Reasons Why Hiring An Interior Designer or Decorator Is a Good Thing.

I wanted to get started by saying I hope you all had a great weekend and hope you have a great week ahead. Let’s get started. 

Some reasons many people don’t think they need to hire a designer are 1. Designers only want to stay with their style. 2. People think they can do it all themselves. 3. Designers are expensive to hire. The list goes on and on about reasons people don’t think they should or need to hire a designer.

While writing this blog post I am going to clarify the above three reasons why people think they don’t need to hire people like myself and also give reasons as to why people should want to hire us and how we can help clients overall with their spaces.

1. Designers only want to stay with their style: There are many reasons this is false knowledge, I mean don’t get me wrong when I say this but we all have our preferred styles, clients and designers alike, but as designers we are working for you and that is why we interview you, ask you questions and see your space or spaces is to get a feel of how you live, what you like and what your needs and wants are along with anyone who is living with you. We aren’t going to be a dictator of sorts and tell you have to only do this style because it’s what we like, we work for YOU and we want you to live and love your spaces.

2. People think they can do it all themselves: Don’t get me wrong, there are people out there that have an eye for decorating and picking out colors and other materials to go along with it. There is nothing wrong with that and I am glad there are people out there that are able to go that. There are some reasons, which will come up later as to why a designer or decorator may be of more help.

3. Designers are expensive to hire: I am not going to lie to you and tell you that all designers are actually cheap to hire. There are designers that charge flat fees, which can be expensive, others that charge by the hour, which depending on experience of that designer can go either way. It also depends on the demographic of where you live, which in that case you may be able to shop around for designers, again, that is another topic that will come up a little later.

So, hiring an interior designer or decorator isn’t all about them being for themselves, remember, they are working for you and they want you to love and live in your space or spaces. Many of us also go on referrals of past clients and we want to do our best to keep them on the good side and to also keep clients coming back.

Moving forward, there are many reasons a person may want to hire an interior designer or decorator to help with spaces they want to redo or if they are needing design help with a remodel or an addition.

1. Professional Assessments and Opinions: When you are going out and looking for an interior designer or decorator to help with your spaces, you want to keep some things in mind. You want to get all the right information and proper information, so don’t try and get design and decorating advice for free, that’s what blogs (like this) and Pinterest are for. Pay for a proper consultation, because designers and decorators are going to help you with the overall design, layout along with drawings and they will help it all make sense. Using a professional, they are going to come in and tell you what’s working and what isn’t, along with the WHY.

That brings me to the next one.

2. It's formally functional and it makes sense: Many people are able to tell when a person has had their home professionally planned out. The two most telling things are the spacing and layout of the space or spaces. Check out this living room. The spacing of the furniture and light, along with the placement of accessories, art and the rug (which is the correct size for the space), its symmetrical, and it all flows together and the space has a calmness or harmony about it that is going to draw the client into the space. 

3. Mixing and Matching Makes Sense: Have you ever been afraid to add metal or a different wood color to your space? Or having different prints missed together? This is one thing that a designer and decorator is able to do as well. We are able to help you put things you like together, whether it’s a plaid and a floral print or if you have oak (90’s flashback), and want to mix in a walnut color. I like to layer different woods (which I remember reading once that the average homeowner has seven in their home, don’t remember article though), metals, and prints together. I personally have florals, stripes and plaid prints all through my house but it all flows together because of color hue and tone similarities. It’s the same with metals and woods. Another mixture to think about is furniture styles. I love mixing styles together because it doesn’t leave a person stuck within one style and that way, once I’m done with a project they aren’t afraid of mixing in traditional with modern or contemporary and so on.

Number Four is usually a subject on one’s mind when doing anything within their home.

4. We Can Save You Money: If you go ahead and skip out on hiring a designer or decorator for helping with your space, here are a few things that you could miss out on. Accidentally paying too much for a product, order the wrong size, fabric, paint or wallpaper or even hiring some random plumber or electrician, buying furniture that is too large or small for the space and doesn’t give the feel or vibe that you wanted for the space. Usually designers and decorators have experienced many mistakes and know how to take care of them ahead of time and know which route to take. They also know which professionals to hire to help with working on your home and know which ones to stay away from, in order to save you money on mistakes being made.

5. They are the bad guy and usually the ones to bear the bad news: When your renovating or building (especially if you’re a first timer) you want a professional on your side to ask all the right questions and be your champion. Talking to contractors, electricians, inspectors and others can be intimidating if you’re not use to talking with people like that and especially if you have no idea of what questions to ask, its good to have that middle man (your designer) to ask questions, get things done and to be the “bad guy” to stand up for you during the renovating or building process. Many people are so nice that they are afraid to ask for more than what they are given and that’s where the designer can come in and ask. Designers are ones that can get things to be done. This is one of reasons you want to work with a designer who understands you, your home and your style, don’t just hire any designer. Tip: A good way to get to know a designer is to have a meeting or coffee and see how you interact with them.

6. Selling your Home soon? A good designer has the ability (a great photographer) to help make your home look like its straight out of a magazine. Which is helpful if you’re thinking of selling in the future. Designers know how to enhance a home for fabulous photo’s, decorators also come in handy when trying to look for an increased value. Both are able to help you with updating, staging and taking proper photos that will look great and draw in buyers.

7. Can’t find what you want for your home or don't know who to get in touch with? The wonderful thing of hiring an interior designer or decorator, is they have tons of resources to look at in order to help you find your needs and wants for a project or a space in your home. They also save time (hours upon hours of researching online) in going and looking for those wanted items online or at stores.

8. Finally, sleep: Are there a lot of things you want done on a project or around your home? Artwork you want framed or a light installed? Designers and Decorators are able to help you with this because they know the right people to get it done and done right. Since you don’t have to worry, stress or get a headache about getting all that little stuff done, you are free to get a nap in or a full night’s rest.

I hope this was helpful to read and to get a good sense of why people should hire interior designers and decorators. Not only do we have the knowledge to do so, but we also have the experience to help and guide you through the designing, remodeling, staging or selecting of materials for your home. Schedule a consultation with us by clicking the button below.

What is an Interior Decorator?

What is an interior decorator?

Many people ask me, “what is an interior decorator? Isn’t that the same as an interior designer?”. With many people using the terms “interior designer” and “Interior decorator” interchangeably, I want to be another one to clear up what it is that decorators do and what they are, as a profession.

What do decorators do compare to designers? A decorator’s job differentiates from a designer, on a few things. Designers not only take in the art and science of understanding people's behavior to create functional spaces within a building but also think about public safety, building codes and the more in depth information.

Interior Decorator definition as stated from SFGate.com, “Interior decorators choose the paint color for your wall” and “Interior decorating deals with the look and feel of a room by adding accessories like drapes and rugs”. They are the professionals that mainly focus on the aesthetics of a space or spaces and dress up a space. With that said, decorators also begin a job with a broad concept of style from the client they are working with. They take that concept and style and put together color selections, textures, and patterns together, depending on what the client prefers. Redecorating a room or updating an existing area, falls under interior decorating as well.

An interior decorator as a whole is a great professional to work with when redecorating a residential area but are rarely ever called to come and do commercial design projects, like lobby’s or business offices.

So overall, interior decorating is the furnishing or adorning of a space with fashionable or beautiful things. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design, because it is not part of their toolkit. 

What is Interior Design?

What is interior design and why is it important? Many people do not understand that there is more to interior design that meets the eye. There are many different types as well in the interior design profession, as well as different certificates, licenses, and qualifications that a designer may obtain. From the Council of Interior Design Qualification they state that the definition of Interior Design is as follows:

"Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals."

National Council for Interior Design Qualification, Inc.

They also are your time savers. If a person would hire an interior designer, they would be able to help with project management. What does that mean? The designer would be the one going out and looking for the best materials, products, contractors and quotes for your home. Below is a list of many of the other things they are also doing for you as a client. 

• Research and analysis of the client's goals and requirements; and development of documents, drawings and diagrams that outline those needs.

• Formulation of preliminary space plans and two and three dimensional design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client's program needs and are based on knowledge of the principles of interior design and theories of human behavior.

• Confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental, and sustainability guidelines.

• Selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept and to meet socio-psychological, functional, maintenance, life-cycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements.

• Selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description; and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture.

• Provision of project management services, including preparation of project budgets and schedules.

• Preparation of construction documents, consisting of plans, elevations, details and specifications, to illustrate non-structural and/or non-seismic partition layouts; power and communications locations; reflected ceiling plans and lighting designs; materials and finishes; and furniture layouts.

• Preparation of construction documents to adhere to regional building and fire codes, municipal codes, and any other jurisdictional statutes, regulations and guidelines applicable to the interior space.

• Coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals who may be retained to provide consulting services, including but not limited to architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and various specialty consultants.

• Confirmation that construction documents for non-structural and/or non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible interior designer, as applicable to jurisdictional requirements for filing with code enforcement officials.

• Administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client's agent.

• Observation and reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion, as a representative of and on behalf of the client; and conducting post-occupancy evaluation reports.

  National Council for Interior Design Qualification, Inc.

With all that said, there is also another part that interior designers take part in, and that is protecting the public. How? A good and qualified designer, again talking about the different certifications, is a great asset to all builders and construction teams, because they have the knowledge and take responsibility to know the critical features that are out to protect the public's health, safety and the overall welfare of all. They also are able to provide knowledge and expertise on meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), installing correct doors, lighting, and equipment for compliance with local, state, and federal building and fire safety codes. They also provide qualified information on specified ergonomic, sustainable designs and furnishings to protect human health and well being. 

In other words, Interior Designers are definitely professionals you want to hire, but that's a later post, because we not only want to make your spaces beautiful but we also want the spaces to function for you and anyone around you that is using them. 

Again, thank you for reading and stay tuned for my next blog.

First Post...Welcome to my blog and website!!

Hello all, 

Thanks for stopping by and checking things out. I am an interior designer and decorator located in the northeast corner of Iowa. I live with my English bulldog, Oscar, in a small ranch home that I recently bought and am making my own. The goal of my blog not only is to help clients and others solve their problems with home design and decorating but I also want you all to get to know me, more than the designer and decorator that I am, but as I am an average person. 

Some hobbies I have and love to do is travel to different places, reading, drawing and painting. Those are only a few of my hobbies, which you may come to know as we get going with this blog. Another thing I love to do is to go deer hunting and to in a sense be one with nature for a short time.

Besides my career choice of interior design, which I have my A.A.S. and B.A., I also work in a local women's clothing store in my home area, which also keeps me up on fashion trends which keeps up with the interior design and decorating trends. While keeping up on the trends, I also like to keep design classic, simplistic and then mix in different styles to go along with the design process.

Again, I want you all to get to know me as a person as well as an interior designer and decorator, and I want to say thank you again for visiting my site and reading my blog.