Designing by Mood

Designers might know about lighting, and colors, but only the great ones design for mood. Each room has a mood, meaning that there are some underlying purposes for which you would have that room. An example is that you would have a kitchen to eat, have conversation, relax, cook etc. One more example would be the bedroom, the most personal quarters, and is designed for only one person. Great dollhouses are no different. To tap into your mood settings, think about the purpose of the room, why it is their, and what designs, colors, furniture, would better suit that mood. As you increase your miniaturist talent with your own dollhouses people will notice the particular moods, and even though they can't quite put there finger on it, they will be impressed.

Floor Trim for your Dollhouse

If you are a true crafter you are constantly tweaking your creations. The last dollhouse that I was making I discovered a great addition that really made my interior stand out. I simply created a floor board to use for the trim around the floor of the dollhouse. Floor Trim is not a new creation, but what I found is instead of buying it, to use a very thin balsa wood found in most craft stores. I painted them white, which went with all the walls in my dollhouse, and attached them to the floors throughout the house. I was most impressed to not see any more tiny cracks between the wall and the flooring due to the trim covering it up. The wallpaper walls were also trimmed and I was really happy to see that it prevented fraying due to covering the edges. I realize that this little invention, though not my own, really made my flooring look flush and neat against the wall.

Miniatures and Contrast: Beauty with an Edge

The definition of a contrast is two distinct or different items that draw attention to one another. Contrast in interior design makes the eye roll over certain areas of the room and focus on a couple of segments or patterns. If you are planning to use color as your primary medium for contrast then refer to a color wheel - the colors opposite from one another will bring the most contrast. And remember, one can put too much contrast in a room very easily. The standard is to restrain yourself to one contrast in a room, this way it doesn't get cluttered.

Lighting your way to a great look

If you have completed a kit, furnished it, and are looking for another adventure then try lighting. When you add lights to it you are dedicating a bit of time and energy, you are also stating that it will not be used for toddlers, but receives more of a collectible status. Lighting your kit can be a fun yet challenging time. In all reality, would we enjoy it if it wasnt a challenge? When you break it down, lighting is simply connecting electricity through a wire and a plug. In addition to that you are given instructions and help in setting it up. Sure you are going to make mistakes, but you will learn and it will get easier for you. When you start with your first kit, get a small one just so you don't overwhelm yourself, something small and easy. Remember if in your mind it is too hard then you are correct.