When most people think of decorating or interior design they tend to think of it as something for girls to do. The truth is however, that both men and women can enjoy decorating a room or entire house if they make it reflect their personality. Interior designers are definitely good at what they do but before you run off and hire someone go ahead and give it a shot yourself.

Before you begin decorating your home you must first determine what you want to use the space for. The need of the space should have the biggest influence on what you create. Otherwise you could end up with a beautifully decorated home and no table to eat at. Once the space is defined you then begin to piece together your vision of what it will become. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity in decorating:

• Make Good Use of Those Walls- Leaving walls plain can make a room boring. Why not splash some color on there that reflects your personality. Maybe you’re into more neutral colors? That’s okay, try picking a neutral color and then one accent color that is in the similar spectrum as the main color. Do you love pictures? Well here’s your chance to show them off! Hanging pictures of all different shapes and sizes on the wall serves to make a great collage.
• Take it One Room at a Time- While you may have a theme in mind for the entire house, make sure that you take it one room at a time. For instance, let’s say you just purchased a new home. You may have different ideas about decorating than your spouse does. The last thing you want to do is have a neighbor report you for domestic violence because you’re arguing so loud about what will look best. Instead make a list of ideas and try and create a space that incorporates what everyone wants. Marriage is about give and take, and so is design. In order to make both parties happy you may have to meet in the middle on certain things.
• Try Something New- If you’re working with a space that is already filled try rearranging the furniture. By moving a chair or two and adding a lamp or rug you can completely change the look and feel of the room.
• Make it Fun- Kids rooms can be the most fun to decorate. Try and put yourself in their shoes. Think of all the fun they’ll have if they have a space where their imaginations can run wild. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box with kids rooms. Chalkboard walls, fairytale lamps, and big furry rugs are always a hit with kids. Sure most kids will grow out of the room eventually, but the reason you got the space in the first place was to make it something they would love. Once they’re older just redecorate to match their new interests.

Before you hire an interior decorator go ahead and try decorating yourself. Even if you feel under-qualified there’s nothing to worry about, because learning is half the fun!

Micah Castro is a freelance writer for JacksonWhite attorneys at law. JacksonWhite’s Arizona criminal defense attorneys handle all types of criminal cases in Arizona.

Trends in lighting design today is finding it’s way away from, of all things, the trends. Instead consumers are looking to have their home reflect their personal style, something that makes their home truly unique to call their own as an expression of themselves. This, however, can make it hard for the construction pros to stay on top of consumer demands, since they never no what they’re going to come up against.

Therefore the use of lighting designers to help everyone in the construction field, from architects, con-tractors to interior designers, has proven to be an invaluable instrument in helping everyone meet their clients demands and expectations. Their expertise is most useful in finding the latest products and tech-nological advances that fit various needs.

In residential lighting design, product options and combinations for general, accent, task, decorative and architectural lighting can be limitless, not to mention overwhelming. But a lighting designer can help to narrow these choices down to find the best choice to work with the overall design and meet the lighting requirements.

This is not to say that lighting design is outside the talent realm of most contractors, architects or design-ers, just that a professional dedicated to lighting design can help ensure a cohesive relationship between lighting, architecture and decor.

With so many choices and options, here are a few that are finding their way into the residential market today with much favor:

• Layers of Light: Rooms need multiple sources of light to get the best balance of light in a room. Especially in areas such as kitchens and eating areas, a simple overhead light is only the beginning. Well-placed task and accent lighting is a must to brighten the perimeter and fill the background.
• Energy Efficiency: Consumers are looking to save energy when they can, and lighting is an obvious place to cut back consumption. Dimmer switches and whole-house control systems allow for more precise usage, conserve energy and extend lamp life. Low-voltage bulbs continue to grow in popularity and use, as CFLs and LEDs offer a higher quality, warmer light than just a short time ago. Also, many contractors are fitting recessed fixtures more tightly, which cuts down on conditioned-air loss through ceilings.
• Modern Organics: Many lighting manufacturers are using natural materials in the design of their fixtures from rough-hewn stone to seeds and grasses, among a few. This organic feel is right in line with the movement towards going green. It gives the feel of bringing the outdoors in–a real natural look that sets the tone for a room from rustic to tranquil in quality. While it may be simple in design, it can make a big impact in regards to color, texture, and not to mention lots of visual interest.

Janelle Lind is an experienced Lighting Designer with Illuminations by Design WHERE IMAGINATION MEETS ILLUMINATION