I was working with a friend's wife the other day, helping her make decisons on the new kitchen she wanted. She was planning on doing the project by herself. She felt she had good taste and knew where to find the pieces she wanted to complete the job. What I realized what she didn't know was . . . the process . . . and that's where mistakes are made.
Like an Ellsworth Kelly painting; it looks easy and many people remark upon seeing it, "I can do that!" . . . But can you?
Interior Design looks easy too and most people think they know what they would do and how to do it. Here are some common mistakes made by homeowners that can be avoided with a professional.
1. Look at the BIG picture. . . Think of your project as a story. What is your story?
2. Draw a plan or have one drawn to scale and make sure your furniture fits in the plan. Are you sure you have the space for all the ideas have?
3. Create a realistic budget for your project and stick to it. The more changes you make after you have started the project, the more expensive everything gets.
4. Make sure you have ALL the elements in your plans before you begin.
5. Have all of your materials delivered prior to starting any demolition.
6. Have all of your fabrics and furnishings and finishes together so you can see how the entire project will look when finished.
7. Do you have the right subs for each job?
8. Be sure to get references for your contractor and any subs you hire. If you don't know them or someone who does, read reviews and research them on the internet. Designers usually have their own team of tested, tried and true general contractors and sub-contractors. Most designers have worked with these same people for years.
9. Be sure the sub-contractors clean up before they go home EVERY DAY.
10. Have paint samples put up on more than one wall so you can see how the colors change when the different light reflects on it.
11. Be a little edgy but don't over do it. Think of your house as a little black dress . . . just add the pearls.
12. Keep the basics simple and dress it up with accessories and art. Let your personality talk, not the furniture.
13. Add plants and accessories for a look that is finished down to the last detail.
14. Remember to display your personal collections and favorite artifacts. Keep family photos in the more personal spaces of your home. A home without personal belongings is a home without personality.
15. Build your design from the floor up. In other words, start with the flooring; tile, hardwood, area rugs etc. and build up from there. But remember . . .
KEEP THE BIG PICTURE IN MIND FROM THE BEGINNING.
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