And the lights came on.....

Most decorators and designers will tell you that the correct lighting can make or break a room.It is one of the most important factors in good design.   Unfortunately in many cases it is the last thing on people's minds when undertaking a new re-decorating or renovation project.  Space planning/layout is one of the first before purchasing furnishings and then you should look at where the lighting should be an how much of it depending on the activities that will take place in that space.  Poor lighting will affect how we function in the space as well as lack of it can leave it flat and without personality.  Lighting can create a lovely atmosphere in your home.  It offers functionality as well as mood.

To have the most effective lighting scheme, you will require a combination of all three types of lighting, comprised of task, ambient and accent.  The ambient light will provide a general even balance of light throughout a space such as a chandelier.  Task lighting will focus on a specific area such as a lamp positioned for reading.  Accent lighting will draw attention to a particular area and add depth and drama, such as a picture light or a recessed pot light directed toward a piece of art.

When planning your overall lighting you need to consider the mood you want to create and the tasks to be performed in each specific room.  When selecting your fixtures, obviously you would want to compliment the style of your room’s décor.   The type of lampshade can also affect your lighting.   The shape, material and opacity of the shade will affect the direction and diffusion of the light by sending it up or down and reducing glare.  Using dimmers gives you more control over the brightness and mood. 

These days, we cannot speak about lighting without mentioning the importance of Energy-efficient light bulbs. The original Compact Fluorescent lamps (CFL’s) that were introduced with the coils which appeared less attractive that the standard incandescent light bulbs we were used to have now been redesigned.  They also gave off a slightly cooler and duller light than an incandescent but again manufacturers have worked on making them warmer and brighter.

When planning your lighting, it is important to speak with expert lighting suppliers in order to be certain that your final plan will serve your needs.  The new LED's are amazing and having attended two seminars on this topic, it is definitely worth your investment to read about them and seek information from the experts. The latest way to select the correct amount of light for your space is measured in lumens.   I have learned quite a bit recently about wattage, lumens, halogen, cfl and leds,  but do not consider myself a complete expert so I defer to the many notes I have and the lighting experts.

All I can say is that lighting never looked so good!!

What does an Interior Decorator offer - part 2

How do Interior Decorators create that perfect space?

There are many variables involved  to creating the perfect space  - from the correct use of colour, textures, lighting to space planning and creative furniture placement,.  Many things have to come together in order to maximize rooms to their best potential. 

Colour and lighting; whether natural or artificial can impact on how we feel in a space.  By using cool or warm hues we create a feeling for a room.  A variety of textures add interest and depth to the space.  There is no right or wrong opinion about neutrals vs. colour; it’s all a matter of applying the colour in an appropriate manner.

Interior Decorators are able to create fabulous designs while offering a functional space.  Great design is only great if it is functional.  A decorator can create that polished look through attention to details, creative lighting, custom millwork and window treatments.

An Interior Decorator creates innovative designs by manipulating the scale of furnishings and prioritizing features for both function and style, especially in small spaces.  A decorator can transform your space into the dream you have always envisioned. A decorator can take your ideas, make suggestions and in the end pull it all together and transform the vision into a perfect space.

An Interior Decorator can offer a full range of residential design options such as Color Consultations, Space Planning, Furniture Selection, Custom Draperies, Soft Furnishings, Flooring, Wall Coverings, Kitchen and Bath Planning, New home specifications and preparing the home for Resale, as well as Selection of Artwork and Accessories.  An Interior Decorator can assist in the Refreshing of a room by Re-purposing and Repositioning pieces to create a new look.

There is great deal of flexibility when working with an Interior Decorator.

A decorator will work with you to develop a decorating plan and establish a realistic budget.  Any project can be broken down into manageable pieces to be completed at a later date.

Ultimately an Interior Decorator’s job is to create a personal and livable space and add the icing to the cake.

Why Hire an Interior Decorator

Hiring an Interior Decorator can be one of the most practical things you can do for your home.

An Interior Decorator will work with you, the client, to solve decorating dilemmas and challenges, so that you can bring out your home’s potential and best features while creating a unique, innovative and livable space which reflects your individual taste, personality and style.

Using an Interior Decorator does not have to be costly, in fact using a decorator can stop you from making costly mistakes. And in the long run, clients can end up saving both money and time.  You don’t need a big budget to hire a decorator or to have a beautiful home

Most people have good taste, but are too busy to source exactly what they would love for their homes.  They are limited to resources available to the public, whereas using a decorator enables clients to have access to products not available to the general public, products that have one of a kind designs and a custom look. Decorators also have access to hundreds of choices in all areas of home décor, which in turn offers the client unique and exclusive designs. Decorators have the technical knowledge required to bring about great design.  It is extremely important for clients to be informed about the products they select with respect to care required or the ease of use.

With so much variety these days, the search for anything new can become very daunting and in the end the client can just “settle” for something as they are frustrated with the amount of “foot work” involved in selecting the perfect products.  A decorator works in partnership with the client to offer innovative and desirable results suited to the client and that maximize the client’s home’s potential.  A decorator gives guidance, and the services provided can involve as much or as little of the client’s time as the client desires.

A decorator has no emotional tie to the home; allowing for objectivity when making decorating choices. A decorator meets with the client, gets to know the type of style they want; their likes and dislikes in home décor and their lifestyle, by asking detailed questions; and then responds to their needs by beginning to source products to present.  Usually there are several choices and finally the client along with the decorator will zero in on the look they want.  The decorator continues to source the selections and can arrange for trades people to do the home remodel.  The decorator can also do the overall project management of the redecorating or redesign.

Be sure to check out part 2 which tells more about an interior decorator’s role in a home remodel.

So You have decided to Hire an Interior Decorator..... Now What??

           

After you have made the decision to hire an Interior Decorator for whatever project you are undertaking, you will now be asking yourself and the decorator – what now?

There are many different approaches to working with a decorator.  You, the client, should have continuous input and, in the end, the final say.

Usually when you first contact a decorator there are questions asked about the type of project you are undertaking, the scope of it, with discussion relating to your preferences, lifestyle, and ultimately the cost involved along the way.

Your decorator will discuss their fee, which is usually an hourly rate or depending on the type of undertaking, could be a total project rate.  For example, if you were having an entire basement renovation and finishing, there could be a project fee based on the total amount of work involved.  For obvious reasons, this is best discussed at your home when outlining the scope of the project. Having discussed fee, the next step is an in home consultation for which payment of said fee is due at the end of the consult.

Now comes setting up a meeting at your home with the decorator.  Many decorators offer the flexibility of evenings and weekends, however you may be required to meet during the daytime, much as you would if you had a repair person coming in or if you were going to the dentist.  This is something based entirely on your decorator’s schedule and method of work.

At the time of the consultation the decorator will sit down in your home with you and discuss your plans.  If you have ideas, these will be noted along with a brief outline of what ideas the decorator may be able to put forth at this initial meeting.  Depending on how much work is to be done now or in the future, the decorator should also be taking a walk through your home to get a feel for your lifestyle and how you use your space.  This is particularly important so as to be able to mesh the newly decorated space with the current surrounding spaces. 

Ultimately an Interior Decorator can take you from discussion and ideas through space planning, sourcing furniture, fabric, floor and window coverings, accessories and art, paint selection, kitchen and bath plans & renovation ideas, appropriate lighting, contracting trades, to managing the project.  You have the choice as to which part of their expertise you can utilize!

Your decorator will give you ideas of their own on how to approach any project.  Depending on your budget you do have much flexibility here.  Some of the different methods of working with a decorator are as follows –

• The decorator can take over the entire project from start to finish.  They will do up a floor plan, source furnishings, fabrics, window coverings, paint samples, arrange for trades to do any work involved and present this to you for your input and approval.  It will also be the responsibility of the decorator to act as the project manager.  This method works well for those who do not have the time to go about the business of “sourcing” and “managing the project with trades”.

• Another method of working with a decorator is more hands on for the client. If you have the time and wish to be involved in the sourcing, etc. you can pay your decorator for their time to take you to different suppliers, especially those which are “trades only”, where you are able to find items which are not available through retail available to you the consumer.  Your decorator can either arrange for trades or offer you some options, or you may in fact have someone you wish to use.

• A third alternative is to have the decorator compile a selection of ideas for the space along with some samples and retail sources available to you, and then you can in turn,  take it from there.  This method works especially well with the “Do-it-Yourself” type client; someone who enjoys the entire project and wants to tackle it themselves, however they may require a little professional guidance from the decorator.

The above are only three ways of working with an Interior Decorator.  Everyone has their own business style.  The most important part of this entire process is to find someone you feel comfortable with; someone who listens to you and your ideas; someone who respects what you have to say; and can understand the type of look you would like, even if you cannot actually verbalize it in “design speak”; and ultimately someone who can offer cost effective alternatives to décor solutions.  After all, this person will be re-creating your personal space,  which will be a reflection of you, so it really is essential to have a “good fit”.