Decorating and designing a space can often seem like a daunting task, whether you're looking to do one room or a whole house. It may feel as though there are innumerable details to think about, an overload of decisions to make, and a wide array of furniture and furnishing choices to laboriously pour over.
However, there are individuals who can turn this task
from a would be stressful chore to a fun and creative collaboration.
Interior Designers and Decorators have the knowledge and know-how to assist in zoning in on what exactly you need and want out of your space. They understand ergonomics, space planning, and interior codes. These key ingredients create the seamless flow of your interior and maximize its usability. Unsure of what size sectional works best, amount of walk room needed behind a pulled out chair, or what height stool you need, ask a designer. They're trained to help navigate spatial challenges while incorporating stylish and aesthetically pleasing pieces into the design.
There are some differences between Interior Designers and Decorators. Interior Designers are generally specially trained and even licensed individuals. They often have knowledge of building codes, contract lingo, color theory, finish selections, and architectural drawing expertise. An Interior Decorator may or may not be professionally trained through a university or certification program, but have a passion and flair for beautifying interiors and home decor.
Not sure how to choose an Interior Designer or Decorator?
It's important when working with an Interior Designer or Decorator that you feel comfortable and can communicate effectively. This person will need to understand your psychographics, so it's vital you are at ease with them. A good rapport and listening skills are essential to make a home remodel or design go as smoothly as possible. Our Interior Designers exemplify and excel at these skills and are on hand at PerLora to help you find design solutions to perfectly fit your home.
Depending on the nature of your project you may want to lean toward a designer who specializes in a certain area. The two main sectors of design are residential and commercial. Designers often have specific knowledge in areas such as contract office projects, whole home renovations, hospitality, high end contemporary interiors, and much more. Many pieces are customizable with hundreds of fabric and upholstery options, metal and wood finishes. Design professionals know the lines and finishes and can quickly hone in on your needs and provide you with a smaller pool of optimal options. Restaurant - Berlin, Germany
Hotel BCN Design - Barcellona, Spain
Photo credit to Jordi Miralles
Preparation for a meeting with an Interior Designer/Decorator
To aid your designer or decorator you may want to come prepared with some tools to help them do their job as effectively as possible.
Having the overall dimensions of your room, or having a designer come out on a house call speeds up the process. That way they can assure pieces will fit through doorways, be the correct scale in a room, and look amazing!
It's also a great idea to pull images out of magazines or off the web you find beautiful or inspiring. This gives the designer a visual of your tastes. Along with how you want the room to look, have an idea of how you would like it to function. How many people do you need it to regularly accommodate, how much will it be utilized, does it need to facilitate multiple tasks, how formal is the room?
Know your time frame. When do you want to have
this project completed by? Lead times on items can vary from a few weeks to months. Having an ideal time frame for the project will aid your interior designer. That way you can choose products which are more readily available if needed, shipping from a closer location, or when time isn't an issue waiting on that amazing custom piece from overseas.
The other important factor is to have a price range in mind. This helps the designer stay within your budget and select pieces at the quality level and line best for you. If you have expensive tastes and desire high quality Italian pieces, for example, but your budget doesn't currently allow for it, you may want to consider buying pieces in stages. Or for young professionals with a lower price point, consider young adult geared lines with funky and fun fabrics, more economical pricing, and mobility. There are solutions for any budget range, but it is still important to know your comfortable range.
Your designer is like having a great wardrobe, you may have some really strong gorgeous pieces but are unsure of how to pull them all together. That's where design professionals come in. It's like having a classic three piece business suit matched with the perfect tie, or adding those dazzling accessory touches to that little black dress. Interior designers are like fashion consultants for your home. Dressing your home with a designer can really pull it together and make that bold statement you've been dying for. So if you're feeling decor challenged be designer friendly and set up a consult with a design professional and make your interior a breathtaking space that will be the talk of the town!
*If interested in specific furniture pieces, lighting, or upholstery shown in this blog- call PerLora at 412-431-2220 for additional information.
