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Why Work with an Interior Designer?

Saturday, April 20th, 2019

We have a team of industry professionals who are ready to assist you in your design requirements.

Lives seem to get busier with each passing year. With technology getting more and more advanced, while it does make life easier, it also causes lives to be more demanding. So if you’re redesigning or redecorating, it is often a lot easier to just trust a pro.

 

Meet your interior designer. There is a host of benefits that comes with hiring a design expert. Reduced time, maximized costs, and optimization of space are just some of the benefits of hiring an interior designer.

 

Trend and Industry Perceptions

 

Let’s accept this fact – interior designers studied design, the principles behind it, and may other know-how that the ordinary fellow might not know. As you trust this professional, you will have an access to the plethora of interior design industry knowledge that he or she has.

 

A few states require interior designers to have a license coming from the NCIDQ or the National Council for Interior Design Qualification before the professional is able to work.

 

Sitting through an exam means the person should have undergone no less than two years of interior design college education. Four years of required work experience is also needed in some states.

 

The alternative to this is for the individual to have four years in design education and two years of work experience. For the states that do not ask their interior designers to hold a license, this is an idea for the interior designer wannabe to become a member of the council.

 

This expert will also know the trends that are super hot, hot, hot; and even the best innovations that could serve well on your office design or family room needs. It is, after all, their job to know the in things and what’s no longer fashionable.

 

An interior designer knows all these things because they regularly attend industry events.

 

Far-reaching Design Experience

 

On top of attending industry events and knowing the trends and new products, a professional interior designer also offers experience. The longer this professional has worked, the likelier that he or she already has the qualifications that you need for your design project.

 

Through their numerous projects, designers are able to see which elements work and which don’t. If you pick a pro who specializes in a particular sector, then he or she can offer more insights than the regular designer.

 

Time and Budget Management

 

An interior designer should have a strong experience in both time and budget management. Check your preferred expert’s portfolio, especially the major projects that they did in the past.

 

Was he able to stay in the budget that the client required? Was he able to deliver the project according to the schedule? Knowing these things can help you achieve a smooth process.

 

Planning is also a huge part of the interior designer’s job. The American Society of Interior Designers point out that a designer must be able to render his plans through drawings or the use of design software. See if hired professional is able to execute either or both.

 

You Get to Relax

 

It might be tempting to want to be in control as you embark in a design project.

 

Don’t.

 

You could declare that you get to have the final say but as the project is ongoing, well, you need to relax. This is the very reason why you’re hiring a professional; so you could take the backseat and just enjoy the project as it unfolds. A designer, after all, comes with the right management skills so he should know how to work with deadlines.

 

Ask if the interior designer is going to have other projects alongside yours, though, as this could affect the result. Being overloaded with work could result in deadlines not being met or troubles in maintaining order throughout the duration of the design project.

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Who Is An Industrial Designer?

Friday, September 21st, 2018

What do you think was the function for the features of the Hooker Furniture Living Room Savion Power Leather Motion Sofa?

When homeowners are out to choose their interior designer, what do you think are the characteristics that they would look for? At the very top of that is having a good taste, of course. This one goes without saying. But which traits would you also add to having an impeccable taste? And what if you really need an industrial designer? Will you list more requirements?

The Basic Traits

  • One of the leading traits of a good interior designer is his love for design and decorating. Everything he does reflects that he is good at what he does for living. He must also know all the important interior design aspects.
  • This person must also have a winning attitude. He knows how to handle challenges and is open to the possibilities that could come his way. This is because he has the drive that goes hand-in-hand with his winning traits.
  • A good interior designer is hardworking.
  • The professional interior designer is also a good listener. He is not just creative, but more than his artistry, he knows how to respect what his client wants and he would never impose what he wants.
  • Another trait that every interior designer must have is having an eye for detail. He is the type that pays attention to the elements that come together to create a beautiful space.
  • He can also multi-task.

Who’s the Industrial Designer?

Once you’re guaranteed that the interior designer has all of the above qualities, it’s time to check whether he is also qualified as an industrial designer. This expert is just as educated and trained as the interior designer but he is one who can turn the ideas to new products.

Those who want to pursue a Master’s degree program would be better able to market his skills. He is also likely to be given job offers than those who stopped with their Bachelor’s Degree.

The industrial designer develops concepts as well as designs for manufacturing firms. They often specialize in a single product category like housewares and furniture. This professional must be persistent, creative, and able to communicate with ease.

The industrial designer can be a graduate of Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, architecture or even engineering. His career must begin with an impressive internship and eventually develop into the most impressive work portfolio which he acquired through serious and dedicated labors.

An industrial designer is also responsible for product looks such as those consumed each day. Even medical equipment, household products, food, and consumer electronics can become his duty. This expert is also the go-to person when defining ergonomics as well as the aesthetics of furniture pieces.

An industrial designer must also have a good knowledge of quality assurance, accounting, marketing, project management, and strategic planning. When he does acquire all these know-how, he will become more attractive to many employers.

If you’re thinking of becoming an industrial designer, expect to travel to design centers, testing facilities, exhibit sites, and users’ homes. You would primarily work in offices where you will conceptualize the looks of products.

The Job Outlook

As of 2017, it has been recorded that the median salary for industrial designers is at $69,970.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, a lot of industrial designers endeavor to finish their Master’s degree in Business Administration. This is because the industry is becoming more and more concerned about the importance of strategic design on products.

Industrial designer employment is projected to grow to 4% from 2016-2026. This may be slow compared to other occupations but it is a steady growth nonetheless.

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5 Decorating Mistakes That Cramp Your Home

Friday, August 10th, 2018

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Arabella Storage Bench

Have you ever come across a room or a section of your home wherein you lose all hope of ever making it look more spacious? Don’t fret or, worse, lose hope. There are some simple changes that can actually help the room appear bigger than it truly is.

A tiny bedroom can become a relaxing retreat when you learn to utilize the room’s best aspects. A small lighting fixture addition or a fresh coat of paint will make any room become the most favored room in your home. Here are some things that you do that you might not know have cramped your home –

Clutter

This is the leading or most frequent mistake that homeowners make. Picture a small room holding all of your belongings. Before long, the space is already overrun with things that you don’t even need.

Declutter and you will soon realize the amount of space that you’re able to free up.

Organize all your stuff and leave only those that you regularly use. Find stylish organizers that will hold the things that you need to store. That space under your bed is also an instant solution to decluttering. But this does not mean that you should shove all of your things there.

Check out furniture that have double functions. An ottoman that has a secret storage space is a wonderful addition to any small space.

Don’t hang a lot of items if you also don’t want to make your walls look cluttered.

Darkness

If you don’t consider adding enough lights then you’re steering clear of depth and drama. Poor lighting can easily make any room feel and appear small. Any lighting source will add unique features that even have the power to make a room appear bigger.

A small window must not be dressed with dark or heavy curtains. Instead, opt for sheer and light curtains that would allow natural light to fill the room.

Should you have a room that does not have any windows, then be sure to incorporate even soft lighting. Use track lighting to illuminate the rest of the room without giving up on style. Install recessed lights to control the lighting amount and also to make the room appear trendier.

Another way to dispel darkness in any room is to add and strategically use mirrors. Angle the mirrors so that they get ample light from a lighting source.

Dark Paint

Small room and dark paint? You’ve got to be extra careful in using these together. Sure, there are a few stylish rooms out there that have accomplished the successful fusion of both but, generally, painting a tiny room with dark paint will only cramp it further.

Search for lighter hues that will be able to help you reflect the light throughout the space. Light gray or off-white can also add character in the room. Add colors only through your accessories.

To add a more interesting part in a small room, use patterned wallpaper on an accent wall. This is a chic way to add extra oomph without actually sacrificing space.

Pushing Furniture Against Walls

Need we say more? This is also one of the most common errors that homeowners make in the hope of creating extra space. In reality, this technique is actually a visual cause for cramping. So go ahead and move those furniture pieces away from the walls, yes, especially that large couch.

Not Trusting an Interior Designer

Not trusting an expert? Not a good thing.

Especially when you’re already feeling lost, it’s best to call an interior designer. This professional will determine your needs and will help bring the elements that will make the small room bigger.

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Why Be A Designer?

Thursday, July 5th, 2018

The Fine Furniture Design’s Veranda Collection shows a beautifully-designed, enviable living room.

There are many reasons why you should become an interior designer. Here are some of them –

First, an interior designer is creative and has a good technical skills set. If you are this and more, then you could easily get educated and be qualified by obtaining the needed license. Combine these qualifications with your base knowledge for art and design and you’re the best person to inspire the design of a space.

An interior designer can have a huge impact on the lives of people. He can be the expert in creating corporate spaces, fitness centers, courthouses, restaurants, libraries, and just about any interior space that you could think of. The way an interior space is designed can make a huge difference on how space is actually experienced.

An interior designer constantly learns, creates, recreates, and continues to educate himself. He or she also has a good mind for research.

The interior designer is also a professional who works with engineers and architects. These people have specific disciplines in doing their jobs whether they are addressing the requirements for plumbing, lighting, and other design fundamentals.

If you are the type of person who wants to lead people to their vision, goals, and decision-making then you can be their guide, you can be an expert interior designer. Working with industry partners, you can also be the go-to expert when it comes to sustainable design (which is the in thing these days).

An interior designer is also someone who loves to solve problems and put functional pieces to aesthetic use, too. The clients could collaborate with this professional to make the magic take place.

If you see interior designing as fun, then you definitely have to consider a career in interior design.

Interior Design Accredited Education Now

If you have always been receiving compliments on the way you design your home and if you love decorating spaces and even arranging furniture, then you’re the correct person to consider a career in interior design.

But before you make this huge decision, there are some things that you need to consider about the world of design. An interior designer faces a lot of challenges each day. Some of these may seem easy to you but there are also others that may not appeal at all to you.

On your way to becoming an interior designer, you have to know the difference between a designer and a decorator. Anyone can become a decorator. If you like playing with textiles, colors, and fabrics and if you already have a business card that says you are an interior decorator, then you are. But being educated can make a huge difference.

An interior designer, on the other hand, comes with accreditation. He or she has an Associate or a Bachelor’s degree before this person can work in the field of design. If you are willing to pursue an education on design, then you have to make time for it and not just have a knack for design.

Know Your Tasks

An interior designer does not just center on fun, colors, and fabrics. There are many other tasks that come with this career and some are not that fun.

An interior designer needs to know the history of design, study about structural integrity of buildings, ergonomics, spatial concepts, psychology, ethics, CAD (computer-aided drawing), and more. In short, you have to have a broad skills range that’s just a few learnings short of being an architect or builder yourself.

You also have to love what you do because the salary range for this profession isn’t that high. The entry-level designer could earn about $42,380 annually. Again, there are factors here such as location, education, and work experience.

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DIY or Hire A Contractor?

Tuesday, May 29th, 2018

The Campton Grove Fiona chair from Fine Furniture Design is one of the elements that harmonized with the other pieces in this well-designed dining room.

The DIY is a route that many homeowners wish to tread but are hesitant to do so. But as soon as you have figured out how your home would eventually look like, it’s time to ask yourself this crucial question – why should I hire an interior designer?

Interior designers and decorators weren’t as in demand in the 20th century as they are today. Although there is still this ongoing stigma that only the rich should hire an interior designer. But paying for interior design is not so much a question of the availability of funds but more of losing control over the design of one’s home.

There are those who hesitate to collaborate with an interior designer so they end up doing the design project themselves. But what are the downsides to this?

Carpentry Isn’t for Everyone

Admit it. Not everyone is cut out to do carpentry projects. After all, a carpenter is an expert who took the time to learn the skills needed to bring about the perfectionism that their clients require. A slight mistake on your part could lead to a crooked-looking kitchen cabinet for many years.

Hiring an interior designer or a contractor who has teams of expert carpenters, plumbers, and electricians is always the best way to go.

Electricity Is Dangerous

There are permits as well as inspections that need to be done when you’re out to improve the electrical system in your home. And since electrical work requires getting into a dangerous territory, that 90% that you might be able to accomplish on a DIY electrical project just might end up with the other 10% hurting you.

This isn’t a great idea at all.

Flooring Installation Mishaps

Most flooring projects are simply too complex to take on your own. What appears to be straightforward at first could easily result in issues that you weren’t prepared for.

Flooring installation also eats up time and it requires the right kinds of tools and supplies. Do you have the right miters, saw, seam cutters, kickers, spacers, and tackers? Proper installation can only be done with the right set of tools.

Now enough about the downsides of DIY projects. Let’s just look at the brighter side. What can contractors and interior designers do that you and your family cannot?

Home Renovation Package in One

A general contractor can offer you practically every service that you’ll ever need for your home renovation. All you need to do is to sit down with the team and to tell them what you require. The contractor will be the one to do all the arrangements, coordination, and even the scheduling to get your home renovation project done.

Most general contractors can also help you come up with a plan and design that will be executed throughout the project. They know whether it is really needful to tear down walls or to just have a workaround for that for now.

You also won’t have to worry about safety during construction because the general contractor will take care of that, too. Also, the team is insured (well at least make sure that they are). The liability insurance will take off the huge risk on your part should there be mishaps that will happen during the renovation.

General contractors are more than qualified – they are actually licensed. A licensed expert such as he and his team are experienced when it comes to the processing of inspections, permits, and being on par with code requirements.

Lastly, when it comes to design, interior designers have an access to the widest selections of furnishings, wall coverings, fabrics, etc. Plus these experts have already established a professional relationship with many of these dealers which is why it is best to get in touch with them and just let the experts handle the renovation job.

 

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To the First-Time Interior Design Client (Here’s A Guide)

Thursday, April 5th, 2018

Coming very soon: Hooker Furniture Dining Room Miramar Point Reyes Voltaire Display Cabinet.

You have probably heard many horror stories from your friends who have hired interior designers. Working with experts can be a real pain in the @#$ sometimes but you actually have the power to change the game. If this is your first time to become the client of an interior designer, then you need to know a few expectations and concerns that could come your way.

Be Realistic with Your Expectations

With that said, don’t expect your home to look like the posh home of a Hollywood celebrity with limited budget and time. Those reality TV shows have hurt many designers because, now, they are expected to deliver quality despite the tight schedules that are given to them. In the real world, those techniques just might not work.

Remember that those house flipping shows that you see on TV often have a team of designers and laborers who work hard behind the scenes. The salaries of these people are paid for by the show, hence, the recipients of the homes that they create just need to pay for the cost of the materials plus some labor costs. Of course, adding more people to help you with the project can help expedite the schedule.

Remember that each project is diverse. Your best shot at having a lovely home according to your liking is to anticipate your budget as well as the project duration. You also need to sit down and be upfront with the designer about what you want from the outset. Of course, you also need to listen to their advice as some of the things that you want might not work aesthetically.

Shop for the Right Expert

Just as not all homes are created equal, not all designers are also the same. Every designer has his or her own quirkiness, personal preferences, and business practices. To ensure the success of your project, it is crucial that you and the designer agree on what will be done. It is important to interview the candidates before you sign anything.

In the world of interior design, this interview is what’s referred to as a consultation. As you consult with the experts, try your best to meet with them in person. Know also if their visit is paid or unpaid. Use this consultation to ask them about their past projects, business practices, as for as for their preferred billing and communication methods.

This is also the right moment to tell the designer about what you prefer. Feel free to show them a few photos of your preferred styles. Ask them to use these as inspiration for the project. Don’t be shy to admit a few quirks of your own. By the end of the consultation, you and the designer should have already arrived at an agreement.

Discuss the Bill

This is a necessary part of every interior designer-client consultation. Most of the interior designers work with a contracting company while there are also those who manage their own businesses. With the latter, they are free to create their own business structures, hence, you have to know if they charge hourly or by project.

This needs to be clarified before the first nail is driven in, so to speak. You just have to be aware of the services that you are going to pay for.

Talk of Communication

Another aspect that you need to clarify is how you can establish good communication. Let your designer know that you might not know a lot about design but your preferences should be considered highly during the project completion.

The best designers are not afraid of decisive clients. They, in fact, feel that their jobs become tons easier because they have someone to help set the tone for them. Also, designers who are willing to listen to their clients tend to end up with happier clients.

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When Do I Need An Interior Designer?

Thursday, February 8th, 2018

Maitland-Smith Accessories Set Of Four Rainbow Shell And Violet Hammer Shell Butler Set With Polished Brass Accents: The Pantone Color of the Year is Ultra Violet. Your designer knows that and he should be able to concoct the right furnishings for your remodeling project.

If you are thinking of redesigning your home or are just about to set up your first one, you may be wondering whether you need the help of a professional, licensed interior designer. Hiring an interior designer is an intelligent decision if you have already invested a good amount of money in your home. The best designs serve an amazing purpose not only for you and your family but also for future plans that you might have to sell the property.

The Sensibility behind Interior Design

Please toss aside the notion that interior design is just for the rich and famous. You don’t have to be a Hollywood actor or a sports star just to need the help of interior designers. When you logically think about this, you will actually save a lot of money as you go on with the interior design project.

Everyone also deserves to have an amazing space. Your home should be able to bring you joy and comfort. It must not just look amazing but also a reflection of who you are, where you come from, and what your beliefs are in life.

Breathtaking Interior Design Isn’t an Accident

A lot of people get confused or are intimidated by the very idea of getting in touch with a professional interior designer. You might be overwhelmed by the idea of working with someone else. Also, you might think that these designers might not understand your concepts, or worse, they could look down on you for not having a sense of style.

When your thoughts start to go down those paths, stop yourself. Interior designers are experts that can guide you to the best style that suits you.

Interior Design Saves You a Lot of Money

You might reason out that interior designers are actually costly but they can save you money because they help you avoid pricey mistakes. Interior design is especially essential when you will sell your home in the future. The expert can help you boost the buyer appeal and even set your home apart from the competitors.

Hiring an interior designer can also help you keep away from painting accidents or having to take the furniture back all because you did not do the measurements correctly.

Interior Design Saves You Time

Just like saving some money, you can also save time when you hire an interior designer. Since designers have a trained senseofn what should be done and when they need to be done, they will be able to anticipate obstacles long before they happen.

Interior Design Will Give Your Professional Assessment

As soon as you agreed to hire a trained interior designer, you will know what plans to work on. This expert went through design school and even has a few apprenticeships up his sleeve. You must also keep in mind that interior designers have studied both the art and science of interior design and they know how to apply both concepts into your home.

Having a trained eye such as theirs means they are able to assess if something is wrong with the design or if a design element happens to work. That immediate consult is an advantage that is hard to put a price tag to.

The order of implementation for the design plan is also followed because someone who is professionally efficient is there to help you.

Interior Design Means Having More Contacts and Resources

Do you know how difficult it is to find the best resources when you don’t have the right connections? Hiring a designer means you do not have to worry about finding your own electrician, plumber, and construction workers.

Since your designer has been in the business for quite some time, he is the right person to contact with regard to a one-stop shopping for manpower.

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Prepare for These 6 Interior Design Questions

Tuesday, December 19th, 2017

Featured furniture piece is the Hooker Furniture Roslyn County Square Dining Table 1618-75205-MWD. 

Okay, so it’s the Holidays and now you’ve decided to redecorate. More often than not, you would require a few hands to help you with your project. If you have decided to hire a decorator are you anxious about your first meetup?

Consider interior designers as psychiatrists of sorts. They are there to analyze some personal matters concerning you such as your needs, what you like and what you particularly dislike, and what your current lifestyle is.

When you are searching for the perfect candidate, know that these professionals are also screening you. They, too, have a set of questions that they need to ask. Would you like to know what the most common redecorating questions are that interior designers ask?

What do you like in this particular room?

This is probably one of the first questions that will pop up once you meet up with your shortlisted interior designers. There is logic to this simple question and how it is actually one of the most important questions that your candidates could ever ask.

This question will provide them with the answer as to your taste. They will then determine how they can better serve such preference.

What don’t you like in this particular room?

Just as important, this question gauges the things that you don’t want to be included in your design. The designer will then have a better understanding of your tastes and, once again, your preferences. And if he’s a good designer, then he will not try to convince you to try something that you’re not comfortable with.

What colors tickle your fancy?

This third question is the designer’s way of picking your brain for the colors that he will use in your redecoration project. This can be any color that you like for as long as it won’t hinder with the functions of the room. For instance, the color red or orange is such an energetic hue. If you put this in a room where you are supposed to relax, say, inside the bedroom, then it defeats the very purpose or function of the room.

Ask if the colors you prefer can be used in a different tint or shade depending on what’s pleasant in a particular room where it is supposed to be used.

Do you already have a style in mind?

If you answer yes to this question, then you would make your interior designer’s job a lot easier. There won’t be any guessing games or butting of heads needed since specific interior design styles come with specific features and characteristics. As a team, you can then work together to achieve a wonderful balance between the style’s elements.

If you’re still not aware of your style preference, then take the time to search through some interior design websites. You can also buy some interior design magazines.

Begin cutting some pictures of homes or rooms that catch your attention. Pretty soon, you will see similarities among your cutouts. Only then can you and your designer point out your preferred style.

How will the room be used?

While it is obvious that the bedroom is for rest and relaxation, there are some folks that actually prefer to do other activities there such as some office work. If you’re one of the few who wants to set up their home office inside the bedroom, then you would need other furniture aside from the bed and nightstands.

Many living rooms today also double as entertainment and socialization zones so having just a couch and a center table also won’t be enough.

What special needs do you require?

Expect this question from a competent interior designer. The most common special needs include firm furniture pieces and proper furniture placement for the elderly. The next special need is the safety features for homes with kids and pets.

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Understanding the Design Process – A Walkthrough of the Design Team’s Job

Thursday, October 5th, 2017

FIne Furniture Regal Double Pedestal Dining Table: The beautiful marriage of neutral colors in this dining room is difficult to ignore.

The beginning of a majestic design process always comes with the initial consultation. This is that moment when you meet up with the design experts and have an ocular visit of your home. This initial consult could also happen inside the designer’s studio which is the case when the house is going to be constructed or if a vacation home is to be set up.

An interior designer’s first interaction requires getting to know as much information about their client as possible. They have to know their desired outcomes, personalities, the timeframe for the project, and the budget.

Your selection of a design team also means looking for past clients. These are the people who can attest to the real portfolio of your chosen design team. Ask if the past clients were satisfied with the end result. Ask also if the builders have their license.

Warranty and service are also two things that you need to ask before signing any papers. Tour the model homes that they have made. The number of years that they have worked also count.

It is also important for the design team to know how the space will be used, discuss functionality as well as aesthetics. As a team, the client should specify the next meeting’s major task and what jobs to prioritize.

Find a design team that does not require a consultation fee or, at the very least, have a low asking price. The initial consultation should be a means to see if you and the team are a good fit. If you want the design team to take on the project a hundred-percent and you would just move in once it’s done, then specify that to them, too.

Material Selection

Another necessary step of the design process is the material selection phase. The design team will lay all of the options to you by this time. Be sure to give an honest feedback so that you will end up liking the materials used in your home.

While design teams try to get the material selection right the first time, there are also instances when some of the choices need to be revisited especially when they deviate from the desired outcome.

Estimation

The third step of the design process is the approximation of the project cost. Individual materials and products will be lined up so you can make your choice and make a final decision on what items to use. Take a careful look at all the alternatives before you make your final decision.

Most design teams will ask for a deposit once you sign the contract with them. This is the money that they will use to begin ordering the materials that you agreed to use for the project.

Implementation

This is the phase when actual construction will take place. You are bound to meet plumbers, electricians, flooring installers, wall experts, painters, general contractors, etc.

If you have your own set of experts whom you prefer to work with, then let the contractor know.

Final Inspection

So what should you expect once the construction is done?

Your builder must offer one last walkthrough before he hands over the structure to you. Have a blue painter’s tape with you during this walkthrough. This will serve as your marker as you point out anything that should be improved or was not done according to your specifications.

The builder should be able to correct these marked areas. It is your right to ask who will do the final work. There are builders who assign a dedicated team to complete the final items.

Keep a record of these marked items so that you can have another walkthrough once the project is really done.

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Interior Design Geniuses: Getting to Know the Minds Behind the Creation of Homes

Tuesday, July 11th, 2017

The best interior designers don’t have to show a garish display as proven here in this living room featuring the Brentwood Byron Drum Table.

Being the best at what you do isn’t all about education or talent. Success in one’s chosen profession often synchronizes what you learned in school (a.k.a. a good education), awesome talent and most importantly, your personality. All three comprise the factors needed to achieve the perfect interior design.

Interior designers work on both residential and commercial spaces. They draw upon their stock knowledge of function, aesthetics, and space enhancement. Many are educated with a design specialty.

So, education matters and so does your sparkling personality. It should reflect on what you do, it should define who you are. But do you have what it takes to become an interior designer? Let’s see some of the leading characteristics – and some requirements – that you need to master –

Strong Communication Skills

Being an interior designer means you are artistic and creative, however, these aren’t all that you are. You should be able to express or even relate your interior design ideas with others.

The best interior designers know how to clearly express what needs to be done while also knowing how to listen. When you truly listen, then will you be able to convey your own ideas. Admit it, not all of the customers’ ideas are actually feasible, design-wise. You just have to be able to tell – in the nicest possible manner – that their idea might not work.

Once you’re able to do this without any altercation, then you have an amazing gift of empowering others with your design vision.

Remember that an interior designer also has to work with a contracting team. This also means you have to know how to deal with a variety of personality types. Should there be clashes of opinion, then the interior designer must know how to act as a mediator or a negotiator who will be able to help in finding the resolution to an issue.

Relevant Education and Training

A few states need their interior designers to have a professional license. This should come from no less than the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). If you’re interested in holding your own license, make sure that you have two years of interior design college education. You must also have four years of professional and relevant work experience.

If you don’t have these just yet, then you must have at least four years of post-secondary design education as well as two years of relevant work.

If you live in a state that does not require professional license for their interior designers, then at least aim to become a member of the National Society or Council for Interior Designers. This should be able to back up your experience and education. The requirements in becoming a member is just the same as those that are asked on the state licensing exam.

Awesome Planning Skills

Planning a space is one of the leading qualities of an interior designer. Also, a designer must be able to visually render what being concocted in his mind. Through drawings, scale models and computer-aided designs, the interior designer will be able to convey what’s best for a given space.

Management Expertise

Interior designers work with deadlines – like all the time, so, you need to know how to work with clients during these trying moments. There are also moments when you would need to work on multiple projects all at once. Here are where the management skills you gained in school and in your work experiences would be needed.

An interior designer who decides to run her own business will also need to market her services to clients while also still working on other existing projects. This also entails having a good relationship with clients and employees. With management skills, the designer will be able to meet everyone’s design needs without looking unprofessional or unkempt.

Conclusion

As you can see, being an interior designer is no longer all about know-how on fabric choices, furniture styles, lighting fixtures, and such. It also means being up to your toes and meeting state, client, supplier, contractor, and employee expectations.

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