Archive for November, 2007
Planning Your Interior Design Project
Planning Your Interior Design Project
By David McEvoy
First of all, before you begin to do anything, you need to know what you like and what you don t. Perhaps you already have an idea of the style you want to create, if so, great, you can get started. If not, then take a look around show rooms or browse magazines and the Internet and see what jumps out at you, what you find attractive, and base your initial ideas on that. Ask yourself how a particular look or style makes you feel and you will get an idea of whether it is appropriate for you or not.
Popular styles include traditional, modern, retro, minimalist, country cottage, or a themed style. Themed styles can be based on anything that inspires you, a character, a place, a period in history, a culture or maybe water or nature theme or a theme based on the Wild West. There really are no limits to what is possible, allow your imagination to run wild. It is possible to combine styles, however, be careful about mixing too many styles together as this can lead to a cluttered unattractive look so it is best to stick to one or two at the most. Once you have established what style you want to create you can begin to shape your Interior Design project.
Initial elements to consider
” What is the purpose of the room or what will the room function as for most of the time? For example, is it a family room, a bedroom for sleeping in, a room for working in, or a play room perhaps? Will there be a lot of entertaining? Do children and pets have to be considered? All these elements will have an impact on what choices you make.
” The health and safety of everyone likely to be using the room is a top priority so think about what health and safety considerations you have to make and incorporate these into your plan.
” Calculate what budget you have to work with and how much you are prepared to spend on each area, for example, any changes to the structure of the room, the amount you will spend on floor coverings, ceilings and walls, and how much you are allowing for furniture, fixtures and fittings, materials and finishing touches.
” Identify what parts of the room can be changed and what can t. For example, the existing position of doors, windows, fireplaces, even walls. Can they be moved, is it necessary, what is realistic?
” Identify how much space will actually available and measure it carefully. Draw up a detailed floor plan so that you know what you have to work with and where you are going to position everything, particularly larger items of furniture. There s no point in rushing out to buy an item of furniture only to find that it doesn t fit when it arrives.
” Consider what natural lighting there is and whether you will have to incorporate artificial lighting or whether you can maximise on what natural lighting there is.
Developing the style
Think about the main elements of design that will help create the style you want, this includes form, mass, shape, colour, texture and pattern. Decide how you are going to cover the walls, ceilings and floors in order to convey that particular look or style you want to create.
Have you thought about a focal point and what it will be? For example, a fireplace, an attractive piece of furniture, a painting or other work of art, or even a window can all act as interesting focal points.
Identify what furniture or other larger items that you want before you decide what colour schemes you are going to use as it is easier to find harmonious colour matches that way. When you have chosen your furniture make sure you measure the various items to ensure that they not only fit well, but that there is ample room for all the other items of furniture you want to incorporate. Remember to allow space for walking through doors and for doors to open.
Finally, choose the materials, fabrics, fixtures and fittings that will help define your chosen style.
Completing your look
Putting the finishing touches to any room can be extremely rewarding as finally you get to see the particular style you wanted to create come to fruition and you can stand back and admire your work.
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Interior design is an art but that doesn t mean it can only be embarked upon by those who are fully qualified and trained. By observing what others have done for ideas and then drawing on your own imaginative skills to expand on those ideas and by paying attention to detail, you can create your own unique space, one that reflects your taste, style and personality, one that defines who you are.
David McEvoy is an expert in interior design. If you are looking for a leather sofa to give the finishing touches to a newly decorated room then please come and visit our site.
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Should I Invest in a 529 College Plan For My Kids?
Should I Invest in a 529 College Plan For My Kids?
By Matt Murren
For many this is a no brainer, but you should still consider the pluses and minuses before you start investing in your child s future. If you are wondering what the heck a 529 College plan is, read further for the answers. A 529 College plan is a tax deferred savings plan for your kids education. These are very similar to a 401(k) savings plan often used for retirement. In this article we will be covering the benefits of the 529 college plan, how the plans work, and some pluses and minuses to consider.
The 529 college plan is a great way to start investing now in your child s future. The 529 plans are typically sponsored by each state and helps you save tax free. Not only is it beneficial due to the tax benefits but most plans let you purchase your credits in advance in today s dollars. These credits will be honored when your child enters college. The savings can be large due to the fact that inflation is not a factor in your prepaid tuition. What a deal!
One of the other main benefits of the 529 plans are that you can get into the habit of investing on a regular basis. Some of these plans do let you withdraw your money with no penalty ,and others charge you 10% for early withdrawal. If you start early when your children are in elementary school you will reap the most benefit from both inflation and tax deferment.
529 College savings plans are typically ran by each state. There are also independent funds that you can invest in just like a normal investing account. Typically, there is an enrollment period each year when you can apply and setup your account. From that point forward you can buy credits and invest in the fund whenever you would like. The cost is typically adjusted each year due to inflation. Anyone can donate money to a 529 college plan.
Each parent can contribute a maximum of $11000 a year per child. The limit is $22,000 for married couples investing jointly. If other family members are investing as well the maximum limit is $55,000. The largest plus for 529 college funds are the tax free investment you can make into your child s future. The second advantage is that the plan is typically in the parents name and acts as an asset for the parent as does any investment account. One of the minuses is that congress has only permitted federal exclusions through 2010. If this time period is not extended it may not be beneficial for kids planning on attending college after 2010. It is very likely this exclusion will be extended as there is over $200+ billion invested currently in 529 college plans.
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The 529 college plans are a great investment vehicle for your child s future. Make sure you read the fine print on each plan you consider and get enrolled today. If you make a habit of investing every month, before you know it your child s college tuition will be covered.
Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.529-College-Advisor.com - 529 College
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