new here. My husband is building an approx. 1500 square foot house. Nothing expensive - really just a project for a retired engineer. I am no interior designer - don't even know how to hang blinds. Are there any low-cost interior designers? Or do you still pay by hour and tell them where to shop? How does it work? Any other forum suggestions?
In my experience, which is small, interior designers charge you to shop at certain stores/suppliers where they get a percentage of the sale. The designers also follow trends closely, so you may get a home decorated for today, that will look dated in three years (remember those avocado colored appliances from the 60's?). Decide what colors you like, and the easiest way to do that is to go to a paint store, and pick out the color strips you like. There will be several different shades of blue, for example, on a strip. Put the strips together, and decide what two colors you like best that also complement each other. Stick with simple furniture for a smaller house; blinds come with hanging instructions; and if you want, you can even hang curtains or drapes. Just make sure you like what you buy, and don't fall for a sales pitch. Your new house will be lovely, and something you can live with for years.
thank you so much marlin - that helps a lot. yeh - we don't want something trendy. So it sounds like they shop where THEY want - hm vicky
It is easier to find paint colors that match furniture or fabrics than the other way around...so I would not start with paint first. You will drive yourself crazy trying to find a comforter or a chair that happens to be the shade of blue you picked. I suggest you start with a picture or some kind of item of wall art that you really love. Something that is very appealing to you....and then pull the colors and theme for the room out of that. Those colors work in the picture...they will work in your room. Start with the biggest fabric things first...and then match up everything else and the paint to those things. Use the biggest colors in the painting as your main colors and the smaller colors as the accent colors. Seriously easy and not as stressful because you have a guideline to follow. Just pick something you really like and want to see on your wall and the rest will fall into place. But save paint for last....so many shades, that is the easiest to match.
I agree wholeheartedly with Ruth. Start with an inspiration. In your bedroom, perhaps it is a pattern in your bedding. Perhaps in your living space it is artwork or a piece that really speaks to you. I am an interior designer in Oregon. We have several options for clients - including those that don't have as much to invest in a full comprehensive design and implementation process. One of our less expensive options is to put together a concept for clients that they can purchase from or look for that look on their own. It includes floor plans, furnishings, paint colors, and accessories. We also incorporate existing pieces. If you would like help with that you may contact me. Regarding window treatments, a designer can help you with this - including coordinating installation with his/her installer. If you are looking to do this yourself, stores like Home Depot offer a measuring professional as well as installation. Best wishes to you, Angela Todd