Have you ever hired an interior decorator/designer?
8 years ago
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Ever hired a designer just to help pick flooring?
Comments (11)brutuses - I did post it on flooring. Things are a bit slow over there, so I came here (my real home), too. I have done a lot of research. I'm worn out on the research, actually. But we've got some odd variables with this space that the conventional wisdom just doesn't address. For example: slab would indicate floating, but floating requires gaps at the edges, and it's hard to figure out how to accomodate the gap at a metal window frame (two adjoining walls like this, so not an option to just "turn the floor the other way") that won't look hideous, and we also have to deal with 20' of existing pavers to butt it up against on one side (looking for what will give us the least obnoxious transition there -- currently there is a rubber threshold thing - yuck). So, as I ramble on, you can see my problem!...See MoreHiring and interior designer for a pre-construction house
Comments (6)Yes, I do think it's a good idea. The house I recently bought had a designer involved from the beginning stages. The couple that started construction got transferred right before closing and never purchased the house. Can't tell ya how grateful I am that the couple hired a designer to select all the finishes and even lighting. The only thing that is a miss in my house is carpeting in bedrooms. That was done last and the construction manager chose the carpet -- it doesn't work well with the travertine. But, hey, it's not bad and I'm not complaining. Just can't help but wonder what the designer would have chosen....See MoreWho recently hired an interior decorator?
Comments (22)We hired an interior decorator ten years ago when we built our home, and she helped us select paint colors, flooring, wall paper, and other essentials for a new construction. She was great, and we received many compliments on how our home looked. Four years ago, we built again, in a new area and hired a different interior designer. It was a complete disaster. I wish I had listened to my intuition. I selected her because of her interior design certification, and I went to meet with her in her home. Her personal style preferences were very modern/contemporary, and I noticed a lot of shiny things, bright colors, geometric patterns, and columns everywhere in her home. Her style seemed to compete with the more traditional architecture of her home. Anyway, I did share with her that my style preferences were more traditional/French country and that I liked warm colors and antique furniture pieces or at least antique-inspired pieces. She assured me that a good designer could work with any style. Then . . . she accompanied us to our various appointments for tile, cabinetry, flooring, paint, and other selections. She always recommended things outside of my style preferences - impractical and over the top, usually. AND, worse, she insulted every one of the contractors who tried to share input in the process. She was completely rude and narcissistic. My husband couldn't stand her attitude, and after one day and $800, we never called her again. We returned to the contractors', changed our selections to our own preferences, and apologized for her awful behavior. In the end, this "designer" even told me she never recommends "dented" furniture, referring to my appreciation for old pieces. She was a terrible match for us in every way - style and personality. After that experience, I doubt I'll ever hire another designer. To be honest, I've received some really excellent FREE advice here that is much more practical and within my style zone. Also, I've had good luck with Ethan Allen's and Younkers services, free with furniture order. If you're willing to take some time and consider your options, researching ideas and seeking advice from the great crowd here, you'll probably be just as pleased or more with the result than you would with a designer involved. I know great decorators and designers are out there, but many times, it's hit and miss, I think. That's my two cents....See MoreDid you hire an interior designer with your new build?
Comments (35)If you're concerned with cost you don't have to hire the designer to help with everything. For example, you could hire one to help with choosing the overall look of the home such as color palette for creating flow, style of major finishes such as trim and door style, etc. Another option to use the designer for help key areas such as the kitchen. We've used a designer for some spaces in our current home (master bedroom and bath and sitting room) but some rooms we've handled ourselves (powder room, kids' bedrooms, guest bedroom and playroom) because we were confident that we knew what to do in them. When we put our house on the market we also consulted with a designer about a few minor issues such as what neutral color we should paint the rooms upstairs and which areas of the house were most in need of updating and how. As for doing the actual staging and updating work, we did it ourselves. Keep in mind that there are different payment methods for designers. Some charge per hour and some charge a percentage on top of what they source for you. Also, find out how and what they charge you for. For example, some charge for shopping for you even if they are shopping for multiple clients at once....See More- 8 years ago
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