Any experiences with interior designers?

[jaminmd]

I want to add additional crown/decorative molding, want new blinds, new paint job, etc. I'd like to hire a designer this time around to help me because when you start one thing with an open floor plan, everything needs to be changed/updated.

Do any of you have experience with designers? I've been to the ASID Web site & briefly read some info there. I have no idea what type of cost to expect for this service. Thanks!

 

[Bluestars]

I don't, but I'll bump this up for you in case someone else does. A friend of mine used a designer and her house is beautiful. She also used an artist to paint the walls in different types of finishes. It is amazing.

Good luck with your decorating.

 

[golfgal]

I used one for our old house. She helped me pick out colors, furniture, accessories, etc. and then helped place them around the room. She had done some work for some friends and I liked what she did, which is the best way to find someone. They can have every certification in the book and still don't do things the way you want.

The decorator I used didn't charge for her services if you purchased things from her shop, which I was planning on doing anyway, otherwise she had a 2 hour consult fee for $50.

 

[LilyWDW]

1) If you want a interior "designer" then make sure you check out their credidentials. To be called a "designer" (as opposed to "decorator") one must have 4 years of schooling and 2 years of working under a licensed designer and then take the NCIDQ for licensing (you can also do 2 years of school and 4 years of work I believe).

2) It's hard to say how much the work would cost because there is no one way to do it. Some do hourly, some do a set amount, some a mix, ect ect. I would contact local designers, explain what you want done, and get an estimate.

3)Ask to see the designers portfolios to see if the work matches anything like you want. This will show you if it is a good match.

I recently graduated with my degree in Interior Design. I don't have my years of experience yet, but if you have any other questions just let me know.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Does loving Kenneth Brown and Christopher Lowell count?

Can only add my voice to the recommendation of checking credentials, understanding the education and experience difference between designer and decorator, and using word of mouth.

Be sure the personality fits too. You'll want someone who listens to you and works with your taste and preferences while guiding you with skill and expertise. Last thing you need to deal with is a diva.

Get a firm estimate as well. In writing.

 

[iluvwdw4ever]

Bluestars...would you happen to have any pictures that you could share???

 

[jaminmd]

Thanks for all the replies!

Ok, I do have another question about working with designers. Each week, the Washington Post Home section runs a design help piece. People send in pictures of their rooms & designers draw a suggestion of how they can change the room. The furniture & accessory selection prices that the designer comes up with are outrageous! An $800 mirror, $2500 table, etc.

I need a designer that can help me within a more realistic budget.

 

[DisneyMomOK]

Thanks for all the replies!

Ok, I do have another question about working with designers. Each week, the Washington Post Home section runs a design help piece. People send in pictures of their rooms & designers draw a suggestion of how they can change the room. The furniture & accessory selection prices that the designer comes up with are outrageous! An $800 mirror, $2500 table, etc.

I need a designer that can help me within a more realistic budget.

Do you have a university nearby w/ a design program? I think some schools permit students, soon to graduate, to take work. These students would be a better source to know how to decorate on the cheap, IMO. My DD's roomie is a design student and I think she would love to "spread her wings" before graduating, not sure what their university's policy might be, though.

 

[golfgal]

Thanks for all the replies!

Ok, I do have another question about working with designers. Each week, the Washington Post Home section runs a design help piece. People send in pictures of their rooms & designers draw a suggestion of how they can change the room. The furniture & accessory selection prices that the designer comes up with are outrageous! An $800 mirror, $2500 table, etc.

I need a designer that can help me within a more realistic budget.

Do you have a local, non-chain, furniture store? They might have decorators on staff and would have access to a variety of prices for furniture and accessories. I would HIGHLY recommend the woman I used but it might be a bit far for her to drive .

 

[Loverly]

There is a new decorating show on HGTV called "Rate my space" and they have a web site. On the web site are lots of people's rooms, decorated , to rate and get ideas from.

I find the decorator of this show to be very creative.

I also like "Dear Genevieve" on HGTV

In fact, I firmly believe if you watch enough HGTV, you don't need a decorator!

 

[LilyWDW]

I need a designer that can help me within a more realistic budget.

In things like your newspaper, the designer is designing without a budget. Thus they can pick whatever items they believe would be the best without a glance at the price. All designers should be able to work within a realistic budget. This is why you talk to them and get estimates on the work you want done.

In fact, I firmly believe if you watch enough HGTV, you don't need a decorator

I know you put a laughing face at the end there, but I am going to steal your quote for a moment. Anyone can wake up one day and decide they want to be an interior decorator. An interior designer is a whole different ballgame. We study construction methods, construction materials, and building, fire, and ADA codes. We are actually able to make architectual changes (up to specific sizes) without an actual architect (once you hit specific square footages you still need an arcitect to sign off). There really is a lot more to it then most people think.

 

[getthefacts]

Pay attention to what LilyWDW is telling you. There is a big professional difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer! What you get from the media is a confusing mess of misguided information. You see everyone and their brother with a decorating show on TV, even fashion designers who decorate homes. Don't confuse decorating with interior design. Though the media throws the term interior design around very loosly, you need to know what you are really looking for. Many interior designers work for or in close relationships with architects. If you are looking for services that require construction of any type, you are typically in need of an interior designer. Hourly design fees are dependent on the designer and the demographics in the area you live. Design services from professional firms can easily be $80 to $100 per hour for true professional interior design consultation.

If you need someone to pick out colors, furniture, and accessories, you would likely use a decorator. You don't need an education to be a decorator. Most of their services are commission based or sales based, rather than an hourly design fee.

I have an education in interior design and work for an architectural and engineering firm.