As interior designers we are asked to specify finishes, fixtures, and equipment.

Recently I have been really interested in using products that create texture. Companies like Soelburg Industries provide a variety of textures in several pre-made fabricated systems.

These systems come in a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and materials. 

Some are smooth, beveled, or rough. Some only appear that way.

There are even "wood" options that can be combined with a variety of other materials to create a unique design. 

With several different pre-made systems there are many options that have a shorter lead time than pure "custom" designs. Of course, They also do solely custom designs as well. 

*2/18/2015 EDIT:

All photographs are taken from http://soelbergi.com/

Top 10 Tips for Adding Color to Your Space

I often struggle with maximizing the effects of color in the space I am working with. Here are some of the tips I got from reading an article which helps you add color to your space!

1. Use the 60-30-10 Rule
    Perhaps it is the human tendency to see an overall theme in the 60% hue, unifying the coloration.
    The 30% provides visual interest and the 10% provides that little spark.

2. Choose a Color Scheme
    There are many color schemes out there and you can simplify the process by using the color wheel     and narrowing down your choices. It is a great place to start!

3. Don't forget the Black
    By adding a black element - you clarify and enhance all the other colors in the space!

4. Follow Nature's Lead
    Try designing your interior space by replicating the color values of the outside world.

5. Pull From the Pattern
    Choose your color scheme by looking at the colors in the largest pattern in the room.

6. Flow the Color
    In order to create a flow of colors from one room to another, simply choose a color you're using in     one room and restate it in a different way in an adjoining space.

7. Consider Contrast
    A high contrast space appears clearer and more highly defined than a space that incorporates low         contrast.

8. Get Emotional With Color
    Use the emotional association of colors to their greatest effect in a space by deciding on what             emotional impact you want the room to have.

9. Think about Local and Seasonal Color
    Choose colors that reflect the area in which you live.

10. Live With Color Before You Buy
     Get a sample and leave it in the room for a couple days and see what the color looks in the                  different kinds of lighting used in that space.

Interior Designers: Problem Solvers

While planning out our groups video for the IDEC challenge last night, I began thinking about what made me decide to pursue interior design as a profession.  Many people see our profession as something superficial and materialistic, but interior design is one of the most human interest based career paths.  We, unlike other design professions, design to maximize human comfort and behavior.  We deal in more than aesthetics.  As designers we understand and study human behavior to create spaces that improves the lives of its occupants.  The layout of a space or color of a room affects so much of the human body.  Every room you enter affects your mood, behavior, and actions differently because of the design choices made.  The opportunity to do this creative problem solving is what makes this field so great. Besides my love for interior aesthetics, I enjoy interpreting people's needs and studying human behaviors to help better function within a space.  There is great satisfaction in finding a solution that makes the client happy and you proud to have helped them.

Let's get this blogging started!  So excited!