi Kirsty, The best thing in the world for learning about design (and fun DIY projects) is to read blogs. There are millions out there with everything from very traditional to retro to modern and it's a great way to get up to date with ideas and inspiration. Some fun ones to start are www.younghouselove.com, www.centsationalgirl.com, www.desiretoinspire.com. Some other good websites are www.housetohome.co.uk, www.hgtv.com, www.pinterest.com (for storing photos), www.decorpad.com (lots of photos), www.elledecor.com and any other magazine websites. For books, there are so many it's hard to choose but have a look around on Amazon. There is always lots of options and they have reviews so you know what you're buying Anna Ethos Interiors is a fresh and creative design firm, specialising in online interior design services for clients all over the world. http://www.ethosinteriors.com.au Re: Help for a beginner!? 6Jan 22, 2012 5:51 am You can also come to my blog where I answer questions for people. http://denovoconcepts.blogspot.com/ Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: Help for a beginner!? 7Jan 24, 2012 3:14 am Another site that has a whole bunch of pictures (good for ideas, getting a feel for what you like etc) is www.houzz.com Built with RedInk Custom 5000 Key Handover 15/12/2009 I posted the floorplan on Houzz.com forum and got some really good ideas and advice from people there. Then we reached out to a couple of renovation companies and one… 5 10093 Hi there, long-time lurker but first time posting. I've bought a house 2 and a bit years ago and last year we had some major water damage on a converted pergola area… 0 7930 Yes, unless you are in a low intensity rainfall area or the area is protected from rain. Do you have access to NCC Part 2 or can you download it? I can email you a copy… 10 12509 |