Calling All Interior Design Types!

[LoveAngel]

I need your help! We are moving into a new house next month and it needs to have a shedload of work done on it.
My husband is taking care of getting estimates from plumbers, builders, electricians etc and I am supposed to be researching kitchens, bathrooms, colour schemes etc as I have the 'exciting' (I know some people would find it exciting) task of deciding how the place will be decorated and furnished. Trouble is I am beyond crap at this sort of thing. Where do I start? Any useful websites? Any tips on how to discover my sense of style/taste (I dont seem to have any at all, frankly.)

Any advice at all muchly appreciated xxx

[PeachesMcLean]

You're not planning to do kitchen and bathroom at the same time are you? Brave woman if you are...!!!

Avoid making it complicated. Don't look through masses of magazines, you'll over complicate it by finding things you like and then can't source in the shops, IMO. If neither you nor your husband are particularly "into" design, then keep it simple and just limit yourself to what's available in a few shops. Try B&Q, Magnet, Ikea, etc. Just wander round and see what you like.

(NB, sorry have just read your thread title again - not sure I'm an "interior design type" so feel free to disregard! )

[bodiddly]

I would probably buy a couple of magazines and tear out anything that you like the look of .. even if it is just a colour or a bit of flooring .. its all helps. It can all be a bit bewildering if you are doing the whole house at once and arent sure what you are looking for. It can also be helpful to work out in your mind what you dont like .. it helps narrow down your choices. Start with the fundamental things in a room ie. living room, what sort of flooring do you want, do you want painted walls or wallpaper, do you want one central light or low voltage spot lights, do you have existing furniture of a particular colour that you need to work into a scheme.

If you want any real help .. let me know .. I do it for a living and run a shop so can advise you on some web sites to look at on bathrooms, kitchens, colours etc.

[kbaby]

Go visit some show homes in your area, steal their ideas and then find a cheap copy.

They always give me inspiration and ive chosen things I would never have thought of if I hadnt seen them first there.

[tracyk]

What existing furniture are you keeping? What flooring do you like - wood or carpet.
I renovated my house this year and opted for cream walls everywhere - just to get them fresh, clean and professionally painted. I'll take my time now and redo what bits need colour over the next couple of years.
I have dark flooring and dark leather couches - so am happy with cream walls everywhere.
Try and workout your bathroom layout first - it's amazing the number of different dimensions the bathroom suites have and that could narrow your choice an easy way.