Why
use a designer: Part 2
Happy
New Year and best wishes to all of you.
As
we jump back into our busy schedules after the holidays, it is nice to once
again reflect on the wonderful place that we call home. Traffic is not usually
an issue here unless you get stuck behind a tractor.
The
views are not of tall buildings, but of lightly snow-dusted mountain ranges as
far as the eye can see. Sense of community is the strength here, and most
everyone will take time out to say hello.
Wouldn’t
it be nice to bring that feeling into your home?
This
is another example of where using an interior designer can help. Even if you
are not planning on building a new home or remodeling your existing home, an
interior designer can help you re-create your home with cosmetic changes. Think
of this process as frosting on a cake. The base is already wonderful, but by
adding frosting it makes everything fabulous.
This
might mean a new paint color or some new furniture pieces.
It
might just mean rearranging what you already have. Sometimes having a set of
fresh eyes look at your space and give you new ideas is the easiest way to
create an entirely new living environment.
Most
designers are available to consult with you and give you ideas even on a small
job, so don’t worry if that is what has stopped you from calling one. Getting
it right the first time and creating a living space that makes you feel
comfortable and happy is the goal.
Designers
are available to help choose the color for a powder room or help you choose the
finish of the hardware you are going to use for your cabinets. There is really
nothing on which a designer can’t advise you when it comes to your home.
Another
job that a designer can help you with is preparing your home for sale. There
are some designers who specialize in home staging if you have an empty home
going on the market and need to fill it with furniture and accessories.
These
designers typically have warehouses full of anything and everything that you
will need to make your home show successfully for open house.
Depending
on the size of your home and the scale of the job, prices vary for this
service.
If
your home is furnished and you need help with rearranging and accessorizing
before your sale, most interior designers can help you get organized. You may
still need to spend a little money on additional items, but your home will look
and show much better, which, in turn, should help you get the price you are
asking.
When
moving into a new home, it is advantageous to have in advance a plan where your
furniture is going to go. Hence, one more way a designer can help you.
Hiring
a designer to work on your furniture plan prior to your move-in day is an easy
and inexpensive way to save you and the movers tons of headaches. On move-in
day, have your designer available to direct the movers and your move will be a
much nicer experience. This also will save time, as the furniture will be set
down only once. If you guess where pieces are going to fit in your new home,
you will be spending a lot of extra time rearranging.
Remember
that you don’t need to have the bankroll of a celebrity to have your home look
great. Designers are available for everything, whether a small consulting job
or advising on complete construction projects.
The
bottom line is that a designer can help you avoid costly mistakes on your home.
Find
a designer that matches your personality and listens to what your goals are.
Before
hiring a designer, look at pictures of past projects that your designer has
completed and speak with others who have worked with your designer.
A
good match is one key to a successful job.
I
would love to hear from all of you on the topics that you are interested in
learning more about in the coming year. I am always happy to receive questions
and comments on what interests you about your home, and related subjects. You
are invited to submit before and after photos of home projects to be published
in one of my columns with a story on what you did.
Please
email me at mnidesigfn@msn.com or write to P.O. Box 538, Santa Ynez 93460.