5 interior design advices - 1. before planning

Hello bloggers, non bloggers and curious beings about interior design!:)

I'm doing an interior design project for a friend/company (more info later) and since this is my first real project with a budget, a deadline and concept I've learned a few things that can be interesting for you. It's not that I was not aware of them but working on a project made me more concious about the importance of a few things along the preparation for the planning phase.

1. Measure until there isn't one inch left

Sometimes you may feel that "this area doesn't matter because I won't do anything here" but you don't know that for sure at that phase. Sometimes new ideas can transform your initial concept and then, that little niche could give you an unexpected solution. And be rigorous, 'cause you don't want to have a cabinet that doesn't fit a place because of half an inch.

2. Ask questions about the place you will be designing

You need to know more than what your client tells you. There's a lot of information important to you that your client won't share because he doesn't know it is important for your work and for accomplishing his interior design goals. No question is ridiculous, just ask it.

3. Be prepared

Have a measure tape, a calculator, a camera, a notebook and a list of typical aspects you should look at a room. The more prepared you are, the more you can control. In this case, information leeds to organization.

4. Be organized

One of the problems about dealing with many different stores, objects, prices, measures, design possibilities, etc., is that it can be easy to get lost in the middle of so much information. The key to avoid this is organization. Have your catalogues in place, research and store everything properly. Every time a new idea pops up just write it down; don't trust your memory alone.

5. Photograph, photograph, photograph

Images of the room you're designing in many different angles can clarify a doubt of something you didn't notice while at the room. Maybe you'll lose some time choosing from the many images you got but it is essential to have many photos because you have a tendency to forget little details.

photo from vtwonen

Hope you like the list:)

More to come later on this subject***

One day I'll tell to my daughter...

Dear future daughter:

Life is complex and full of layers. Learn that nothing is in black and white, the truth is always more complicated than that. And if someone tells you otherwise believe they will learn from experience how wrong they are. Be aware of how important is to think about what's going inside of you. If something feels wrong, maybe that's because it is wrong for you. And when feeling bad, dance and sing no matter how badly you sound. Punch a pillow when angry or talk to yourself. You're not crazy and it will save me on the psychiatrist bills. Stretch. Never leave the house without eating breakfast. Try whatever you want to try but don't be arrogant to the point of thinking you know it all. you don't.

Remember that no one is perfect and everybody makes mistakes but the golden rule is to understand what you did, why you did it and apologise. In case you didn't get it I'll say again, apologise and mean it! Saying you're sorry is like building a new bridge to the other person's heart. You gain in dignity and integrity when you're big enough to recognize you acted foolishly. And don't be a bitch unless on really special occasions and you'll know which ones when the time is right. Respect elders and pass that on to your kids. Learn from your mistakes but don't be too harsh on yourself; we are here to learn, just don't do the same mistake twice, that's stupid. Don't be afraid to give yourself to people, if they hurt you, cry and learn from it but don't close yourself because there's lots of hugs and kisses to give and receive in this life. Rainy days can be improved by wearing purple rainy boots. Another important thing you should know is that saying "no" is a valuable asset and people will respect you more because of it. If he is in love with you he won't notice you're having a bad hair day, so relax. Oh and by the way, the first kiss is overrated. Try again if it does not go that well the first time. The secret? Practice. But when you like someone and kiss that person for the first time it's always like a first kiss and it's OK to be nervous, just don't think to much about it, just do it. Having fun is better when shared. Oh let's dance in the living room! Remember: NEVER wear two pieces of denim in one outfit. And I insist on it, NEVER. Friends make a huge difference in life, for better, much better. And don't let the dishes accumulate in the sink. And cake's better when less cooked. Learn that "please", "thank you" and a smile can make miracles in many different occasions. If you don't know where your keys are, pretend you're entering the house again and do what you would naturally do. Yeah they are probably under a magazine. NEVER, but NEVER rip pages of my interior design magazines. I'm warning you lady! 

But the most important thing is that... when in doubt, always choose a strawberry ice cream;)

Inspired by the cute photo :)
Update: and by the lyrics of "Everybody's free (To Wear Sunscreen)" by Baz Lhurmann 

Last day

Today was my last day in the internship at Maxima Interiores (Portuguese interior design magazine).

After almost 7 months I can only say that  it was truly rewarding to learn with the people I learn with and to see my hard work and effort recognized and appreciated. I couldn't ask for more.

I know I did my best when my best was asked but I also know I was pretty lucky to find the support I got from the magazine team.

When I went to London for the first time almost one year ago to KLC I knew change was coming but I couldn't really see the doors that would open up for me. I was not that sure it would be enough but sometimes all you need is a chance to show what you can do and even maybe surprise yourself. 

I'm really happy with what started to happen since last year and just hope that this train doesn't stop. Lets see what comes next:)

Image via fffound 

Blog Award!

I received my first blog award!:D How exciting! Thank you maisonette! Rules: state 5 random facts about yourself and award 5 other bloggers.

{5 random facts about me}

1. I can't cut or rip pages of my lovely interior design and decoration magazines. They are sacred to me. I love those inspirational boards full of bits and pieces of magazines but I just can't do it.
(The image shows the last number of Living Etc, June,  and you can see part of it here)

2. I love terror films. I love to get scared but when I know I'm not sleeping alone! My favourite one is REC, but the Spanish version. Maybe because I'm Portuguese and there are a lot of similarities between the languages, the film felt realistic and creepy and even today if I think of it... I prefer not to think about it right now... hahaha

3. I love to dance. When you feel the rhythm inside of you and nothing else matters, just you and the music... I'm in heaven. The 80's "Nowhere Fast" from Fire Inc. always makes me jump A LOT:D

 

4. When I grow up, I'll have a garden. It can be small, but it has to be cosy and big enough to invite friends and have meals outdoor. A big tree would be lovely and maybe a swing for the kids, or not just for the kids:P

5. Candies. I love candies, desserts, cakes and everything related.
Just bought Nigella Lawson's last book and just by looking at the photos of the desserts recipes I started drooling hehehe

{Blog Awardees}

1. Iva - iva y

2. Anna Caroline - designstudio210

3. Dilly Dallas - dilly dallas

4. Summer Allen-Gibson - design is mine

5. Lena Corwin - ~>O<~

That's it. Have a great Tuesday:)

Sexy

I find these images really sensual. The effects on the silhouette just enhance the sexiness.

What's sexy for you?

Via ffffound

Help me to win a Nikon D5000!

I need your help to win this camera. And would not post this here if it wasn't important.

I've entered in a competition to win this Nikon D5000 camera and right now I'm at the 2nd place, so there's a real chance to win if I get enough votes until Sunday night.

This is a facebook event so you'll need to have an account there. To give me a vote (it jus tcounts one vote each diferent person) you have to:

1. Go to this page, It's from the company who's giving the camera. And click on "like" on top of the page.

2. And then here and just leave a comment.

Please, if you're reading this believe this is a big deal for me. I need this camera to do some of the projects I have in mind.

Thank you:)

Update: I didn't win:/ But thanks for the votes:)

Mudar/Change

Today I started to think if this blog should be also in Portuguese. It makes more sense because my world works in both languages and I believe that it's nicer for the Portuguese people who visit it. But... Hum. I'll think a little bit more:P

By the way, the image says "it's time for a change" and in the background you can see my bus station:)

Photo taken by me.

Back!

Oh I'm so happy with the changes and hope you'll be too:)
It took some time but now I feel this new layout and header represent better the mood of this website.

It's still clean and fresh but more sophisticated and professional.
Now I have defined categories so you'll find the different post subjects easily. There's also the "visual vitamin" and the buttons for midnight friday's facebook fan page and my flickr account.

If you have any suggestions please leave a message or send me an email.

Change

Change is complicated. And so is acceptance. We live our lifes in a rush hoping that our decisions come out the best way and sometimes we are truly whiling to do sacrifices in the name of something we believe, of something that's really worth it.
But we do stumble on our own fears and mistakes and sometimes we just don't know what to do. And in spite of talking things over or just stopping for a moment to think things trough we just act, we move, we react in a need to run away from what's uncomfortable and complicated and most of the times also confusing. And to make it worse our frustrations tend to cover our hearts and hide our real motives and what's important in the big picture.
Is it true that we all have moments where we don't get ourselves, where we just don't understand what's happening inside of us but the problem resides in the way we deal we things.
We can be wrong sometimes, oh so wrong! We hurt people we love, we disrespect the ones that mean the most to us and we say stuff we don't really feel. But after the damages are done there should come the understanding; a moment of pause to figure out the "whys", because if we jump into the next chapter running once again we do not learn our lesson. And the ones who are dealing with the same issues over and over again, probably run away from the answers they could get when living those issues shouting the common "that's just the way I am".

It's not easy to change, not easy to grow or to love. It all seems very simple until we are caught into the emotional web of relationships. It's challenging not having all the answers everytime. But then comes the day where we have to step ahead and recognize that we are complicated and human and that we may need some help and comprehension. But this is just if we do want to change, because we can do the same run and hide cicle and probably get very said and feel very empty in the end of the days.
Being a grown up means we should accept mistakes not as flaws or some kind of vulnerability, on the contrary, recognizing our imperfections makes us all bigger and better and more admirable.
Reaching out to others may mean we have to put our pride on a higher shelf and not focus on it, because if your ego gets in the way there's no acceptance on the horizon, just suffering and frustration. We may be distracted and everything seems OK, but is it? Really?

When you open yourself you discover new worlds, you find new perspectives and feel new feelings but nothing comes if you live as a rock, unmovable, unchangeable and unwilling to love.

Images by me from the Natural History and Science Museum, London