SECRET # 1 CREATING A THEME, MOOD & STYLE

Having a unified interior flows from area to area with a sense of comfort and well-being. It is pleasing to the senses and not shocking or disturbing. To create a unified interior, you need to establish a theme, mood and style before you begin your decorating.

A THEME is one central motivating idea that repeats itself in a variety of ways throughout your home.

If you love the great outdoors of the west, you could go with a Cowboy theme. This can be repeated through your home by using a boot fabric, branding iron bar stools, rustic frames, cowboy pictures, cowboy hats, boots and horses as accessories. You could theme your powder bath after the Grand Ole Opry, Kitchen – chili peppers and your daughters room – horses.

A MOOD is the way you want to feel in your home. The theme and mood must flow to be successful. For example, you couldn’t have a Formal Western Home. But you could have a Formal Traditional Home or a Comfortable Western Home.

A STYLE reflects your personal preference and should fit the way you live. Some examples of Western Style could be; Americana, Rustic, Cowboy or Indian.

Some examples of theme, mood & style are:

SECRET # 2 CREATING A COLOR SCHEME

COLOR is the first thing we respond to when we enter a room. It affects the way we feel and is the most powerful decorating tool we can use.

COLOR HARMONY is essential in the flow of your theme, mood and style throughout your home. Color harmony includes the mixture of color, patterns and texture in a well-balance scheme.

A COLOR SCHEME can be created from the following:

Color should be distributed in the following way:

• Dominant Color – largest area of color, walls & floor
• Secondary Color – window treatments, bedding, large upholstery
• Accent Color – small chairs, pillows, lamps and accessories

 Some color scheme guidelines:

• Fewer colors are easier to work with
• Carry a key color throughout the home
• Use all of the colors in your scheme in the entry
• Use color to define a focal point
• Do not use equal amounts of color in each room. A dominate color should be 60% of a room.
• Connecting rooms should have a common color.
• Repeat colors in wallpaper, fabrics and accessories.

 The main goal is for your color scheme to flow harmoniously from area to area in a well balance fashion.

Your color scheme must also flow with your theme, mood & style. For Example; Black & Gold is great for Contemporary but it would be difficult for it to work for Country. As well as Salmon and Aqua can be a Desert Southwest, but not Western.

SECRET # 3 – ACCESSORIZING

Accessories make a house into YOUR HOME. They personalize a home and bring unity to your theme, mood, style and color scheme.

Some Accessory Guidelines

• -  Remember to continue your color scheme into your accessories.
• -  With the matting and framing of artwork, floral arrangements, lighting bases, candles, and bedding.
• -  Place your largest items first. Always consider the focal point of the room and do not let your accessories over-power it.
• -  Never underestimate the use of greens. They soften any area and bring life into your home. But if you do not have a green thumb, use silks.

How do we accessorize in models?

• First and foremost, all of the accessories coordinate with the theme, mood, style and color scheme. A Traditional Theme will have gold frames where a Western Theme will have rustic wood frames. Traditional may have brass swans and Western may have a Fredric Remington Sculpture. Traditional may have crystal boxes and Western may have clay pots.

 

• We also use LOTS and LOTS of CUSTOM Floral Arrangements. Coffee tables, Dining, Kitchen Island Dressers and Baths.
• We use Larger more impressive pieces which repeat the theme & color scheme. Such as plates, pots, vases or boxes.
• We also love Tablescaping. We look at horizontal surfaces as a total picture versus just placing individual pieces. We set the dining and kitchen tables.
• And for fillers we love frames and books.

Keep in mind, while all of these things look great in model homes, they may not be functional in your home.

SECRET # 4 – HOW TO USE FABRICS

Fabrics play an integral part of your homes theme, mood and style and their patterns add immeasurably to the character of your rooms.

As with your color scheme and accessories, your fabrics must also follow suit with your theme. You wouldn’t have silk damask in a Western Home, nor would you have burlap in a Traditional.

Guidelines in selecting patterns:

• -  If you want one pattern to dominate, choose the major pattern first, then coordinate the colors, textures and other patterns around it. Make sure a very dominate pattern is not over whelming a focal point.
• -  Invest in a large swatch and live with it for at least 30 days.
• -  A good way to coordinate prints is to choose secondary ones that are less intense, but in the same color scheme. Make sure that your patterns have a kinship. It is easier to have either formal or informal fabrics, not both.
• -  If you are unsure about selecting secondary prints, stripes, dots, checks, and plaids make natural secondary patterns.

HOW TO USE FABRICS EFFECTIVELY

How to use one fabric in a room

• Living Room – Use the same fabric on 2 chairs, 3 sofa accent pillows, window valance and drape tie backs.
• Dining Room – Use the same fabric on the chair seats, table runner, window valance and drape tie backs
• Kitchen – Use the same fabric on the chair cushions, place mats and window valance.
• Bedroom – Use the same fabric on the duster, 2 shams, 3 accent pillows, window valance and drape tie backs.

How to use more than one fabric in a room.

• Living Room – 2 accents pillows, table topper and on the window treatment.
• Dining Room – 2 arm chairs and window treatment.
• Kitchen – Napkins, Ruffle on cushion seats and window treatment.
• Bedroom – Bedspread, inserts in duster, 2 shams, 1 accent pillow and window treatment.

Don’t forget about adding the extras of contrast welting, ruffles, fringe, tassels, and covered buttons to pillows, furniture, window treatments and bedding.

Budget Model Secrets

• Use matching sheets on custom window treatments & pillows. It will give the whole room a professional look.
• If a fabric is very expensive, only cover one side of the pillow with it, use a less expensive fabric for the back.
• Use extra pieces to make runners for tables & dressers.

SECRET # 5 – FRAME YOUR ROOMS WITH BEAUTIFUL WALLS

Walls take up more space than any other single element in a room, so their treatment is important. A variety of materials is available to add interest to your walls.

Be adventurous with paint – Paint is the most popular choice for wall treatments because it is inexpensive and easily and quickly applied. Paint can change the look and feel of a room in one day.

1. -  Use paint as a back-drop for a bed or a focal point of a room.
2. -  Be bold and add color. If you don’t like it, just paint over it.
3. -  Try faux finishes. They can add an expensive professional look.
4. -  If you have a small wall border, paint a 12″ stripe and place the border in the middle.
5. -  Paint wood moldings a dramatic color and use as a chair rail, crown molding or frame a wall for a wall gallery.

Wallpaper ideas:

1. Wallpaper behind a bed or even just two walls.
2. Do something wild and crazy in your powder bath.
3. You can paper above, below or both when it comes to chair rail. Just keep in mind the scale and boldness of the patterns.
4. Use a border as chair rail.
5. Border around a wall to frame it as a focal point.
6. Borders can be placed at the ceiling, floor, chair rail, around a wall, window or door. Even above the back-splash in the kitchen. Borders are your most versatile and economical paper treatment.

Mirrors – Mirrors and the illusions they create are the grand magicians of wall coverings. You can visually double the size of a room be mirroring one wall and expand it almost infinitely by putting mirrors on two or more walls.Mirrors also add light into a dark room from their reflective quality. But, before you decide to mirror a wall, make sure you know what you will be reflecting. Is the view that will be reflected a good one? You wouldn’t want a double exposure of your kitchen or bath.

Wall Decals, Stencils and Wall Words - These are three great ways to add punch and interest to your walls and artwork galleries.  As well as being perfect DIY projects.

So now that you know the 5 secrets to decorating model homes, it’s time to decorate your home to look like a model!

• Candles – Decorated Tapers or slide on Flower Rings
• Change out your Candy Dish – Valentine Hearts, Jelly Beans, Jaw Breakers, Candy Corn, Ribbon Candy
• Have a Small Table Top Holiday Tree and Change the decorations every month
• Change the photos in a couple frames for the celebration of the month – 1st Day of School, Pool Parties, Halloween Costumes, Opening Christmas Presents, Holiday Family Get-Togethers
• Use Decorated Finger Tip Towels and Soap in your Powder Bath
• Change the table topper on a side table. There are always Great Themed Fabrics in the discount fabric stores. A small topper can be made with less than a yard. This is my favorite thing to do, but I place a topper on my kitchen table. I then place a piece of glass over it so we can sit there and not worry about getting it soiled.
• Bring out any Dolls or Figurines. I have a Singing in the Rain Doll for April Showers and old Holly Hobbie Figures for Mother’s Day and Christmas Barbies.
• Change your Potpourri – Seashell in June, Pumpkin in November, Pine in November
• Use Small Themed Gifts bags for your potpourri or candy.
• Change the cover on an accent pillow. It is easier to store the pillowcases, then 12 pillows.
• Keep it simple and just change your napkin ring holders and not all the table linen.

ONE LAST WORD – If you only want to change one area each month, have a small table in your entry, living or family room which you can easily decorate each month with one or two items.

ANY MONTH – Birthdays, Nationality, Home Town, Current Town

• Old Birthday Pictures
• Dutch – Tulips, Wooden Shoes
• New York – Statue of Liberty, Jacks, Picture Books
• Las Vegas – Playing Cards, Dice, Slot Machine

JANUARY – New Years

• Party Hats, Noise Makers, Champagne Glasses, Confetti

FEBRUARY – Valentine’s or President’s Day

• Hearts, Cupid, Candy, Roses, Lace
• President’s Silhouettes or Pictures

MARCH – St. Patrick’s Day, Spring

• Shamrocks, Leprechauns, Rainbow, Pot of Gold
• Butterflies, Flowers, Watering Cans, Kites

APRIL – Easter, Passover, April Showers

• Bunnies, Chicks, Baskets, Candy
• Umbrellas, Rain Boots & Slickers

MAY – Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, May Day

• Mother & Child, Hats & Gloves
• May Pole, Ribbons

JUNE – Father’s Day, Summer

• Pipes, Slippers, Fishing, Camping
• Beach or Pool Items, Cotton Candy, Fireflies

JULY – 4th of July

• Anything Red, White & Blue, Sparklers
• Stars, Flags, Fireworks

AUGUST – Barbecues

• Chef’s Hat, Mitts, Hot Dogs, Popcorn

SEPTEMBER – Start of School, Autumn

• Pencil or Lunch Boxes, Book Bags, Old Uniforms
• Leaves, Rakes, Scarecrows, Cinnamon, Gourds

OCTOBER – Halloween, Columbus Day

• Costumes, Cob Webs, Cats, Spiders, Candy Corn
• Globe, Ships, Maps, Nautical Items

NOVEMBER – Thanksgiving, Elections

• Horn of Plenty, Pilgrims, Indians, Turkeys
• Election Buttons, Bumper Stickers, Campaign Hats and Signs

DECEMBER – Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Wonderland

• Holiday Decorations
• Snowflakes, Snowmen, Icicles, Sleds, Skates, Mittens, Pine Cones

# 1 Look around your home for items you could easily change or use in a different way. How about using a fun container for your florals or silk plants, instead of an ordinary basket or planter – ice bucket, picnic basket, hat box, garden pail, watering can, briefcase, umbrella stand, gravy boat, water pitcher or an old colander.

# 2 Simply re-arrange or move your items to a different room. After a while we do not see the things in front of us. But placing them in a new setting, we seem to appreciate them again.

# 3 Exchange accessories with a friend. We sometimes tire of what we have, so instead of throwing, packing or giving them away, why not trade out some items with a friend for a while. We’re always borrowing jewelry and clothes, so why not accessories.

# 4 Bring out an old childhood treasure and display it.

# 5 Visit your local thrift or discount stores and search for “A Find”.

# 6 Don’t pass up those yard sales. Remember, one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

Here are some fun and simple decorating ideas for the different areas of your home.

KITCHEN & DINING ROOMS
• Put your flowers in one of the containers mentioned above.
• Add a table cloth to your table. To keep it clean, place a piece of glass over it.
• Add or change the seat covers on your bar stools.
• Tie your napkins with a fun, colorful item – ribbons, pipe cleaners, beads, ivy, shoelaces, leather, pony tail holders, bandannas.
• Add a colorful dish towel.
• Cover your bulletin board with a fun novelty fabric or wallpaper.

From - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ExclusivelyByMaritza

LIVING & FAMILY ROOMS
• Change the pillows on your sofa or wrap them in a fun fabric.
• Change out your candle colors.
• Drape ivy or a flower garland on the edge of a picture.
• Change the photos in your frames. Get them out of your albums, boxes and drawers. During someone’s birthday, it is fun to place photos from past years in a couple of frames. How about pictures from past Fourth of July or Halloween parties. What about old school pictures for September.
• Change out a couple flowers in your floral arrangements.

BEDROOMS & BATHS
• Change your accent pillows on the bed. Bring out one of the secondary colors from your bedding.
• Place your make-up, hair items, or jewelry in a novelty or colorful hat box. They look pretty and they hide clutter.
• Place your perfume on a mirrored tray.
• Group different sized and colored candles on a mirrored tray, or use an 8 x 10 frame and sprinkle glitter, confetti or pressed flowers under the glass.
• Use an accent table lamp on the bath counter as a night light.
• Add colorful hand towels.
• Put potpourri in a small gift bag on your dresser or guest bath counter.
Don’t be afraid to be creative in your home. Have fun and always remember, it is your home, so have something you love to look at in each room.

When I think of summer, some of the things that come to mind are: Crisp White Linens, Soft Sheer Panels, Watermelons and Strawberries, Picnic Baskets, Sunflowers and Daisies, Straw Hats and Beach Blankets, White Wicker Furniture, and Lemonade. We want to feel more comfortable and have easy care maintenance with quick and easy clean-ups. So take these ideas and use them as decorating themes throughout your home, inside and out.

BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INTO YOUR HOME
The winter is over, the days are longer and the sun is shinning bright, so let’s freshen up our indoor’s.

1. Open the blinds and let the sunshine in when you’re home. Use soft sheer panels to dress your windows to give them a clean and fresh feel. Add garlands of flowers to your existing window treatments, daisies are one of my favorites. If your room is lacking light, add a mirror across from a window to help bring the sunlight in.

2. Add the calming sound of water with a fountain. Place it in an area where it can be heard from a couple different areas in your home.

3. Bring a casual feel of the outdoors in your family room, with a white wicker chair, stool or side table. Yard sales are a great place to pick up these pieces this time of year, because people have bought new for their patio. You can spruce them up with a can of white spray paint.

4. Have fun and theme your kitchen and entice your senses with watermelons and strawberries. Use placemats and napkins for your table, a bowl or pitcher for the counter, and a couple small prints for the walls. Or how about bringing some Surf and Sand to Las Vegas with a beach party theme. Use a beach towel for a tablecloth and place a bowl or pail of sand on the table with shells and candles.

5. Freshen and brighten your color scheme and add pillows, flowers and painted frames. If you have navy blue add a sky blue, terra cotta add peach, hunter green add moss. Then add white, as it brings a crisp, fresh and clean feel to every room.

6. Punch up your accessories with wonderful summertime containers. Picnic baskets are great for hand towels in your baths and for storing your newspapers and magazines. You can also tablescape your coffee table with a straw hat, a basket with greens trailing out, and then use a beach blanket as a runner. Terra cotta pots also bring the outside in. Group a couple different sizes together on your table, fill with sand and place a single candle in the middle of each pot.

7. Summertime also means fresh flowers. When you’re out grocery shopping buy just the $3.00 bunch of flowers and place them throughout the house in bud vases. You can pick up bud vases at most thrift stores for around 25 cents. Place them in your entry to greet your guests, master bed and bath to welcome you in the morning and remember those unexpected corners and niches throughout your home.

8. Pull up those area rugs and let your tile and wood floors shine through for the summer. Give your feet a cool touch and your room a new look.

9. Decorate indoors for the holiday that we normally celebrate outdoors, the 4th of July. Add red, white and blue to your greenery and floral arrangements with flags, flowers, candles and ribbons. Make a patriotic table topper and add some no-sew pillows to your family room.

10. Bring the sky indoors with clouds. Watch for the newest decorating theme of air in dishes, linens and glassware. Paint a faux sky of clouds in your kitchen, bath or children’s room.

BRINGING THE INDOORS OUT TO YOUR PATIO AND YARD
Whether you live in a home, apartment or condominium you can enjoy the outdoors. Here are ten ideas to extend your entertaining and living space outdoors.

1. Arrange your patio into separate areas just as you have in your home. Have a dining area with your table and chairs, living area with chairs and side table, and an area to relax with lounge chairs.

2. Use comfortable furniture with cushions and pillows. If you have a covered patio and the furniture will be protected, don’t be afraid to use regular furniture. You can save money by buying at a thrift or consignment stores and have all the comforts of home, outdoors.

3. Set your patio table with fun outdoor dishes, linens and colorful potted plant as a centerpiece.

4. Add lighting so that you can sit, read and relax. Use table and floor lamps just like you do inside. Plus don’t forget accent lighting to make your patio twinkle. Use up lights on plants and trees and drape Christmas lights around your patio railings or cover. Follow the same principle for proper lighting placement as we do indoors. If your furniture is properly placed, your lighting will fall on a diagonal or triangular path.

5. Bring out some of your favorite accessories. Use frames, vases, pottery, potted plants and have a throw for when the evening gets cool.

6. Install fans and misters for those hot evenings to bring the air conditioning out.

7. Soften the hard surfaces of your doors, windows and patio cover with fabric. Treat them with easy care fabrics that can be removed and washed, since we do have a bit of more dust than other parts of the country. Pole swag treatments or simple rod pocket valances or panels work best. Use inexpensive fabrics from the dollar stores that you won’t mind replaces after a couple seasons.

8. If you’d like to spend more afternoons outside and need sun control, add operable shades. You can use a retractable awning, woven shade, or make a rolled or roman shade from fabric.

9. Use candles for a wonderful inviting and romantic candle lit setting in the evening.

10. Don’t be afraid to add artwork. You can hang them directly on your home, just make sure that they are properly secured and you use the proper tools not to damage the stucco. If you have a wood patio cover, add stenciling to the wood beams and supports.

When bringing the indoor’s out, the main things you have to keep in mind are easy maintenance, sun control, and properly securing items for our sometimes unexpected winds. So enjoy the summer, both indoors and outdoors and have fun decorating.

When I merchandise my models, my goal to make them appeal to the targeted buyer that the builder has identified and will be marketing to. Is this development priced for first time homebuyers, move-ups, second homes, retirement or maybe executive? Then I find out how much the builder has budgeted to spend. Now that amount can really vary from builder to builder and project to project. Many times the amount is dependent upon how many lots the builder has to sell, because what is spent on the models gets figured into the overall price of the development. On average what is spent on models is between $15.00 and $25.00 per square foot. Which means if the model of your home was 2000 square feet and lets say the builder spent $18.00 per square foot, they would have spent $36,000 decorating the model. I know that is a wide range, but there are many factors involved, such as the number of lots, targeted buyer, the price of the homes, and the competition. A smaller project being sold to first time homebuyers may range from $15.00 to $18.00 per square foot. A larger project targeted to move-up or executive buyers may range from $19.00 to $25.00 per square foot.

What’s included in that price is everything that you see in the models, except the typical items that come with the home. Such as flooring, counters, cabinets, lighting and appliances. Also included in that price is the designer’s fee, but being we’re buying at wholesale prices, you can still use these numbers in your figuring since you’ll be buying at retail.

Once I have my budget and who the targeted buyer is, I now look to see what trends are popular in interiors and colors, and what their lifespan is expected to be. Since most projects are open 18 to 24 months, it is important that the models are merchandised in colors and themes that will not be dated by the end of the season. It is also important that they are designed to appeal to the targeted buyer. Knowing that everyone has different likes and dislikes, we design the models to appeal to the broadest number of people that will be looking at the homes. For example, if a Retro style in bright bold colors was the trend, I might use it in a project targeted to first time homebuyers over retirees. Now I know that many retirees may like a bright bold retro look, but the majority of them probably will not, whereas there is a better chance that it will appeal to a larger majority of younger homebuyers who may be more daring, bolder and willing to design in a trend.

So the next time that you ask to have your home decorated just like a model, remember that it is more important that you design your home together. It needs to be your home when the designer leaves and not just another model home that’s been designed without your personal likes and dislikes in mind. So now that you have a little insider information on model home merchandising, what can you do to merchandise your home to look like a model?

First, have a common theme and color scheme throughout the home. If my theme is old world Italian with a color scheme of amber, russet and moss green, that theme and color scheme will be in every room of the house. By having one theme and color scheme it will make your home more harmonious, have a continuously flow and feel larger. To properly flow your colors through your home, take the colors from your color scheme and let’s start in the living and dining room; select one color as the primary, one as the secondary and the third as the accent. Now moving onto the kitchen and family room, select either the secondary or accent from the living and dining as your primary, then a secondary and then accent. What you want to do is change what is your primary, secondary and accent colors are throughout the house, otherwise your primary color will become overwhelming. If you used gold as the primary color in every room, all that you would see as the color throughout the house is gold. It would be so overwhelming you probably wouldn’t even see the other colors, plus you would tire of it quickly.

Your color scheme is essential in the flow of your theme, mood and style throughout your home and the most important element in unifying your home. Color harmony includes the mixture of color, patterns and texture in a well-balance scheme.

Some color scheme guidelines to help you:

• Fewer colors are easier to work with
• Use all of the colors in your scheme in the entry
• Do not use equal amounts of color in each room. A dominant color should be 60% of a room.
• Connecting rooms should have a common color.
• Repeat colors in wallpaper, fabrics and accessories.

The main goal is for your color scheme to flow harmoniously from area to area in a well balance fashion. Your color scheme must also flow with your theme, mood & style. For example, black and gold is great for contemporary but it would be difficult for it to work for country. As well as, blue and yellow can be country, but will not work well for a Santa Fe feel.

The next area that I feel makes a difference in models is in our accessory merchandising. Accessories are essential in bringing unity to your theme, mood, style and color scheme. Look at your accessories and determine if it is time to buy a couple new ones that will continue your theme and color scheme you’re creating. If in the past you had a traditional home and used gold frames but are now looking to go towards a Key West tropical look, it is probably time to donate your frames and buy new. Or how about keeping your old frames in your gift box and the next time that you give a picture of the kids to their grandparents, place it in one of your frames. Also, look at the colors in the matting of your artwork, floral arrangements and candles. If you’ve changed your colors, you can have easily change the mat color without having to buy a whole new piece, or switch out the dated colors and flowers in your arrangement and candles are one of the least expensive accessories, but ones that make a difference in the amount of color they will bring into your room.

Then never underestimate the use of greens. I love to use greens in my models and have to admit that I sometimes do overdue here just a bit, but they do soften any area and bring life into your home. But if you do not have a green thumb, use silks. Plus, we also use lots and lots of custom floral arrangements. My favorite places are the living room coffee tables, always on the dining table and master bath counter along with kitchen islands and niches.

When you’re out looking at accessories, consider using larger more impressive pieces, which again should repeat your theme and color scheme. Also remember to think of your table tops as more than horizontal surfaces but areas where you can tablescape. See it as a whole picture considering the style of the table, where it is placed and the look you’re creating. Instead of waiting for a holiday, set your dining table everyday. Add color and height to your table with a floral arrangement and by placing napkins inside your wine glass instead of next to your place settings.

Now, finally I’d like to dispel the myth that there are special model home manufacturers that make smaller beds and furniture. I have been designing model homes for almost 14 years and I have never come across one yet. If anyone out there knows of one, please share the information with me. I buy from the exact same manufacturers that you see in the major furniture stores. If in doubt, the next time you’re in a model open up a draw and look inside for the manufacturers name. Now we may buy from manufacturers you’re not familiar with as we go to furniture markets all over the country and not every store in town may carry some of the lines we’re using. The only reason I can think that people feel we buy special furniture is that we make the rooms look larger by the furniture placement and selection. In secondary bedrooms, we may place a regular twin size bed along the wall from a corner versus a full size bed straight out from the wall. In a master it will be rare that you’ll see a triple dresser plus an armoire used, unless it is a big master. Instead I’ll use two bedside chests and an armoire. Plus, if the master is small, I’ll use a full or queen over a king that you might place in your own room. Plus, you’ll see floor lamps used instead of a table in living and family rooms to make them more spacious. So please know, there are no model home furniture makers, just interior merchandisers who design the models to be open and inviting. Have fun visiting the many model homes throughout town. Remember to bring your camera with you to snap pictures of any styles, colors or arrangements that you’d like to use in your home by adding your own personal style and touch to make your home your very own model home.

WHO ARE INTERIOR DESIGNER’S?
An Interior Designer is a trained Professional who can provide a service or product for anything in the interior of a building or home. An Interior Designer should save you time, money and costly mistakes in decorating your home. It is my practice to never charge a client retail and always give more than expected. We are problem solver’s and helpers in completing the decorating of your home.


WHAT ARE SOME THINGS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER DOES?
Some areas a designer can help with are:
* Color Coordination
* Fabric Selection
* Theme, Mood & Style Creation and Coordination
* Furniture Layout
* Window & Wall Treatments
* Bedding & Accessories
* New Home Selections – Flooring, Counters, Cabinets
* Review Blueprints to make sure they will meet your furniture and living needs.

A designer also has all of the resources to select, purchase and install any product or service that you may need. Such as; finding a wallpaper, purchasing it for you and having it installed by a qualified installer. A designer is your personal Project Manager for whatever you hire them for.

WHEN SHOULD I HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
An Interior Designer can be hired at any point in your decorating plan, beginning, middle or end. But involving a designer earlier in the stages of your design project will make things easier for you. You hire a designer when you feel you need the help, don’t have the time, or don’t want to do it yourself. I find most people know what they like and have a personal sense of decorating. But sometimes want a little guidance in things as; color coordination, pulling together a theme, mood and style, finding the right furniture, artwork and accessories or just making their home complete. Or maybe you need someone to complete a project you can’t. Like make and install custom window treatments, install new flooring, build custom furniture or finding the right installer for the job.

HOW MUCH DO INTERIOR DESIGNER’S CHARGE?
This is one of the most hesitant question people ask. Designer’s are no different than any other professional and we all charge different rates depending upon the services we are hired to do. But most designer’s will discuss their fees over the phone, so don’t be afraid to call and ask. They will though need to ask you some questions in order to give you a reasonable answer. Such as; What are you looking to have done? Do you have a timeframe you are working in? Are you going to do the work yourself by shopping in local stores, or do you need help in competing your design? Are you working within any budget constraints? Also, just as you pay for an initial consult with a doctor or attorney, most designers charge for an initial consultation. Ask what they charge and what you will receive in return.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO HIRE A DESIGNER?
Every designer works different.  Many only have a minimum of one or two hours of their time.  Some designers do specialize and may have a minimum fee, but ask before setting the appointment. I believe Interior Designers are available and affordable to all.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I HIRE A DESIGNER?
Expect to be working with a professional. Depending upon the services you hire the designer for, normally your first appointment is a fact finding mission. They need to gather as much information from you to insure that you are both working towards the same goal. The second appointment you are normally presented with samples and pictures to review, sort out and approve. By the third appointment you should start making decisions on the items to be completed and the fourth appointment ordering should begin. Then depending upon what is being completed additional appointments may be necessary for finalization. Your designer will then place your orders, follow-up, project manage, schedule installations and follow-up on completion. Also, make sure you hire someone you like, because as you can see, you will develop a close relationship with this person. Interior design is truly a personal service and you both must enjoy the experience.

WHAT IS A DESIGN CONSULTATION?
A Design Consultation is when you hire a designer on an hourly basis for decorating ideas and guidance. You can then complete them yourself or hire the designer to complete them for you. I find more of my client’s are trying things themselves to save money, but are just looking for a little help along the way. A Design Consultation is a great way to save yourself time, money and those costly mistakes by getting some advice from an expert before you start.

WHAT EXACTING CAN A DESIGNER DO DURING A DESIGN CONSULTATION?
Well a lot can be done in a design consultation and it can be as short as one hour. I can accomplish a lot in one hour and find three hours is about the maximum for both myself and my client. During a consultation, you are sharing many design ideas, solving problems and providing guidance. Some things which can be done in a consultation are:
* General Furniture Layout & Space Planning
* Color Coordination of any Fabrics, Flooring, Paint, or Finishes which you may have
* Window Treatment & Wall Covering Suggestions
* Review of Artwork and Accessory Placement
* Continuity of your Theme, Mood & Style

WHAT IS INTERIOR Re-Design?
This is a wonderful practice of design where we take just what you have in your home and re-arrange it to meet your new or changing needs. This is great for when you have moved into a new home and want to re-use what you have or if you have been in your home and want a new look. Everything moveable is re-arranged to give you a new and fresh look. You would be charged by either the room or by the hour, but expect to be given an exact amount before the re-arrangement would take place. Depending upon the size of the project, it should be completed in one day.

Don’t be afraid to call and talk to an Interior Designer. As you can see they can help in many areas of your home decorating plan and will save you time, money and those costly mistakes.

Pre-Planning.  We’ve talked about planning many times before and it’s just as important to take the time and plan your home finish selections, as we do when decorating with furniture and fabrics.  You’ll want to spend some pre-planning time before going to your design center appointment.  Start with making a list of the following items:

• Items you must have in your new home.  Maybe a sink in the laundry room would make hand washing easier.  Or a desk in the kitchen is a must for a central computer space.  Or a walk-in shower is a necessity since you’re not able to step into a tub.  “Must haves” are those items that you need to make your life easier and a necessity to making your home functional for you.
• Items you would like to have in your new home.  “Like to have” is different than “Must have”.  You’d like to have a wine chiller, central vacuum, and intercom system or maybe accent lighting under the kitchen cabinets.  “Like to haves” are those items that you would just like to have if your budget allows.
• Items you do not want in your new home.  Did you hate your wall-to-wall carpet in your hallways?  Did the glass block in your master bedroom just heat up the room?  These are the items that you have already had in a home and never want again.

 The next thing on your list needs to be how much you are willing to spend on your upgrades. 

You won’t be able to put a number to each item, but if you have a general idea of your budget, it will help you stay focused and not overspend without making the conscious decision to do so.  With the number of upgrades and options available, it is very easy to get excited and their costs add up quickly. 

 Upgrade Options.  Depending upon your builder and home, there can be hundreds of items available to upgrade.  We’re going to look at the most common items that most builders offer as upgrades. 

Flooring - One of the items I would consider upgrading is your flooring.  This will be a large part of your budget and a long-term item that is not quickly replaced.  Purchase the best carpet you can afford.  A good quality carpet with proper maintenance will last 10 to 15 years.  Always upgrade to the best pad for the carpet you select. 

 If selecting tile, look at the larger size tiles and place them on a diagonal.  Placing them on a diagonal will normally add about 10% to the cost, but it opens up any area.  Consider placing a hard surface; such as tile, stone or wood in your traffic flow areas instead of carpet. 

 Upgrade your Foyer by adding a tile medallion or patterned design in the floor.  A tile rug design using a tile border and then placing a smaller tile inside the border at a different direction than your floor tile, is a simple and inexpensive upgrade. 

 Counters - Consider a solid surface for your counters if tile is your standard. A solid surface is easier to maintain.  If upgrading all the counters is not in your budget, upgrade the kitchen since it gets the most use.  If you choose to select the standard tile for your counters, consider upgrading the tile backsplash with a deco liner or accent tile. 

 Cabinets – You will probably be given different cabinet woods, stain colors, door styles and additional areas as upgrade options.  If the standard is acceptable to you, you would be better to stay with the standard and then add additional cabinets in some of the areas that are offered.  It is normally less expensive for the builder to add the extra cabinets, than for you to do afterwards.  To dress up your cabinets, you can add hardware after you move in. 

 If you do not like the cabinets, by all means upgrade to what you like.  This is not an item that you will probably ever replace and much more expensive to change at a later date.  If you have to limit the upgrade, first select the wood that you like, then the stain color and finally the door style.  Again a flat panel door can be upgraded with hardware.  

 Electric - Many builders also offer electrical packages, additional outlets for electric, phones, cable, and ceiling fans, and extra can light locations.  I would add anything that you feel you will need.  I have found that it is less expensive and easier for your builder to add these items, versus you doing them later.

 Paint – Flat paint is the standard in almost all homes.  You will have to repaint your home within a short period, as standard flat paint is not scrubable.  You can only gently clean flat paint. Be careful cleaning, otherwise you’ll be down to the wallboard. 

If your builder will allow you to select a color of your choice and at least a low sheen or eggshell finish, upgrading is normally cost effective.  If not, consider having your home painted before you move in.  It is less expensive for a painter to paint your home without furniture.  Or, if you have the time, you’ll save thousands by painting it yourself. 

 Windows  - In our climate the Low “E” windows really do help with heat control.  Windows are expensive to replace at a later date.  You are not able to take advantage of the credit you’ll receive from the builder for the standard windows you are switching out. 

 Appliances – There are all kinds of wonderful appliances now; even blenders that can be built into your counter with interchangeable pieces.  You should do your homework on what you want and price them out before selecting.   Appliances are easier to change later than other items.  Although, you’ll have to consider any cabinet or counter remodeling you would have to do with new ones. If your builder is giving you an upgrade for the standard, you’ll probably have more credit money to use.  But if the standard is very base grade, you might want to price what you want out before upgrading. 

 There are many other upgrades you will be offered.  If your budget doesn’t allow you to upgrade everything you’ll want, upgrade as many of the permanent items.  Then at a later date, change or add some of the items that were on your “Like To” list; such as: security systems, decorative paving, patio covers, faucets, light fixtures, window tinting, window sills, window treatments, and moldings. 

With each one, ask yourself: Is this something that I absolutely want?  Is this something that I can easily add or replace myself after I move in?   Is this something that will cost me more to add afterwards? 

It is great that the builders are making all priced homes more custom.  Another wonderful thing about upgrading, is that they will be done when you move in.  Be smart in selecting what items you upgrade and make sure and do some research on the items you are considering and what a fair price for them will be.

Furniture is the foundation of your design in any room. It will be the most expensive portion of your design budget and one that you will not easily change. Which is why it is so important to have a written plan when starting your shopping. You don’t want to end up buying something you really don’t need or spending your whole budget on one piece and then not be able to finish the room. So let’s start with the first step, planning and arranging.

PLANNING & ARRANGING - When putting together your plan, if you are going to be incorporating existing furniture pieces, it is important to have the room properly arranged with those existing pieces first. If you are lacking pieces to use, borrow from other rooms in the mean time so that you can visually see how the room with be arranged. When arranging a room you need to consider your focal points, room shape, architectural features and elements, traffic flow, and use. The design statement of, Form Follows Function is very true, so your room must properly function first, before you can consider buying new. When you have properly arranged the room, the pieces you will need will automatically present themselves. Write down what those pieces are and what their measurements will be. This now gives you your first step in your shopping list. If you are purchasing all new, you will need to take the time and draw a floor plan and layout the furniture. Sizes can be deceiving when shopping because a large sofa can look small in a 10,000 showroom, but in your 12 x 15 room it could be very oversized. Many styles have large arms, which can amount to an additional 24” on an upholstered piece.

Whether using existing or buying new, one quick check to make sure your furniture is properly arranged in any room, is that the room has adequate lighting. A Trick Of The Trade is that the lighting should fall on at least a diagonal or best a triangular pattern. This insures that there are no dark areas of a room.

BUDGETING – Now that you have your list of furniture pieces, it is time to write out your budget. Keep in mind that, “Budget is not just what we can afford, but what we are willing to spend.” Look at each piece you have written down on your list and think of what you are willing to spend for that piece and then what your budget will allow. As with anything, there are all price ranges for furniture. If you haven’t shopped for furniture in a while, do some research before heading out. If you have Internet access, browse through a couple furniture sites to get a feel for the price ranges of the furniture you are considering. Also, read through the advertisements in the newspaper.

Another thing to consider when budgeting is quality and use. It is always best to purchase the best quality you can afford, but if you are working on a budget, consider how often the furniture will be used. You can purchase a lesser quality sofa in a living room that is just for show versus your family room. Your coffee table will get more use than a sofa back table. Your kitchen set will get more use than your formal dining room. A couple questions to ask yourself when budgeting for furniture are: Who will be using it? Where will it be used? What will it be used for? How long do you plan on keeping it? and How often will it be used?

PICTURES – With the work steps out of the way of deciding what you need and how much you want to spend, you now can have fun spending time pulling together pictures of furniture pieces you like, fabrics and styles. Gather up decorating magazines, books, advertisements, photographs you’ve taken at models and tag what you like and write why you like it. Maybe it is the style of the piece, the fabric, color, the shape of the arm or the overall feel of the room. Place all of these items in a decorating folder, which you will take shopping with you. This step will help ease your frustration when looking for something in particular and also help the Salesperson at the store in locating for you exactly what you want. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

SHOPPING – You are now ready to go shopping with confidence on what you need, where it will be placed, what the size will be, and what you want it to look like, because you are going to shop with the following items; your furniture list, budget, your decorating folder of pictures and swatches, samples of your carpet, tile, paint, fabrics, wallpaper and a tape measure. Now all you have to decide is where you are going to go. There are many furniture stores in town with more opening every day. You have already been looking at ads, so start with the store that seems to meet your budget and style. Look in the yellow pages and call a couple stores before you go. You can also consider hiring an Interior Designers to help you shop. They know most store’s styles and price ranges. Interior Designers will charge you an hourly fee to shop, but most will pass on the trade discount provided by the stores that offer them. This alone will save you time and money when you shop.

Along with retail stores, here is a list from my book A Decorating 10! of different places to shop for furniture,

1. Yard Sales

2. Consignment Stores

3. Thrift Stores

4. Hotel Liquidations

5. Model Home Sales

6. Rent-A-Centers

7. Estate Auctions

8. Bankruptcy Sales

9. Unclaimed Items At Storage Companies

10. Clearance Centers

Plus a couple extra – Classified Ads, Trade with a Friend, Garden Centers, Second-Hand Furniture Stores, Swap Meet, Flea Market and Antique Malls.

Shopping for furniture should be an enjoyable and exciting time, not a chore. If you go prepared you will eliminate the frustration and time spent and also be making an informed and smart investment in your home. Happy Decorating!