Experiences in the Field of Interior Design
by Myrna Simon
associated with Alicia Friedmann Interior Designs
So, you are thinking of hiring a designer to assist you with a new design for your home; or you need assistance with an update, and you are concerned about the cost. Should you attempt to do this yourself, or should you hire a professional. At the end of the day you will find that having a designer assist you will save you money, not cost you more. We will save you many errors, costly ones at that. We will be able to show you all the latest and greatest ideas for your home, including fabrics, furnishings, lighting, etc. We have our fingers on the pulse for new products and new ideas.
There is one very important element to hiring a designer. It’s the comfort level between you (the client) and the designer. It is very important for a designer and client to have an honest rapport and open communication. Without this, the designer may as well pack up and forget about this job. Compare the relationship between a designer and client to one with your personal physician. We may not be there to care for your health, but we will be caring for your home, and in many cases, this does translate into good health for you and your loved ones.
The first meeting with a client should be open and honest. The client should be able to tell the designer exactly what she would like to have done in her home. If, ultimately, he/she would like the entire house remodeled or decorated, but has a budget for only one room at a time, do not be embarrassed about it. We are used to this; this is our job and this information should be conveyed, so that the focus is on the particular area where the initial work will be done.
The next order of business should be the lifestyle in the home. Is it casual or formal? Does it have to be children friendly, or will the room(s) be used for adults only? Do you prefer contemporary, traditional, transitional, etc? Even though there may be some existing pieces of furniture, the client may want to “change the look.”
And then, you would proceed with a myriad of questions. What are your color preferences? Where does the lighting come from? Will you need additional electrical outlets? and so on. In many cases, the client will want to have all new furnishings; but in the event that we will be using the existing furnishings, the designer will need to know exactly what is remaining so that the design can be worked around that.
In many instances a client will have a stash of photographs taken from magazines to indicate the “look” she/he would like to have. This can help immensely.
If this is a married household, or there are two people who will be making the decisions, it is advisable that both people attend the meetings. It is usually preferred to have the initial visit during the daytime to see the natural light in the home. If there are children in the house, perhaps a meeting could be scheduled during nap time or school time. Sometimes a sitter can take them away for a little while, so that there is no distraction. You will be spending your hard-earned money and your attention to the job is very important. There is less confusion, the discussion is open, and the job will move along at a smoother and more rapid pace.
Finally, the client should have a budget in mind. Knowing how much money is available makes the job so much easier for the designer. We are then able to select the furnishings, draperies, flooring, accessories, etc., based on your budget, and we can advise you accordingly.
My associate, Alicia Friedmann, (Alicia Friedmann Interior Design) and I believe “we make your home yours.”
Stay tuned for my next blog or send me an email at: Myrna@aliciafriedmann.com
by Myrna Simon
associated with Alicia Friedmann Interior Designs
So, you are thinking of hiring a designer to assist you with a new design for your home; or you need assistance with an update, and you are concerned about the cost. Should you attempt to do this yourself, or should you hire a professional. At the end of the day you will find that having a designer assist you will save you money, not cost you more. We will save you many errors, costly ones at that. We will be able to show you all the latest and greatest ideas for your home, including fabrics, furnishings, lighting, etc. We have our fingers on the pulse for new products and new ideas.
There is one very important element to hiring a designer. It’s the comfort level between you (the client) and the designer. It is very important for a designer and client to have an honest rapport and open communication. Without this, the designer may as well pack up and forget about this job. Compare the relationship between a designer and client to one with your personal physician. We may not be there to care for your health, but we will be caring for your home, and in many cases, this does translate into good health for you and your loved ones.
The first meeting with a client should be open and honest. The client should be able to tell the designer exactly what she would like to have done in her home. If, ultimately, he/she would like the entire house remodeled or decorated, but has a budget for only one room at a time, do not be embarrassed about it. We are used to this; this is our job and this information should be conveyed, so that the focus is on the particular area where the initial work will be done.
The next order of business should be the lifestyle in the home. Is it casual or formal? Does it have to be children friendly, or will the room(s) be used for adults only? Do you prefer contemporary, traditional, transitional, etc? Even though there may be some existing pieces of furniture, the client may want to “change the look.”
And then, you would proceed with a myriad of questions. What are your color preferences? Where does the lighting come from? Will you need additional electrical outlets? and so on. In many cases, the client will want to have all new furnishings; but in the event that we will be using the existing furnishings, the designer will need to know exactly what is remaining so that the design can be worked around that.
In many instances a client will have a stash of photographs taken from magazines to indicate the “look” she/he would like to have. This can help immensely.
If this is a married household, or there are two people who will be making the decisions, it is advisable that both people attend the meetings. It is usually preferred to have the initial visit during the daytime to see the natural light in the home. If there are children in the house, perhaps a meeting could be scheduled during nap time or school time. Sometimes a sitter can take them away for a little while, so that there is no distraction. You will be spending your hard-earned money and your attention to the job is very important. There is less confusion, the discussion is open, and the job will move along at a smoother and more rapid pace.
Finally, the client should have a budget in mind. Knowing how much money is available makes the job so much easier for the designer. We are then able to select the furnishings, draperies, flooring, accessories, etc., based on your budget, and we can advise you accordingly.
My associate, Alicia Friedmann, (Alicia Friedmann Interior Design) and I believe “we make your home yours.”
Stay tuned for my next blog or send me an email at: Myrna@aliciafriedmann.com
