Interior Design

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BTR

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#138933 22-Jan-2014 11:46

Hi Everyone

I am planning to renovate my lounge, bathroom and kitchen and I am looking for a better way of getting inspiration than being dragged around tile, plumbing and other shops by my partner.

Can anyone recommend a good way of finding inspiration. I have tried google but that hasn't be overly helpful either. Are there any design magazines that anyone knows about that could be help?

I would like to hire a interior designer and let my partner choose however I can't afford that luxury.

jonb

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#972164 22-Jan-2014 12:10

You could have a look out for some old issues of house & garden type magazines, or there are loads of blogs on this subject. One I liked was 'F... Your Noguchi Coffee Table'

itxtme

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#972165 22-Jan-2014 12:11

Pintrest, great for conceptual ideas. I use it for UI design and DIY home projects. I have no doubt there will be lots of ideas for the home on there

TwoSeven

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#972207 22-Jan-2014 13:10

Without learning design your self, there are probably a few basic questions worth asking.

What style are you going for? Modernist, art-deco, functional, country cottage, formal etc.

Make a scrap book - basically get things you like from magazines and the net and put them into a scrap book - I number each image and write a note at the bottom of the bit that I like or don't like. Its useful for when you do talk to a designer, they can see what you are trying to visualise.

Time and motion - how do you use the current space - for other houses that have a similar space, what works for you (this is where I visit friends and family and show homes) and what doesn't. For example, where are the pots and pans kept how easy are they to get at, what about bench devices, are they set up, do they need to be retrieved from a cupboard. Is the person using the kitchen a cook, baker or its just a place I need to get food from (different needs for each person).

Materials - sorry, but you really do have to visit all of the trade places because its the understanding on what is out there product wise which allows one to formulate the design.

Understand the rules - for example, with kitchens you have the triangle rule. Also, ease of use, lighting etc.

Just some quick thoughts.

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#972226 22-Jan-2014 13:25

If you are in or near Auckland you may like to have a look at the Home Ideas Centre, 165 The Strand in Parnell. Great place - lots of products and services shown all in one place.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

mattwnz

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#972230 22-Jan-2014 13:29

One word, houzz.com

isis

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#972260 22-Jan-2014 14:09

i vote for houzz too! their smart phone app is great too!