I have been the headliner for the Home & Garden Show a few weeks ago in Savannah, last week in Augusta and this next week in Orlando!
I love to offer people my design advice. So many people think that hiring a designer is unattainable for them. Maybe it is the presumed cost or maybe a consumer thinks a designer is going to be too fancy and tell them everything that is wrong in their home.
That is not me, I like to talk in layman’s terms and offer a down to Earth, budget friendly conversation about interior design.
I call my presentation design 101 and I begin with some simple guidelines. I point out that I do not create “rules” because that takes the fun out of it. And…I love to break rules!
Here are a few of the key points I like to get across. My goal is to empower people to make wise design decisions and to hire a professional when needed to help make important decisions that could end up saving a client money in the long run. There is nothing worse than having to redo a job because bad decisions were made the first time!
Always consider the use of any space you are design, no matter how big or small. Consider how you are going to use the room, not only day to day, but also when you have guests over. Consider designing a multi-function room.
Many floorplans today have an open concept, so your space may need to accommodate several functions.
How many people live in your home? Are there small children? Do you have pets? Are there older people using canes or wheelchairs?
What style do you like best? Traditional? Contemporary? Or maybe an eclectic transitional style like most people? What color palette do you like and dislike?
Are you empty nesters that will reclaim a room in your home. Maybe Susie’s room will become a home gym or office when she leaves the home to get married.
What might you repurpose to help with the budget? Consider not only refinishing or re-upholstering a piece, but also repurpose the use of a piece. Turn a dated TV cabinet into a coffee bar. Maybe turn a China cabinet into a cabinet for the bathroom to hold towels and bath salts.
Prioritize your design. Don’t go out and purchase everything at once. Use place holders and replace these items down the road.
Find a theme in your design and run with it. Sometimes this can be a theme such as landscape art or maybe a color theme. Either way, these themes will pull your ideas together and make your design more cohesive.
I like to have three main colors in a room. Two colors can become boring and sometimes need a third color in the room to make it pop. You can pull these colors together with your art, rug or fabrics.
Make sure to have fun with your designing. Do not overthink it and do not ask ALL of your friends for their advice. You will get so many different answers that your head will spin!
