Why Use An Interior Designer? How Much Do Interior Designers Charge?

Interior Designers pull it all together

 

While it may be true that years ago an interior designer could make a substantial living marking up goods to sell to their clients, today's interior designer's main focus is to give value to their clients by sharing their expertise and professional experience, rather than depending on selling and marking up goods.

How do we share expertise and provide professional service?

• We provide professional service to our clients when we visit with our clients to discuss the project at hand and listen and note everything needed to create the best solutions for home or office.
• We collect information at design centers, research new concepts, visit trade shows and showrooms for noteworthy products that may be used to design a home or office.
• We design floorplans, concept boards and elevations of rooms, so that our clients can see what their spaces will look like before the project is installed.

For instance, a recent project I worked on was based on a design fee for creating the design of the room. The only markup was a small percentage for administrative handling of the items purchased. I copy all receipts and present my hours and the cost of the items to my client for payment. There are no hidden charges, no over-the-top fees or surprises.

Of course, not all designers want to work this way and some projects may be based on a different fee structure to keep record keeping easier for both client and designer.

But in this day and age with the Internet, clients already know how much some items cost. Keep in mind though that there are many aspects to creating a room beyond picking furniture. You won't have a custom looking room by purchasing items off the shelf.

The rooms you see in Houzz or Pinterest were mostly done by designers who spent hours working on everything including floorplans, window treatments, flooring, furniture, lighting, accessories, artwork.

In essence, our value to our clients as interior designers is in our expertise, our creativity, our experience, professionalism and willingness to create the most beautiful space for our clients.

For more information on what's new in design for the home, check this Blog innovative ideas for new construction, renovation and remodeling.

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me at masmith729@comcast.net.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Blog: HouseZenGarden and Best Design Coach
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

 

Part II of a Three Part Series on Choosing Paint Colors for Your Home

Soft and calm colors courtesy of House Beautiful

How long will it take till I find the right colors for my home?

Last week we discussed the steps taken with clients on a paint consult for their home. While choosing paint colors is not 'rocket science', it should not be taken lightly! Colors have an effect on all of us and we don't share the same response to every color. Color is personal to each individual.

For instance, your favorite colors may remind you of a cruise to the islands where the color of the sea was an incredible blue. Or, you may have a deep need of calming colors in your busy home. If it's a company office, it may be colors that would either soothe or inspire your clients that you'll choose.

So when I visit my clients homes to choose colors, we take time to determine the colors that 'call' to them. While it would be easy to choose a color from a Pinterest board or a Houzz photo they liked, those particular colors or shades may not 'read' well in their home. 

How long will it take to find the right colors for your home? The truth is we'll need at the minimum 2 hours to find the right shade. Ok, we have the time it takes covered, but what about the cost to get professional help?

How much will it cost for professional help in choosing your paint colors?

Let me ask you - do you need help with:

• Paint colors for one room's walls
• Choosing a color for a room that 'flows' into another (open plan homes offer a challenge on how to change colors from one space to another)
• Paint colors for a whole house
• Paint colors for walls, trim and ceiling
• Paint colors for homes without furniture (new construction houses)
• Paint colors to work with existing furnishings
• Exterior paint colors

As you can see, everyone is unique when it comes to their home. So the best way to answer "how much will it cost for professional help in choosing your paint colors?" is to reply that it depends on the size and scope of the project. In other words, some projects may take an hour and some a few hours to determine the best choices.

So, to keep it simple, typical designer fees run from $75 per hour to whatever the market will bear in the metropolitan cities like New York. Here in Ocean County New Jersey, for a 2 hour meeting the fee is 150.00 (one hundred and fifty dollars) within a 50 mile radius to Toms River. (By the way, I do not charge travel time to and from your home!)

I hope this information helps you. Color is so important in your home. Whatever you do, whomever you rely on for help - just make sure you take the time to choose a color that you love!

How You Can Use Red, White and Blue For An Endless Summer Look At Home

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

 

Summertime, summertime, sum, sum, sum...summertime. That old song from the sixties has never gone out of style and neither has our love of summer. When I think of the start of summer I remember Long Island Beaches, picnics and watching fireworks in Port Washington.

Mid summer our family would take the trip to Buffalo. On the way we would stop and stay a few days at a cabin on a lake near Cooperstown. Here's where thoughts of Adirondack woodsy campsites, marshmallow roasts, rowboats and swimming in a lake bring me back to a simpler time, a slower pace.

If you're like me and you want to have a summer vibe throughout the year, then consider decorating a room in your home with a summertime theme. Sometimes just the colors - red, white and blue are all you need. Think of adding a few objects like the flag, or the madras pillow to achieve the spirit of summer. Be careful, don't overdo it. Just a few items and a great color scheme will bring back those memories of your happiest summertime days.

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me at masmith729@comcast.net.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith729@comcast.net
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Blog: HouseZenGarden and Best Design Coach
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

How To Choose The Best Chandelier for Your Home

 

The Do's and Don'ts of Chandelier selection for the Dining Room

When you think of choosing a chandelier for the dining room, it's more than just picking a fixture that you've seen in a magazine or someone's home. Chandeliers are like the jewelry we choose for a certain outfit. Chandeliers define your home's style and the informality or formality of a room. Chandeliers add sparkle, glamour and finish off a room with a flick of a switch (make sure to install a dimmer!).



Photo courtesy of Hinkleylighting.com

Chandelier Sizing 101

Before you start hunting for the perfect chandelier, you need to get your facts straight! First, measure the length and width of the dining room to determine the correct size or diameter of the chandelier. For instance, if your room is 18 feet by 12 feet, the chandelier should be approximately 30 inches in diameter.

But, and there is always a 'but' - if the room has an extra high ceiling, then take that into consideration as well as the size of the table beneath it. The larger volume of space may call for a somewhat larger fixture.

In any case, walking the floor of the lighting store to find the right chandelier is not a walk in the park. Do not plan on finding a chandelier at first sight. I like to take a 'once around' of the store layout to get a feel for what the store has to offer. Then I spend more time and thought till I can hone in on a few that fit my client's unique style.

While you gaze at the almost endless choices, you will find yourself pinpointing styles that work for you and those that are a definite no-no. Do you want glass shades, crystals, a gilded or wrought iron look. Will the chandelier require frequent cleaning? If there are silk shades can they be interchanged with different colors for the seasons? Most of all, what look are you going for - romantic, urban-contemporary, rustic, elegant or glitzy?



 Photo courtesy of William Sonoma Home

What Color Is Your Chandelier?

Last but not least - make sure you have a photo of your dining room table and chairs to refer to while shopping. If nothing suits you, do not feel hopeless! The right chandelier is out there and the hunt makes the catch all the more worthwhile.

Oh and by the way, when you've found the perfect fixture, make sure it is installed between 30 and 36 inches from the dining table top.

Check back soon for the third in this series on Dining Rooms!

For professional interior design for your home, office or commercial project call:

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, including Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me at masmith729@comcast.net.

M. A. Smith, Ltd., Interior Design
Allied Member ASID

A Nod and a Wink To Something New For Your Walls




Use then Lose Your Notes without damaging Walls
Photo courtesy of visibleproof.net

Wow, what a neat idea! Imagine never having to tell your kids, class, or employees to "not mark up the walls!!"  Or better yet, think about all the trees you could save by using Wink to post erasable notes instead of using Post-its on the walls.
(Keep Post-its for desk to-do's)

According to 'Wink' this product is "The clear, dry erase coating that lets you turn any paintable surface into a write-and-erase canvas. So let the true color of your wall show through, without the limits of a whiteboard."

Can't wait to use this on my next family oriented design project!

Notes: Wink is a clear substance applied over existing paint - see the link here for details on how you can use this and then order through your favorite designer. (hopefully me!)

http://www.wolfgordon.com/wink

M. A. Smith, Ltd. 
Residential and Commercial Interior Design
1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ  08753
E-mail: masmith729@comcast.net
Allied Member ASID
Board Member Kiwanis Daybreak of Toms River
Member Southern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
HouseZenGarden.com

Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York City for over Fifteen Years

What's New In Bathrooms for Remodelers and Renovators

Photo courtesy of Kohler.com

How to Start your Day with a unique Experience in the Shower

Today you don't have to be a celebrity or win an Oscar to have a Hollywood type shower. In fact, if you just want to update and not totally gut your shower - Kohler has the goods to get you going.

You can upgrade your shower experience by adding 8" to 12" Rainheads, or a snazzy handshower.  Imagine the feeling of "big, luxurious water droplets" starting your day. Or, personalize the shower experience for your family with a multifunction handshower with four different sprayfaces.

One of my most memorable experiences as a child was playing in the pouring rain and feeling the droplets pour over me. To think I can have that experience every day without heading to LA - priceless!

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me at masmith729@comcast.net

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith729@comcast.net
Allied Member ASID
Member of Southern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce
Member of Kiwanis Daybreak of Toms River
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Blog: HouseZenGarden and Best Design Coach
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

 

Take Comfort! Take Control! Get This For Your Renovated or New Bathroom If You're Into Innovation

The Spa Like Water Closet for Today Lifestyle

Get Innovation in Your Bath For Your Unique Lifestyle!

Yes, it's true - the bathroom above has more 'Zen' appeal than most of us have in our homes or even our yoga studios. But it does give you a glimpse of the ever changing, improving trends in bathroom products. In 1904, old style toilets were made of enameled cast iron and featured a wooden tank! But today - today's toilets have features that will have your guests talking, if you add one of these tanks to your remodeling, renovating or building lists.

For starters, Kohler's Single-Flush Gravity models enjoy the "widest range of design, shape color or installation options." So, may the 'force' be with you while you save up to $99 per year on your water bill according to their brochure Bathroom - Toilets, Seats and Bidets.

If you really want to go all out on trends, the Numi Toilet is the one for you! Here are some of its features that get people talking:

• Automatic open, flush and close
• Self-cleaning wand
• Precision air dryer
• Deodorizing filter
• Ambient lighting
• Integral speakers
• Touch-screen remote
• Heated seat
• Foot Warmer

If I had the Numi - I would never want to leave my bathroom!

Don't worry if the Numi is not on your list, you can still get innovation like you never dreamed of back in the day. As they say -you can never go back and in the case of the toilets, that's a good thing!

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me at masmith729@comcast.net.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith729@comcast.net
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Blog: HouseZenGarden and Best Design Coach
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

 

News and Notes on Kitchen Islands

Photo courtesy of +Christopher Peacock Kitchens

What's new in today's Kitchen when it comes to Kitchen Islands?

 

What's new in kitchen islands these days? Well, besides housing more than just pots and pans, today's kitchen islands incorporate a more classic 'furniture' style look. Also, their good looks not only hide the working parts of the kitchen or add more space for appliances such as microwaves, dishwashers - they have been known to feature special elements such as cushioned niches for the family dog! Through the use of expert design and innovative thinking, the kitchen designers of today keep pushing the boundaries in state-of-the-art kitchen design.

 

Great kitchen island designs incorporate ideas that make islands not only look great but work great from different vantage points. For instance, if your island will be seen as you enter the room, the end of the island can have more than just panels that match the cabinet doors. The ends of the islands of today may actually feature a banquette and its table attached, instead of a free-standing breakfast table.

 

Or, if you long for the look of a china cabinet (but have no room for one in your home), the end of the island can be finished with glass front doors and accent lighting to highlight and punctuate the island. To vary the side of an island, a corner can be finished with bookshelves as shown in the photo above.

 

The most important aspect of today's kitchen islands though, is that their design is made for today's unique homeowner. The island is a great place to set the tone for your style of living, cooking and entertaining. Islands of today allow you to make your home reflect your love of cooking and/or family for years to come.

For professional interior design for your home, office or commercial project call:

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me at masmith729@comcast.net.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith729@comcast.net
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Blog: HouseZenGarden
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

 

 

 



Maybe I Shouldn't Share This Story But...

Pillow courtesy of Thomas Baker

How To Keep Problems From Spiraling Out Of Control - The Easy Way

Round and round the discussion went. Should my client change the location of the chandelier in the Dining Room? Or, should she do without the chandelier and forget about the goal to have the chandelier centered over the table?

Would a smaller table help? Can you use two chandeliers instead of one? Obviously this was one of those problems where we needed to not be 'narrow minded' but instead, use one of my favorite concepts - narrow framing.

Narrow framing is a term I was reminded about as I read my newest favorite book, "Decisive" by Chip and Dan Heath.  In their book they talk about situations where you may look at a problem as a "Yes" or "No" scenario.

But the truth is as a designer, I often work on problems of this type. I actually enjoy situations like this because it challenges my love of "expanding opportunities". I take a step back from the problem then delve into alternate solutions, rather than limiting choices to 'this or that' decision making.

So, the answer to the problem was to move a large china cabinet to another room, so the table could be centered in the room where it looked best. Another plus was that the china cabinet enjoys a more focal point view in its new location than it ever had in the dining room.

For professional interior design for your home, office or commercial project call:

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, including Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me at masmith729@comcast.net.

M. A. Smith, Ltd., Interior Design
Allied Member ASID

Glad That Spring Is Almost Here, But Worried For All You Have To Do?

Philadelphia Flower Show Cottage Garden

Spring Is Almost Here. Are You Ready?

When the start of spring approaches you may be so relieved to be done with winter. But on the other hand, you may feel a sense of anxiety. Your anxiety may be due to all the unfinished projects around your home. You're not sure what to do first, what you should do yourself and when can you find the time to do it all anyway?

Yes, I too have the same problems and here are some of the items on my list:

• Interior trim that needs to be painted
• A bathroom that needs painting as well as tub caulk
• Window blinds that require cleaning (every room!)
• Porch screening to be replaced (we can do that)
• Gardening and grass prep (great calorie burner, by the way)
• Tree branches that need a to be cut (before they fall on our heads)
• Etc, Etc, Etc !

Just looking at my list may remind you of some of the items on your Spring to-do list. So much to do, so little time.

But, on second thought I have to say that some of the items on my list will be done by professionals. For instance, I will not be climbing that oak tree to pull down that 'widow maker' tree limb. As for the gardening item, I can handle the leaf clean-up (a great de-stressor by the way), but a landscaper will be fertilizing our grass, so I can cross that item off my list.

Why Spring Can Be A Good Thing After All!

See, it's not that bad really. Sure, some of you (a few of my interior design clients, for instance) may be dealing with more difficult to-do's, especially if you were hit hard by the hurricane. But, no matter what you have in front of you, remember it either will or will not get done in time. It's not the end of the world.

It's all about perspective. It's about giving yourself some needed slack. Let professionals handle what they can and what you can afford, so you can actually enjoy Spring - what an idea!

For professional interior design for your home, office or commercial project call:

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer in New Jersey, including Ocean and Monmouth Counties, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me at masmith729@comcast.net.

M. A. Smith, Ltd., Interior Design
Allied Member ASID

Part VII - The Best Kept Secret to A Successful Renovation

Courtesy of greenriver.edu

Next time you start a new decorating project, new construction project or renovation, make sure you read between the lines.

"Lines, what lines?" you say?

The lines of a floorplan as shown above!  A floorplan is critical to use because it shows where the walls and entryways begin and end in a room or house. Interior designers use architectural floorplans to show you options for furniture placement or built-in cabinetry.

For instance, a floorplan can show if there is enough room to easily walk around furniture. It can show you if there is enough room for two sofas or only one, what size tables work best, or how large a rug should be in a dining room.

Floorplans also show you the traffic pattern between rooms. Traffic patterns from room to room should be designed for your lifestyle. The design of the home or office should make sense so that moving from room to room is efficient.

Efficient design = less steps. Less steps = more time and more energy spent on the important things in life.

When you know how the room will 'work', then you can 'work' the room and get to the fun part of choosing furnishings, fabrics and paint.

Remember the secret to a successful renovation, new construction project or staging your home:

Floorplans are the foundation to create the most beautiful, comfortable and efficient home or office.

Note: if you're restoring your home from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, read my blog - The Concept Board for articles to help you today, tomorrow or when you are ready to start your renovation.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith729@comcast.net
Allied Member ASID
Member Southern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce
Member Kiwanis Daybreak of Toms River, NJ
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Serving Ocean and Monmouth County,
the Jersey Shore and Metro NJ and NYC

Join The Trend To Spruce Up Your Home This Season

A Finished Master Bedroom
Photo courtesy of Robert Allen Fabrics

How To Get Things Done At Your Home This Spring

 

One of the joys of living the interior designer life is being involved in someones fresh start and successful renovation.

Sometimes, my work involves a complete re-do and sometimes it's about adding new color, new window treatments or new furnishings such as rugs, pillows or lamps.

Whatever it is, it is a step in the right direction, not only for my client, but for me

as a designer as well. 

While I have years of experience under my belt, there has never been a project, where I haven't learned something valuable to share with other clients.

With Spring approaching in a month or so, I feel the urge to spruce up, pare down and add some pizazz to my own home, and so are my clients. 

Do What My Clients Do

 

To have a beautiful home like theirs, do what they do. Decide to have a fresh start for the promise of a better day, and a happier season. Decide to take on that project that you've been talking about - why not?

What are you waiting for and where do you need a fresh start in your home?

M. A. Smith, Ltd., Interior Design
Interior Designer - New Jersey including the Jersey Shore, as well as 
Ocean and Monmouth Counties

Call  Mary Alice for your fresh start today - 732 690-2030

masmithinteriordesign.com
bestdesigncoach.com
housezengarden.com

Use This Designer's Secret To Stay On Track And Avoid Stress

Help! I need a shower of ideas for this week's blog!

Roda/Tresor Shower Enclosure Doo

 It's the weekend, a new week is approaching and once again I'm faced with a number of blog posts to write! 

I have many interior design topics I could write about, information to sift through and decisions to be made. But, sometimes it's overwhelming!

Information is everywhere to be found, but how can I decide what to  write about this week?

The answer is to do what I do for my interior design clients. I design a plan in steps. Then we can proceed in an orderly manner and get things done. 


For my blogs, my plan starts with breaking down the week into four days for blog posts. Each day I write on a noteworthy product or a design problem and solution. For instance, this week I might write about bathrooms. I then divide my four days into four products or problems and solutions for bathrooms.

Today, I share information about the Roda Tresor shower enclosure. This enclosure has 3/8" glass, with a sculpted handle and is available in the popular finish of oil rubbed bronze (as shown in the photo). 

See, it wasn't that hard. I went from slightly overwhelmed to satisfied within  minutes. I found a great option for a shower enclosure, if frame-less shower enclosures are not in the budget for my clients.

Most important is that I have a plan and I feel in control of my time. That's why planning in steps is so important. It gives you a 'small win' with every step accomplished.

Did this idea help you? What are some problems you need to resolve with your decorating project?

Call me for a meeting that just might get your project finally on track.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmithinteriordesign.com
bestdesigncoach.com
housezengarden.com

Do What The Most Beautiful Homes Do - Use Wallpaper

Photo courtesy of Deco Pad

Do people still use wallpaper in their homes? 

Almost every week someone asks me this question. My answer surprises them and the answer is a resounding - yes! 

In the 'before' people wallpapered almost every room. But, today designers and clients with the most beautiful homes are very selective on where to use wallpaper.

Instead of covering walls with busy patterns and borders we use wallpaper to add a classic touch of warmth, character or texture to walls or ceilings. 

For instance, recently I added grass cloth to a dining room above a chair rail moulding.

The walls could have been painted, but adding grass cloth pulled the room together and balanced the soft blue paint that was added to the ceiling.

Using wallpaper with a large pattern can add whimsy or touch of class that a room or a wall needs  - to make it special, different, alive.

Do you have a boring Foyer? Add a large scale pattern such as a striped wallpaper in beige and cream.

If your Powder Room is tiny- use a whimsical pattern or even a large scale pattern in a great color to give the room a feeling of importance.

M. A. Smith, Ltd., Interior Design
Allied Member ASID
Call for exceptional Interior Design today: 732 690-2030
masmithinteriordesign.com
bestdesigncoach.com
housezengarden.com

Part VI - How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Home

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

Part VI - What is the most important thing to consider when choosing new flooring for your home?

While some might say 'looks' or what's in are the most important things to consider, function and durability are first on my list when choosing flooring for my clients. Whether tile, rugs, carpet or wood flooring, each type of flooring has attributes as well as pitfalls.

For instance, tile is often the choice for kitchens because of easy maintenance of the tile. While tile itself is durable, grout can be a problem to maintain in the years to come. Sometimes, wood flooring is a better selection for a kitchen.

Rugs and carpet add an element of style to a room but depending on the fiber chosen, the life of the carpet or rug can be short. Is the rug there to protect a wood floor or is it installed in a room that is infrequently used?

Durability is a concern for wood flooring too. With all the selections in wood flooring, you would think choosing your new wood floor would be easy. However, there is much to consider in choice of wood flooring, if you vision a floor that will last decades into the future.

For instance, can the wood floor be sanded and stained once or more times when it starts to show wear? What is the traffic pattern across the wood floor and will you need a rug  or runner to protect it?

Will the wood floor get more use when the family grows from two to four or more with children or extended family? Will it be safe for all generations to walk on, especially if they need a walker for support?

As you can see, selection is not the problem when choosing flooring for your home. However, selecting your flooring for function and durability are key things to consider to protect and preserve your investment in your home.

Choosing your flooring is not about keeping up with the Joneses. It's about selecting the right installation that fits with your life today as well as ten or twenty years into the future.

For more information on flooring check out the following websites:
http://woodfloors.org/
http://www.wfca.org/Pages/Ceramic-Tile-review.aspx
http://www.carpet-rug.org/residential-customers/index.cfm

Stay 'tuned' for the next BestDesignCoach blog post to find out about my Website's list of the most important items to consider when decorating a Home.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
Allied Member ASID
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

Part VIII - How to Choose the Right Furniture for Your Home

Photo courtesy of Baker.com

If I asked you  ''What is the hardest thing to choose when you decorate a home?" would you say "paint color"? Many would agree that picking the right paint color is tough to get right. However in my experience, it's furniture selection can be problematic and challenging.

The challenge starts with the overwhelming variety of shapes, sizes, and price points for every type of furniture whether seating, tables or occasional pieces. But the choice is easier when you know the following bits of information, before you head out to your local furniture store:

• Know what size of furniture will fit in the room. Have a floorplan drawn to scale to discover what size of sofa or table will fit, without crowding a traffic zone.
• Determine how much seating you need on a daily basis and what you need for entertaining.
• Decide on what style of furniture suits your lifestyle and taste today. Country French may have been a favorite ten years ago, but your present lifestyle may call for a leaner and more contemporary look.
• List all the pieces you need and specify a budget for each piece.
• Create a folder of furniture styles that appeal to you to refer to when you go shopping. A picture is always worth a thousand words.
• Spend more time than you planned to find furniture. Don't settle because you can't find a certain piece right away. It's there - you just have to find it!
• Let a professional interior designer help you if you are crunched for time. They have the resources to find what you need quickly, saving you time and money in the long run.

Just as you leave construction to the builder, it might make more sense to leave the decorating to professionals. Decorating isn't just fluff. It's making your home not only beautiful, but comfortable and ageless for years to come.


M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

Even Tired Looking Rooms Need a Facelift

 

Where do you start when you want to change the look of a room? It can be a simple task for some. But if you're like most, you'll feel better about planning the first step in decorating, when you have a goal in mind. 

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

1. If you have a time limit-

• Plan on finding furniture that is readily available in stores in your area
• Use ready made drapes that can be shortened to size or add trim to the leading edge to customize its look
• Use paint to make a statement (paint a focal wall in a darker color) as opposed to adding beadboard panelling or mouldings
• To have a finished look, dedicate a weekend to finish the job including hanging artwork, adding accessories to a cocktail table, etc.

2. If you have a budget limit- 

• Determine the maximum amount you can spend on decorating
• Spend the most on either focal point areas or new seating
• Do as much as you can yourself
• Find ways to get the same look you saw in a magazine with a less costly application. For instance, if you like the look of a large stripe wallpaper on entry walls - you can get a similar look by painting stripes instead. 
  

3. If the project includes construction-

• Use the services of an interior designer to do a floorplan showing furniture placement in a room. An architect's floorplan is the foundation to make your project work. But, know where your furniture will fit before you hire your contractor. Changes later on can be costly.

• Make sure you have a vision for how the room will look finished. You can tear pages of rooms you like and make a concept folder or use Pinterest.com and/or hire a designer to do the work for you.

• Get everyone involved (architect, designer, contractor, tradespeople) on the 'same page'. If one of the team is difficult to communicate with, it will only slow down the process later for the others involved.

• Invest in items that have the longest life or get the most use. For instance, appliances, dining room furniture, flooring - know how they will hold up to constant use. 

• Lastly, life changes, kids grow up, people retire. Plan your home for those changes, not only for the present. For instance, can the Dining Room be changed into a home office or additional bedroom for visiting family or friends? 

Goals are the first step. Next make a plan. Nothing happens until you commit yourself to diving in to bring your dreams to life!


For professional help with your project, call:

M. A. Smith, Ltd. Interior Design
1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753
732 690-2030
E-mail: maryalicesmith@masmithinteriordesign.com

Allied Member ASID

http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Blog: HouseZenGarden
Blog: BestDesignCoach.com
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