How to Create Interest in Your Space, Simply!

If you are looking to update your space but cannot afford to do much, then buy a can of paint!  Within your palette, pick the strongest color or a new one that contrasts what you have going on right now.  By adding a punch of color to a wall, you will have created a point of interest.  Pop color behind your headboard in your bedroom or on the inside backs of a built in cabinet in your family room. Update the look of an old piece of furniture by repainting it.  And don't be afraid, even go a little outside your comfort zone to add more excitement to your space.
Another way to punch some color into your life is with the addition of pillows on your sofas and chairs!  A little pillow in a fabulous fabric can make a huge impact in any space.  The fabric can add not only color but also a different a much needed change of texture!

If you are feeling the need for professional advice, most designers can be hired hourly.  An hour or two with a designer for a consult might be a great use of a professional resource!

How to Work with a Designer... continued

A designer is a professional who, like other professionals, gets paid for services. Many designers charge an hourly fee in addition to the costs of the products purchased.
Think about it, we need to provide a workable floorplan that best utilizes our clients space and fits the family lifestyle. Then we continue to research products and fabrics to create just the right look for our clients. We want to ensure that your home reflects you and your needs. As I always say to my clients..."this is your home, not mine". Not every individual is able to pinpoint the look they envision; an experienced designer is able to achieve this more quickly and easily than if you were to do it on your own. Therefore, the fees paid out to your designer in turn save you money and possibly some costly mistakes.

Hire a designer with whom you have chemistry. Always make sure that there is good, open communication. If you are unhappy with your designer at any point, you need to discuss this with them. There is no need to feel uncomfortable when you are spending your hard earned money to design your home. One of the advantages of working with a large firm is that you have the ability to switch designers if you become unhappy with your original designer.

How to Know the Difference Between an Interior Designer and a Decorator

An Interior Designer has gone to college for anywhere from two to four years. During their schooling they have completed many projects and experienced internships where they have learned first hand the ins and outs to becoming a working designer. They also meet a rigorous set of standards that allow them to qualify for professional affiliations. Interior Designers are linked to professional associations such as ASID (American Society of Interior Design), IIDA (International Interior Design Association) or NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) to name a few.
Anyone can call themselves an Interior Decorator, nor do you have to complete any formal education to become one. Many decorators are very talented but an interior designer has studied in the field and has insight into basic building and architectural concepts.

Why use a designer when the decorator at the furniture store comes free with your purchases?

Remember that the decorator at the furniture store has to work with the furniture and fabrics within the store's product lines. An interior designer, especially one who is part of a design studio has access to many furnishings and fabrics, in addition to the ability to access other products such as flooring, wallcovering and windows treatments. Since the interior designer has access to more than just furniture, hiring one becomes a more efficient way to get an entire space completed which in turn benefits the client.

How to work with the designer you just hired!

You have interviewed and hired a designer. Now what?

You feel comfortable with the person you just selected, so now you need to let them start the project.
Hopefully you have a plan to connect within the next few weeks so your designer can measure, take photos and collect information on items you are planning to keep. Once your designer has gathered this information to begin, you should also have a next meeting date scheduled.
During the time between hiring your designer and the next meeting, you need to understand that the designer is now transferring the information to drawings and then thinking and sketching ideas for your project.
An efficient designer is able to balance many projects at the same time. While researching for you he/she may be ordering for another and scheduling installations for someone else. It is okay to call your designer anytime to ask a question even if it is in between meetings. They are there for you! Also remember that your designer is working for your benefit and may need to call you from time to time to ask a question or clarify a concern.
You should feel confident and trust your designer.
While it can seem overwhelming, allow your designer to ease your stress. Enjoy the process!

How to know..It is time to hire a designer?

Where do you start, how do you start? Hiring a designer could be the best deal in town. When you hire a designer you can be given the map for future changes. Changes that you can make when you are ready. It is always best to know what you want to achieve in your space, but one does not always know what that is. An interior designer can offer suggestions, and ideas to help you take the first step. If you know what your space can become then the journey to get there can be a lot of fun.
Even during these difficult times, small changes can make a huge difference. After a while in one environment we all need to make changes. However in this economy many people are feeling that it is not the time. On the contrary it is the perfect time.

visit us at www.collaboratedesignstudio.com