DIY Ultramodern Decorating

Ultramodern, sustainable decorating is a lifestyle.

Ultramodern decorating is more than just sleek lines in furniture and accessories. Today, it also incorporates terms like sustainability, green technology and eco-friendly products and processes. Decorating becomes the visible, tangible aspect of sustainable design, a lifestyle choice more than a décor preference. Walls, windows, floors, furnishings, accessories and sources of light and ventilation -- all are important in ultramodern decorating. Educate yourself thoroughly, use appropriate software for planning and vet your suppliers thoroughly before you spend.

Things You'll Need

• Virtual design software
• Fabric swatches
• Color chips
• Floor samples
• Wall materials
• Magazines and shop catalogs featuring ultramodern decorating

Instructions

Recognize the Features

1. 

   Natural stone sinks last a lifetime.

   Check for the right materials and processes. Bamboo and hardwoods are both natural materials, but bamboo grows much faster and uses far less resources to harvest than any hardwood. Choose brick, concrete or cork for walls and floors over hardwoods and laminates; natural stones such as basalt, lava stone and quartz are beautiful, functional and last a lifetime.

2. 

   Steel is recyclable.

   Choose materials that can be recycled. Steel, paper, stone and even some plastics can take on new life in a different form.

3. 

   Use nontoxic, earth-inspired colors.

   Consider conservation. Maximize natural airflow: location of doors, walls and windows make a difference, while casement windows and heat-reflecting glass make for better temperature control. Water efficiency means eco-friendly faucets and toilets.

4. Let earth inspire you. Paints should be milk-based and nontoxic; colors are earth-tones of blues, greens, browns and slate; floors are open concept and flow fluidly from room to room; floor coverings use natural fibers and dyes.

Get It Done

1. 

   Virtual design software makes decorating easier.

   Decide on the details using virtual design software. Practice first on free software from paint stores or furniture shops, and then buy sophisticated software that incorporates your floors, furnishings and fabrics with the materials that you now know are sustainable.

2. 

   Bring home fabric samples and prices.

   Collate fabric swatches, color chips, floor samples, wall materials and their prices. Art and accessories should be bold, adding color and visual interest to a room. Shortcut the search: get store personnel help. Bring your samples home.

3. Collect your idea of ideal furnishings, lights and sinks from magazines and shop catalogs or bookmark online sites. Input your choices from Steps 2 and 3 into your virtual design software.

4. Get estimates from installers and suppliers.

5. Create your timetable. Budget based on your decisions.

Tips & Warnings

• Research the right virtual design software you need. Some versions can upload your own room. Scale things to size when using your virtual design software.

• Play it safe: call in a professional interior designer to validate your decisions---one who is qualified for ultramodern design work. Because you have done your homework, the consultation should be brief and very productive; he should be able to provide you with reliable trades people, further reducing your time and effort on the whole project.

• Scrutinize closely any supplier's credentials, portfolio and client testimonials. Ultramodern, sustainable decorating is a specialized field.

References

• Architectural and interior design elements for sustainable houses
• Elements of ultra-modern interior design

Resources

• Beautiful design applications using quartz
• Stylish ultra-modern kitchen ideas and other interiors using sustainable wood and steel: