Hire

by Leslie Coleman

Created on: November 29, 2008   Last Updated: August 19, 2010

There are a myriad of reasons to seek the help of an interior designer, but there is only one good one. Professional Designers possess the skills and experience to create the room you want, without mistakes.

Those whose choose to do it themselves rarely realize their errors until the item is delivered. That is when it becomes apparent that the new green chair is too big for the space, or the color (so striking on the storeroom floor) clashes with the green in the painting nearby.

Some consumers may be trained in a related field, such as drafting, architecture or art-related fields which are helpful when designing a room; however, there are a varied number of skills required to avoid all the common errors. Let's explore those areas:

Style

A good designer's first order of business is to determine the type of environment that YOU like. Is your style sleek, cool and contemporary? Do you dream of a country French room full of warm woods and over stuffed upholstery? Have you pictured yourself in a gourmet kitchen of stainless steel & black granite? Does the feeling of a beach cottage and unbleached muslin relax you? Or, are you sitting at a long farmhouse kitchen table surrounded by family members elbow deep in cookie dough?

The most important part of a designer's job is to find out YOUR vision, and then take you there within your budget and without mistakes.

Space

Floor planning a room to scale is vital. Even a simple project such as replacing the family room sofa may become a disaster if the 82" sofa you ordered is going on a 78" wall.

Designers take ALL of the room's elements into consideration when preparing a floor plan. Existing built-ins, electrical outlets, windows, fireplaces, air conditioner uptakes, banisters, lighting, staircases and doorways are all important factors when choosing the size and design of new or replacement pieces.

Don't you want to be able to enjoy the warm ambience of your crackling fireplace yet also be able to watch the football game? Isn't it better that you purchased two (2) good club chairs instead of the love seat? Doesn't that silk tree, the Designer suggested, really do an excellent job of creating a break between the breakfast and family rooms?

Good floor planning solves problems and creates balance. As a result your room will feel as good as it looks.

Color

Mixing color and patterns requires experience and is best left to the artisans. In this case, your artisan is your Interior Designer.

Rooms may contain natural elements that will dictate certain hues of color to your Designer. The streaks in the fireplace stone, the shade of brick, the stain on a wood floor, or the color of the ceramic tile entry speak to a Designer.

So, while you have dreamed of a rich deep red dining room, your Designer may divert you from the plum red (blue base) you have chosen, and suggest a chili pepper red (brown base) because of the earth tones in the fireplace stone.

Designers choose paint and wall coverings that will not conflict (fight) with your home's natural elements.

Building a Bridge

There is nothing like a professional designer's touch when it comes to "pulling a room together."

A stack of wicker chests heighten a television armoire. Standard windows appear wide and tall with the right window treatment. A stairwell down to the basement becomes the family photo gallery. A beloved little chest hides spare towels while adding warmth to the guest bath.

Accessorizing is less about the object and more about its size relative to the place (spatial perception). Correctly hanging wall art and placement of surface objects turn family treasures into wonderful objects of interest.

Need to create the illusion of a dining room without walls? Your designer will suggest sliding an 8 x 10 rug under the dinner table.

Need more seating in a small family room? Your coffee table is replaced with a dual purposed leather ottoman.

Can't bear to move Grandmother's mirror above the fireplace (that reflects the ugly ceiling fan?) Your designer will tilt the top of the mirror downward, to show off your collection of wooden candle sticks on the mantle.

Boring china cabinet full of white china? A scattering of old books, a few framed photographs and a bit of greenery peaking from behind the soup tourine now adds warmth, texture and dimension.

Can't afford the china cabinet? Hang a wide mirror above a sofa table adorned with a lamp. The dining table doesn't look lonely anymore, does it? The sofa table can serve as a buffet for company dinners, and now you have a lovely spot for fresh cut flowers or holiday fun .

In love with a wall paper that exceeds your budget? Paint the bottom half of the wall, install molding (chair rail) and then cover the top half of the wall above the molding. This cuts wall paper expense in half.

These are but a few of the "tricks of the trade" designers will bring to life in your home; generated from years of prowling shops, touring homes and flipping through thousands of magazines. ("Chances Are" is a great comedy, but did you notice the window treatments and skirted tables?)

Choosing a Designer

While not every talented Designer is degreed, most do boast membership to ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). Ask for before & after photographs.

When working with an independent Designer (not a furniture store), it is important to realize their income is also derived from the mark-up of their wholesale purchases for your home. Make a point to negotiate before signing an agreement by determining the number of billable hours for the project and capping the percentage that will be added to the whole sale prices.

Some furniture stores, such as Ethan Allen (www.ethanallen.com) employ professional designers (versus salespeople), and the service is free without an obligation to purchase. Allow the designer to visit your home and take measurements. Within a few days you will have a professionally designed floor plan of your room and be delighted to see how the Designer rearranged what you already own!

Remember, enlisting the help of a professional designer will always save you money and the disappointment of mistakes, even when you choose to "do it yourself."

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