Establishing Parameters and Finding Inspiration

Photo Credit:  Flickr tommerton2010

I have on numerous occasions found myself in a prospective client’s home feeling quite overwhelmed.  This usually stems from the scope of the project, having a client tell you they want to take their upstairs and put it downstairs and take their downstairs and move it two streets over can be a bit bewildering on the first walk through.  When this happens, I take a deep breath and a mental step back and assess the situation.  I take notes, make recommendations and mentally divvy up the project into what needs to be done immediately and what becomes secondary. 

When beginning a large design project or any project for that matter, one of the first and most important steps one must take is to establish parameters, i.e. what would you like to accomplish, in how much time and at what cost.  Once you have identified the major objectives and parameters for the project, a task, that at first seemed daunting, can be broken down into smaller, less overwhelming to-do lists.  First, consider the space.  Is construction required?  What items need to be replaced, repaired or reupholstered?  Do your homework.  Research similar projects/items and their subsequent costs.  This will help you develop a reasonable budget for completing your project. 

Once the project’s parameters have been established, you may need inspiration for the ultimate look of your space.  Inspiration can come from many different sources, a film, art, travel, food, or a piece of trash lying on the street.  I typically rely on the client’s personal interests to determine their project’s design direction.  This may be a favorite color, a family heirloom, or a hobby.  I weave these little bits of personal touches into the design by way of paint, fabric selections, art, or even refurbishing an existing heirloom and incorporating it into the new design. 

Having a source of inspiration for your design project will help keep your design plan focused and tie the entire project together.  It helps establish the color palette, theme, and/or the style of the space.  Once you have figured out the scope of your project by way of your established design parameters and found your inspiration, the remaining design components should fall easily into place.

Why Working With An Interior Designer Is The Best Thing You Never Thought To Do.

Photo Credit: Associated Fabrication

 

When it comes to decorating your home, most people never think to hire an interior designer.  They believe they can do it themselves but this line of thinking is flawed.  Of course, you can decorate yourself but that can come at a costly price.  Interior designers consider the whole project from how to tie in adjoining room paint colors, to line of sight perspectives, to art groupings, on down to the skillfulness of the trades who will do the required work.  Interior designers don’t just decorate they create visual interest.  

One of the most important reasons to hire a designer is because he or she has vision.  Designers can see the entire project before it is completed.  And if for some reason they cannot, they have enough design intuition to know whether a purchase is immediately necessary (i.e. too good to pass up) or if it calls for allowing other areas within the home to fall into place first before making that purchase.  

Designers also have experience.  Many of the stumbling blocks a homeowner may encounter while decorating, an interior designer will have already come across early on in their education/career.  While adding crown molding to your downstairs foyer may seem like a wonderful idea at first, figuring out where or what the crown molding will die into may prove to be slightly perplexing for those less experienced.  A good designer will assess these obstacles long before they are encountered and determine a suitable and elegant way to address them.

Designers also know people.  And by people, I mean trades people.  Need wallpaper hung?  A designer will have the contacts to get it done properly.  Installing hardwood? A designer will have a bevy of resources to have your project completed right the first time.  No paint on the ceiling. No leaky faucets. No contractors that take your money only never to return.  A designer’s professional relationships/contacts may be one of their greatest assets. 

Choosing a designer can be a dilemma in itself.  Here’s how to separate the good from the great. Take on selecting a designer as you would an interview.  Ask to see their work.  Inquire about references and work experience.  Have they ever worked on a project similar to yours?  Does the designer have sub-contractors they recommend?   How are their fees scheduled?  Who will manage the work?  Hiring a designer, should be an enjoyable experience.  The designer should remove the stress from the process.  They should present multiple options and be inclusive of your ideas.  Hiring an interior designer should be on one of the best things you never thought to do (before reading this post).