Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors
Spruce Up and Clear Out!
May 18, 2010When you clear the clutter, your home gets an instant design boost. But it's no surprise this can be easier said than done. It's easy to accumulate a mountain of "stuff" that eventually turns into clutter. Consequently, it's also easy to lose track of all that clutter.Instead of dreaming about a completely organized home and then being overwhelmed by how much you'll have to do take on clutter-clearing one step at a time. You'll need a purpose and a plan. But don't worry. You can do this.Considering it's spring (and nearly summer), this is a good time for a spruce-up. When your environment is organized and relatively clutter-free, it's easier to keep rooms tidy and clean. Your home becomes your haven.
May 18, 2010
When you clear the clutter, your home gets an instant design boost. But it's no surprise this can be easier said than done. It's easy to accumulate a mountain of "stuff" that eventually turns into clutter. Consequently, it's also easy to lose track of all that clutter.
Instead of dreaming about a completely organized home and then being overwhelmed by how much you'll have to do take on clutter-clearing one step at a time. You'll need a purpose and a plan. But don't worry. You can do this.
Considering it's spring (and nearly summer), this is a good time for a spruce-up. When your environment is organized and relatively clutter-free, it's easier to keep rooms tidy and clean. Your home becomes your haven.
Let's get started! First, think about how your living space is used.Say, there is a pile of books on your bedside table, along with a stack of magazines, not to mention the clock radio, water glass, tissues, and papers. You need some serenity in your bedroom, and this is anything but serene.Find a place for all those things, according to how you use them. Get an attractive basket to store the books and magazines and keep it near the bed. (And remember to cull, cull, cull. A good rule of thumb is to keep only the current issue of magazines and clip any articles you'll need).Put the tissues in a drawer they'll be there when you need them. The water glass can stay on the bedside table, especially if it's pretty. But put it on a small decorative tray. Suddenly, that glass has achieved accessory status.Not so difficult, right? And there are lots of storage options that are attractive. Your child's room might need extra shelving or bins for toys. In the family room, a hinged ottoman is a good place for throws and extra pillows.Take a quick tour of your house and look for small projects where you can clear, organize, and find storage options as in the bedside table example, above. You don't have to become obsessive, but with an appropriate place for everything, your house will feel more like home.
Let's get started! First, think about how your living space is used.
Say, there is a pile of books on your bedside table, along with a stack of magazines, not to mention the clock radio, water glass, tissues, and papers. You need some serenity in your bedroom, and this is anything but serene.
Find a place for all those things, according to how you use them. Get an attractive basket to store the books and magazines and keep it near the bed. (And remember to cull, cull, cull. A good rule of thumb is to keep only the current issue of magazines and clip any articles you'll need).
Put the tissues in a drawer they'll be there when you need them. The water glass can stay on the bedside table, especially if it's pretty. But put it on a small decorative tray. Suddenly, that glass has achieved accessory status.
Not so difficult, right? And there are lots of storage options that are attractive. Your child's room might need extra shelving or bins for toys. In the family room, a hinged ottoman is a good place for throws and extra pillows.
Take a quick tour of your house and look for small projects where you can clear, organize, and find storage options as in the bedside table example, above.
You don't have to become obsessive, but with an appropriate place for everything, your house will feel more like home.
Guess Who's Making A Comeback?
May 24, 2010Im loving all the new choices in wallpaper! Theyve created a resurgence in the use of wallpaper in interior design and deservedly so.In recent years, theres been a renaissance in wallpaper design by manufacturers, who now offer quite a diverse range of options. These choices offer rich possibilities they can bring instant drama and personality into rooms.Wallpaper is all about texture, color and pattern. Papering an entire room is an option, but its not always necessary. Most of todays wallpaper designs are strong enough to stand alone on an accent wall.So heres the line-up of whats hot in wallpaper. Much of it is the reinvention of old patterns and techniques that have made them surprisingly contemporary. A good example is embossed wallpaper. Dont worry this is neither fussy nor stuffy! Embossed wallpaper is firmly in the 21st century through pattern tweaks and vibrant colors.The same type of revitalization has occurred for grasscloth and cork wall coverings (now available in more vibrant colors than during their last popular appearance in the 1980s).Historic wallpaper patterns, some out of print for decades, also are experiencing a revival. This is good fortune for anyone who loves traditional design. They are wonderfully elegant, and Im glad theyre now available.Some of the newer options for wallpaper are really imaginative. Companies are making wallpapers shimmer through embedded glass beads and crystals. There is leather wallpaper, real or faux, from ostrich to supple suede.Contemporary design lovers are covered, too. The strong graphics and colors of new modern-design wallpapers add punch and contrast in contemporary rooms.In other words, theres a lot to choose from, and the end result can be remarkable.
May 24, 2010
Im loving all the new choices in wallpaper! Theyve created a resurgence in the use of wallpaper in interior design and deservedly so.
In recent years, theres been a renaissance in wallpaper design by manufacturers, who now offer quite a diverse range of options. These choices offer rich possibilities they can bring instant drama and personality into rooms.
Wallpaper is all about texture, color and pattern. Papering an entire room is an option, but its not always necessary. Most of todays wallpaper designs are strong enough to stand alone on an accent wall.
So heres the line-up of whats hot in wallpaper. Much of it is the reinvention of old patterns and techniques that have made them surprisingly contemporary. A good example is embossed wallpaper. Dont worry this is neither fussy nor stuffy! Embossed wallpaper is firmly in the 21st century through pattern tweaks and vibrant colors.
The same type of revitalization has occurred for grasscloth and cork wall coverings (now available in more vibrant colors than during their last popular appearance in the 1980s).
Historic wallpaper patterns, some out of print for decades, also are experiencing a revival. This is good fortune for anyone who loves traditional design. They are wonderfully elegant, and Im glad theyre now available.
Some of the newer options for wallpaper are really imaginative. Companies are making wallpapers shimmer through embedded glass beads and crystals. There is leather wallpaper, real or faux, from ostrich to supple suede.
Contemporary design lovers are covered, too. The strong graphics and colors of new modern-design wallpapers add punch and contrast in contemporary rooms.
In other words, theres a lot to choose from, and the end result can be remarkable.
Blooming Colors of Spring
May 10, 2010Blooming Colors of SpringDo you want your home to express that spring is in full bloom? The easiest way to refresh your décor is to bring in accents and colors that reflect the change of season. Its something you can do at least twice a year, whether you want to start a long-planned decorating project or just change out a few accessories.Of course, this is the time of year when days get sunnier and warmer! And the 2010 spring color palette is popping with the energy of the season.This years popular spring colors seem made for Florida homes. They include many shades of pink. Think of the pink sheen of a conch shell, the pinkish red in a summer sunset, or the dark pink of a prize hibiscus. These are natures colors when its bright and happy.Another great color this spring is apple green. Im also loving stylish new color pairings, such as aqua and peacock blues paired with raspberry reds.Here are some ways to add spring freshness to your home:* For a big seasonal change, go ahead and paint the walls! Paint is an inexpensive way to transform your living space.* For a splash or two of spring decorating, go for changes of accessories like pillows, ceramics, and area rugs.* Look for pillows in bright spring shades and toss them on your sofa. Change heavy area rugs if you have a place to store them for a few months for an edged sisal or brightly painted canvas rug.* Dress the bed in a white summer-weight comforter or coverlet for a cool fresh look; brighten with accent pillows.
May 10, 2010
Do you want your home to express that spring is in full bloom? The easiest way to refresh your décor is to bring in accents and colors that reflect the change of season. Its something you can do at least twice a year, whether you want to start a long-planned decorating project or just change out a few accessories.
Of course, this is the time of year when days get sunnier and warmer! And the 2010 spring color palette is popping with the energy of the season.
This years popular spring colors seem made for Florida homes. They include many shades of pink. Think of the pink sheen of a conch shell, the pinkish red in a summer sunset, or the dark pink of a prize hibiscus. These are natures colors when its bright and happy.
Another great color this spring is apple green. Im also loving stylish new color pairings, such as aqua and peacock blues paired with raspberry reds.
Here are some ways to add spring freshness to your home:
* For a big seasonal change, go ahead and paint the walls! Paint is an inexpensive way to transform your living space.
* For a splash or two of spring decorating, go for changes of accessories like pillows, ceramics, and area rugs.
* Look for pillows in bright spring shades and toss them on your sofa. Change heavy area rugs if you have a place to store them for a few months for an edged sisal or brightly painted canvas rug.
* Dress the bed in a white summer-weight comforter or coverlet for a cool fresh look; brighten with accent pillows.
Let''s Celebrate This Summer!
July 6, 2010 Theres something special about summer, isnt there? Its the season of the Fourth of July, poolside parties, family reunions, and informal entertaining. Its also a time to have fun with your summer décor! To help you plan, Im providing you some inspiration for those upcoming festivities.I love these ideas for summer celebrations:
July 6, 2010
Theres something special about summer, isnt there? Its the season of the Fourth of July, poolside parties, family reunions, and informal entertaining. Its also a time to have fun with your summer décor! To help you plan, Im providing you some inspiration for those upcoming festivities.
I love these ideas for summer celebrations:
When you want elegance, use hurricane lamps for centerpieces and candlelight. These are glass pillars originally made to protect lighted candles from the wind and they come in varying sizes.For casual get-togethers, string paper lanterns on the porch or around the pool.Pick a theme, and add touches through dishes, glassware, tablecloths, and accessories. The beach is a natural inspiration at this time of year. Place gorgeous shells on the serving buffet and tables, and coordinate tablecloths and napkins in shades of coral, sea green and blue.On the Fourth, its time for red, white, and blue! For an imaginative look, mix in a variety of shades of blue. Glassware could be light blue or turquoise, for example. Also, choose pretty tablecloths with a pattern of red or blue on a white background. Or use single-color natural fiber placemats set the table by alternating red mats and blue mats, and top with white dinnerware or sturdy white paper plates.For backyard barbecues, use decorative plastic plates instead of paper, and real silverware. Your guests will need plenty of napkins stack extras in easy-to-reach baskets and it will be a snap to get more as needed.If you'd like a professional touch to make your home a standout party venue, call me to discuss décor or consider hiring an event planner for your summer celebration.
When you want elegance, use hurricane lamps for centerpieces and candlelight. These are glass pillars originally made to protect lighted candles from the wind and they come in varying sizes.
For casual get-togethers, string paper lanterns on the porch or around the pool.
Pick a theme, and add touches through dishes, glassware, tablecloths, and accessories. The beach is a natural inspiration at this time of year. Place gorgeous shells on the serving buffet and tables, and coordinate tablecloths and napkins in shades of coral, sea green and blue.
On the Fourth, its time for red, white, and blue! For an imaginative look, mix in a variety of shades of blue. Glassware could be light blue or turquoise, for example. Also, choose pretty tablecloths with a pattern of red or blue on a white background. Or use single-color natural fiber placemats set the table by alternating red mats and blue mats, and top with white dinnerware or sturdy white paper plates.
For backyard barbecues, use decorative plastic plates instead of paper, and real silverware. Your guests will need plenty of napkins stack extras in easy-to-reach baskets and it will be a snap to get more as needed.
If you'd like a professional touch to make your home a standout party venue, call me to discuss décor or consider hiring an event planner for your summer celebration.
"Marrying" Elements of Interior Design
June 21, 2010 A newly married couple may be deeply in love but hate their partners taste! Ive seen this happen, which is why I offer design consulting and solutions for creating a home environment both can enjoy.Its possible to combine opposite visions of what makes an ideal home. Really!Lets start with an example: He loves all things modern and trendy. She loves traditional styles and antiques. He prefers bold colors. She likes a neutral palette. Id recommend they dont choose one style over the other. In other words, refrain from insisting on minimalist furniture and deep blue paint (his style). The same goes for wanting nothing less than vintage pieces and all white window treatments (her style). When two design styles clash, its best to create a transitional style that combines the two. This is more than randomly selecting pieces and hoping for the best. A transitional style is a complementary look. Diverging styles can be blended and look like theyre made to be together! For instance, our modernist husband and antique-loving wife might choose upholstered furniture with clean lines, then blend in antiques. They might agree on neutral upholstery and walls, spiced with bold furnishings and accessories along with colorful art. Id also recommend that couples take an inventory of belongings when they are ready to decorate. Its likely that each will have pieces the other isnt crazy about. This is the time to decide what to let go and when to compromise.
June 21, 2010
A newly married couple may be deeply in love but hate their partners taste! Ive seen this happen, which is why I offer design consulting and solutions for creating a home environment both can enjoy.
Its possible to combine opposite visions of what makes an ideal home. Really!
Lets start with an example: He loves all things modern and trendy. She loves traditional styles and antiques. He prefers bold colors. She likes a neutral palette.
Id recommend they dont choose one style over the other. In other words, refrain from insisting on minimalist furniture and deep blue paint (his style). The same goes for wanting nothing less than vintage pieces and all white window treatments (her style).
When two design styles clash, its best to create a transitional style that combines the two.
This is more than randomly selecting pieces and hoping for the best. A transitional style is a complementary look. Diverging styles can be blended and look like theyre made to be together!
For instance, our modernist husband and antique-loving wife might choose upholstered furniture with clean lines, then blend in antiques. They might agree on neutral upholstery and walls, spiced with bold furnishings and accessories along with colorful art.
Id also recommend that couples take an inventory of belongings when they are ready to decorate. Its likely that each will have pieces the other isnt crazy about. This is the time to decide what to let go and when to compromise.
My advice is to keep the items that are of the highest quality or have the most sentimental value. Items that should be at the bottom of the keeper list are old stuff from college days. Yes, Im talking about that old futon that no longer opens. Eventually, couples really can create a home they both like. If you need help (or a mediator), contact Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors for professional interior design advice and transitional design ideas.Let us help you create your own personal spaces. For a Complimentary Consultation you can call us at (813) 244-1181 or (813) 895-0795.You may also email us priscilla_andrealaureninteriors.com or complete our Consultation Request Form.
My advice is to keep the items that are of the highest quality or have the most sentimental value. Items that should be at the bottom of the keeper list are old stuff from college days. Yes, Im talking about that old futon that no longer opens.
Eventually, couples really can create a home they both like. If you need help (or a mediator), contact Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors for professional interior design advice and transitional design ideas.
Let us help you create your own personal spaces. For a Complimentary Consultation you can call us at (813) 244-1181 or (813) 895-0795.
You may also email us priscilla_andrealaureninteriors.com or complete our Consultation Request Form.
Interior Design Advice for Transitioning Childrens' Rooms Into Teen Retreats
May 4, 2010 What happens when the little girl who loved pink and canopy beds becomes a teenager? Her bedroom, once perfect for an eight-year-old, will need updating. Interior design firm Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors recommends that parents and teens work as a team when remodeling teen bedrooms. It can be a fun project theyll look back on for years to come.Priscilla Castellano, an interior designer and owner of Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors in South Tampa, FL, has a long list of specialties including luxury interior designing, home restorations, and decorating bedrooms for baby nurseries to teenagers. She believes summer is prime time for teen-bedroom decorating projects.Especially for teens entering high school next fall, nows the time to get started on updating a teen bedroom, said Castellano. Well-designed bedrooms can help teens be more successful, both socially and academically.Likely, a teenage girl will want a bedroom to reflect that shes more mature, which means that frilly canopy and girly-girl pink is likely history. Sons may not be as particular about their rooms, but chances are they dont want that dinosaur wallpaper from second grade. The bedroom also needs to be multipurpose, where the teen can study, entertain friends, and store an avalanche of stuff.
May 4, 2010
What happens when the little girl who loved pink and canopy beds becomes a teenager? Her bedroom, once perfect for an eight-year-old, will need updating. Interior design firm Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors recommends that parents and teens work as a team when remodeling teen bedrooms. It can be a fun project theyll look back on for years to come.
Priscilla Castellano, an interior designer and owner of Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors in South Tampa, FL, has a long list of specialties including luxury interior designing, home restorations, and decorating bedrooms for baby nurseries to teenagers. She believes summer is prime time for teen-bedroom decorating projects.
Especially for teens entering high school next fall, nows the time to get started on updating a teen bedroom, said Castellano. Well-designed bedrooms can help teens be more successful, both socially and academically.
Likely, a teenage girl will want a bedroom to reflect that shes more mature, which means that frilly canopy and girly-girl pink is likely history. Sons may not be as particular about their rooms, but chances are they dont want that dinosaur wallpaper from second grade. The bedroom also needs to be multipurpose, where the teen can study, entertain friends, and store an avalanche of stuff.
Here are more tips from Castellano:• Encourage studying by including a desk, shelving, good lighting, and room for the computer. Teens are able to concentrate in a well-equipped space.• Allow plenty of room for self-expression, but be prepared to modify some over-the-top ideas. For instance, instead of deep teal or black paint, pick a lighter shade in the same color family.• Think about seating for when friends come over, such as floor pillows. Also, furniture companies have product lines designed for teenagers.• Call in an interior designer who can maximize space, function, and tie it all together.Founded in 1999, Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors is a full-service interior designfirm located at 3006 West Swann Avenue, Tampa, Fla. Its designers coordinate allaspects of interior design, from space planning, to installations, to interior decoratingfor residential homes and commercial offices. Specialties include coastal living, kitchen and bath remodeling, childrens rooms, home theaters, contemporary spaces,and more. Visit www.andrealaureninteriors.com.
Here are more tips from Castellano:
• Encourage studying by including a desk, shelving, good lighting, and room for the computer. Teens are able to concentrate in a well-equipped space.
• Allow plenty of room for self-expression, but be prepared to modify some over-the-top ideas. For instance, instead of deep teal or black paint, pick a lighter shade in the same color family.
• Think about seating for when friends come over, such as floor pillows.
Also, furniture companies have product lines designed for teenagers.
• Call in an interior designer who can maximize space, function, and tie it all together.
Founded in 1999, Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors is a full-service interior design
firm located at 3006 West Swann Avenue, Tampa, Fla. Its designers coordinate all
aspects of interior design, from space planning, to installations, to interior decorating
for residential homes and commercial offices. Specialties include coastal living,
kitchen and bath remodeling, childrens rooms, home theaters, contemporary spaces,
and more. Visit www.andrealaureninteriors.com.
Embrace Outdoor Elegance
April 19, 2010Enjoying our Florida spring weather? So am I. And Im thinking about how an outdoor room makes the season even lovelier. An outdoor room is more than a patio or deck. It is stylish, comfortable, and elegant the space that ties the inside of your house to the beauty of your garden or swimming pool.When decorating your outdoor room, think of plush furniture, lighting, rugs, accessories, and even artwork. You want to apply the same attention to detail as you would when decorating any room of the house.We can thank changes in outdoor furniture and other key elements for the increased potential of outdoor rooms. Gone are the days when wrought iron chairs with thin cushions were the only choice for seating.New outdoor sofas look like they belong in the family room, with the same amount of comfort. Weather-resistant area rugs could hold their own in dining rooms.When planning your outdoor room, youll want a placefor dining, relaxing, and conversation. A water featureor fireplace adds to the ambience and provides a naturalgathering space. Including a sleek outdoor kitchenmakes entertaining friends even easier.For atmosphere, add candles and the right mix of lighting.Choose accent pillows and accessories. A sheer curtaincan add a billowy touch in the breeze. Through functional design and attention to detail, abeautiful outdoor room will be enjoyable for years to come.
April 19, 2010
Enjoying our Florida spring weather? So am I. And Im thinking about how an outdoor room makes the season even lovelier. An outdoor room is more than a patio or deck. It is stylish, comfortable, and elegant the space that ties the inside of your house to the beauty of your garden or swimming pool.
When decorating your outdoor room, think of plush furniture, lighting, rugs, accessories, and even artwork. You want to apply the same attention to detail as you would when decorating any room of the house.
We can thank changes in outdoor furniture and other key elements for the increased potential of outdoor rooms. Gone are the days when wrought iron chairs with thin cushions were the only choice for seating.
New outdoor sofas look like they belong in the family room, with the same amount of comfort. Weather-resistant area rugs could hold their own in dining rooms.
When planning your outdoor room, youll want a place
for dining, relaxing, and conversation. A water feature
or fireplace adds to the ambience and provides a natural
gathering space. Including a sleek outdoor kitchen
makes entertaining friends even easier.
For atmosphere, add candles and the right mix of lighting.
Choose accent pillows and accessories. A sheer curtain
can add a billowy touch in the breeze.
Through functional design and attention to detail, a
beautiful outdoor room will be enjoyable for years to come.
What Color Does To Your Home
March 22, 2010Finding the colors that you love for your home isnt as complicated or difficult as you might think. Three things will help you choose with confidence:1. Decide what mood and ambience you want to set in your home.2. Select color combinations you love, not just like very important.3. Leave the color shyness at the door, dont be afraid to pick colors.Now you are ready to see what color will miraculously do to your home.How do you want to feel when you enter the different rooms in your home?Remember, color evokes an emotional response that is based on color themselves. For instance, sunny colors make us happy, smoky taupes and lavenders calm us, terra cotta takes us to the charm of Tuscany. Are you starting to think about your favorite color schemes? Be careful not to fall in love with colors that are trendy. Be practical, paint is fairly easy to change; keep in mind that your flooring, furniture, and window treatments also play a very important part on your new color scheme. As you put together all your colors make sure to paint a small area of your wall and study it for a couple of days, you will see different colors during the day and you will also get a different feeling during the evening and night. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made accordingly. I also recommend a quarter of the formula for the ceiling, that will also create an elegant and rich look as you look up to the ceiling. Well, I hope this has helped you in this fun and exciting process !
March 22, 2010
Finding the colors that you love for your home isnt as complicated or difficult as you might think. Three things will help you choose with confidence:
1. Decide what mood and ambience you want to set in your home.
2. Select color combinations you love, not just like very important.
3. Leave the color shyness at the door, dont be afraid to pick colors.
Now you are ready to see what color will miraculously do to your home.
How do you want to feel when you enter the different rooms in your home?
Remember, color evokes an emotional response that is based on color themselves. For instance, sunny colors make us happy, smoky taupes and lavenders calm us, terra cotta takes us to the charm of Tuscany. Are you starting to think about your favorite color schemes? Be careful not to fall in love with colors that are trendy. Be practical, paint is fairly easy to change; keep in mind that your flooring, furniture, and window treatments also play a very important part on your new color scheme. As you put together all your colors make sure to paint a small area of your wall and study it for a couple of days, you will see different colors during the day and you will also get a different feeling during the evening and night. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made accordingly. I also recommend a quarter of the formula for the ceiling, that will also create an elegant and rich look as you look up to the ceiling.
Well, I hope this has helped you in this fun and exciting process !
What You Should Know Before Hiring an Interior Designer
March 15, 2010Now that you finally decided to make that call or start searching the internet for an Interior Designer, what is your next step? You look for an Interior Designer who is a professional, trained in all phases of the Interior Designers world.The Interior Designer you choose should have extensive training on all elements of modern and historical design. This professional designer should have the foundational knowledge and experience that would allow them to develop concepts and ideas in a variety of styles that can range from Traditional, Tuscany, Old World, Contemporary, Modern, Eclectic, and Art Deco, or just a combination of many styles that will create your personal, elegant and unique home. Without mention, the most important and invaluable quality is that instant trust, respect and excitement that they are going to bring to your project; after all, this is the professional that is going to transform your most sacred and cherished space you call home.Now that the connection has been established lets talk business: the famous, untouched, sensitive subject the budget.If you have not established a budget or just have not given it any thought, please discuss it with your spouse (or any other decision maker) and give it some serious consideration; it will help your professional designer know where to direct you and save time during the selection process. The sky is the limit in design but your budget will determine the boundaries, no one likes surprises when it comes to their finances and you want to enjoy this experience and not become frustrated and second guess your decision.Benefits of using a professional Interior Designer.A benefit of using a professional designer is that they can offer you so many choices and have access to many vendors that will only work with the Interior Designer and will bring a uniqueness and elegance to your project like no other.A very important consideration is allowing the Interior Designer to manage the entireprocess: Development, Visual Coordination, and Project Management.Make sure you read and understand the terms of the contract and what yourexpectations are of your Interior Designer; communication from the early start of he project will keep everyone happy. You should have been provided with asummary and description of all terms, design fees, budget, and accountabilityregarding all subcontractors and drafting fees that may occur during the processof your project. If this agreement meets both parties approval you are now ready tosign the contract, take a deep breath and enjoy this wonderful experience. Allow our professional Designer to be creative, transforming your home from the ordinaryto the extraordinary and WOW! you to the end.Good luck and I pray this has been informative!
March 15, 2010
Now that you finally decided to make that call or start searching the internet for an Interior Designer, what is your next step? You look for an Interior Designer who is a professional, trained in all phases of the Interior Designers world.
The Interior Designer you choose should have extensive training on all elements of modern and historical design. This professional designer should have the foundational knowledge and experience that would allow them to develop concepts and ideas in a variety of styles that can range from Traditional, Tuscany, Old World, Contemporary, Modern, Eclectic, and Art Deco, or just a combination of many styles that will create your personal, elegant and unique home. Without mention, the most important and invaluable quality is that instant trust, respect and excitement that they are going to bring to your project; after all, this is the professional that is going to transform your most sacred and cherished space you call home.
Now that the connection has been established lets talk business: the famous, untouched, sensitive subject the budget.
If you have not established a budget or just have not given it any thought, please discuss it with your spouse (or any other decision maker) and give it some serious consideration; it will help your professional designer know where to direct you and save time during the selection process. The sky is the limit in design but your budget will determine the boundaries, no one likes surprises when it comes to their finances and you want to enjoy this experience and not become frustrated and second guess your decision.
Benefits of using a professional Interior Designer.
A benefit of using a professional designer is that they can offer you so many choices and have access to many vendors that will only work with the Interior Designer and will bring a uniqueness and elegance to your project like no other.
A very important consideration is allowing the Interior Designer to manage the entire
process: Development, Visual Coordination, and Project Management.
Make sure you read and understand the terms of the contract and what your
expectations are of your Interior Designer; communication from the early start of
he project will keep everyone happy. You should have been provided with a
summary and description of all terms, design fees, budget, and accountability
regarding all subcontractors and drafting fees that may occur during the process
of your project. If this agreement meets both parties approval you are now ready to
sign the contract, take a deep breath and enjoy this wonderful experience. Allow
our professional Designer to be creative, transforming your home from the ordinary
to the extraordinary and WOW! you to the end.
Good luck and I pray this has been informative!
