Elements of Interior Design
Proper use of color, texture, and lighting is key to good interior design. Make your choices based on your likes and your life-style.
For many homeowners, the idea of calling on an interior designer to help redo a living space is a scary proposition—and one that may even be considered a needless expense. But professional designers hold the key to making a room redo successful over the long-term.
When asked why homeowners should hire a designer, one area professional has a quick and emphatic response. “To help put a whole plan together so you don’t make mistakes that are costly,” she states.
“You can hire a designer to advise you,” she says. A consulting designer might simply help you rearrange your furniture, accessorize the room, or help you pick the right paint color. Or she can put a whole plan together, which you can then carry out bit by bit.
But before you hire a designer, our expert suggests making a few decisions on your own. Decide on the look you want. If you’re unable to articulate that, gather pictures from magazines that are close to what you like. Think about the colors you like. Measure your room. Tour furniture showrooms to get an accurate idea of what things cost, then decide how much you want or can afford to spend. Be aware of what your expectations of a designer are and be sure to make that clear once you hire one.
Most designers start by interviewing the homeowner and visiting the home in question. They will gather information about traffic flow, how the room is used, who uses the room, the look you want, and color preferences. “We often look at what the person’s wearing (to get an idea of color preferences),” our expert confides. She then forms a plan with the client that works within the limitations of his budget. It might be a complete all-at-once room redo or a step-by-step plan to be carried out over several years.
Our designer emphasizes the expertise she brings to a project. She knows quality when she sees it and communicates that to her clients. She helps her clients pick colors, wall coverings, and wall textures appropriate to the look and feel the homeowner desires.
And what will you be left with when it’s all over? A room tailored to suit your mood, your desire, your preferences, and your lifestyle. In other words, you and your designer will achieve a look that says, “you.”