 |
|
|
Q. What's the difference between an "interior designer" and an "interior decorator" and which are you?
A: An interior designer has more formal training in the human use of space
and the technology used to form that space, while an interior decorator has
more training in the art of decorating spaces. There is, of course, some
overlap between the two. As an interior designer, I have studied traffic
flow, the wear of floor materials, and most durable fabrics for furniture.
As an interior decorator, I have studied the hottest wall colors, the newest window treatments, and the latest bath accessories. |
|
Q. Why would someone come to you for help?
A: The reason to come to an interior designer is to access her technical
knowledge and make use of her creativity in designing and decorating a home
or office. The reason to come to me is to take advantage of my experience
and talent, my design success in West Michigan, and my client service
reputation. |
|
Q. Where can I seel samples of your work?
A: I would be happy to bring examples of my work to your home or office, or
you may see examples in the Photo Gallery or Project Update on this Web
site. |
|
Q: What can you as an interior designer do for me?
A: As in interior designer I offer a lot of training in design and the
building trades, plus I keep up on the latest building and decorator
materials and techniques. In addition, I am experienced in the study and
design of room flow and human interaction. I do a lot of shopping at area
stores and I keep up on all the latest trends in colors, fabrics, wallpaper,
floor coverings, window treatments, and paints. I pay attention to room
accessories and furniture styles. Most people don't have the time or
inclination to follow all these aspects of home and office decoration, but
that's really what I get paid for. I make it all available to you. |
|
Q: What services do you provide?
A: Besides actual interior design, I offer project coordination, painting,
refinishing, wallpapering, faux finishing and wall murals, furniture
refurbishing and placement, color consultation, wall treatments, floor
coverings, and space management. I also do shopping such as for home décor
and accessories or design materials, including artwork for the new living
room or towels for the new bathroom. |
|
Q: How much help should I expect from you in decorating or redecorating?
A: I definitely need your help making interior design and decoration
decisions. After that, it's totally up to you how involved you are in
bringing the design to life. If you enjoy painting, wallpapering, or hanging
window treatments, you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself. If you
don't have the time or self-confidence to tackle a home improvement project
or a room renovation, leave the headaches to me. I'm totally flexible, so
base your decisions on your comfort level and your budget. |
|
Q: What's the best way to control costs?
A: The best way to control costs is to make as many smart design decisions
as possible before you start working on the project. Once you start working
on the project, changes can cost you more in materials, labor, and delays.
Changes will occur in any project, but the more you make the more costly
they will be. Going into a project with a solid, well thought out design
based on a close-working relationship between client and designer is key to
staying on budget. |
|
Q: How much of creative expression comes from you, how much from me?
A: You come to me as an interior designer for my expertise and creativity. I
rely on you as the homeowner or officeholder for inspiration. We both have
ideas, and we work together to come up with a design that will achieve your
goals for the space you want to transform into your dream home or office. It
should be a collaborative effort. |
|
Q: Do you come to a consultation with a set plan or are you open to changes?
A: A "consultation" is a gathering to literally "consult," which implies a
discussion or dialogue. When I attend one, I come assuming we will begin
setting down a plan and that changes will occur. So, no, I don't come to a
consultation with a set plan. I am always open to changes, even after we
have agreed to a design. Sometimes when you start working on a project you
see that changes need to be made and I am always flexible about that.
|
|
Q: Once the designing is done, who hires the work to get done?
A: If you feel comfortable about acting as project coordinator and hiring
the work out you are free to do so. However, with my knowledge and
experience with contractors and the plans, most clients ask me to coordinate
the work. It saves them time and potential headaches.
|
|
Q: Do you work with budgets?
A: Yes, I frequently work with budgets and I am very adept at helping
clients get good value for their money. Good interior design doesn't have to
mean spending gobs of money, it usually means spending your money well on
the right things. Some people think you have to shop at expensive boutiques
to find interesting home accessories, but you can find interesting
accessories at Target or Hobby Lobby or even your neighborhood garage sale.
|
|
Q: How "hands on" are you on a project?
A: I am very "hands on" when a project calls for it. I love working with
materials and putting things together. I also like organizing and making all
the elements come together just right. However, I also know when to let the
experts take over or when something is better left in the hands of an
experienced artisan. And I know when you'd rather do it!
|
|
Q: At what point in a project do you usually take over?
A: For me, interior design or decoration is always a collaborative effort,
working hand-in-hand with the client. Once design decisions have been made,
someone needs to take the reins and make the project happen. Sometimes
that's me, sometimes it's the client, and often it's a sharing of roles. It
usually depends on the size and complexity of the project and the comfort
level of the client. I will be as hands-on as you need me to be or as
hands-off as you want me to be. In any event, even when I take over the
project as coordinator, I always stay in touch to make sure the project is
going as desired.
|
|
Q: Do you ever design for Parade homes (Parade of Homes)?
A: Yes, I do a couple of Parade homes each spring. It's a fun challenge and
a great opportunity to showcase my skills and talents. During the Parade of
Homes I post on my home page which homes I have interior decorated.
|
|
Q: What area do you serve?
A: I am from Rockford, Michigan, and generally serve the Greater Grand
Rapids area, but I have also consulted home owners along the Lake Michigan
shoreline, down into Wayland, north into Greenville, and east into Ionia. I
like to stay in West Michigan, but that's a pretty broad area.
|
|
Q: What clientele do you serve?
A: I mostly consult with homemakers, but I've also consulted with business
men and women. Income levels vary widely.
|
|
Q: Where do you like to go for home decor ideas?
A: It surprises people that I go into other rooms of their homes and find
treasures that fit perfectly in a room I'm designing. But I like to shop at
boutiques, antique stalls, Target, Pier One, garage sales, Pitsch's, all
kinds of interesting places for unique ideas. I'm looking for unusual items
that fit the space or the theme and you don't have to go to an expensive
shop for that.
|
|
Q: Do you serve primarily residential clients?
A: I serve mostly residential or home clients, but I also do offices -
executive offices as well as home offices and storefronts converted into
offices, for instance.
|
|
Q: Do you do primarily new homes?
A: I have done interior design for new Parade Homes, but most often I work
with clients on redecorating a single room in an existing home like the
living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, or family room. I have also
redesigned home offices.
|
|
Q: Why should I work with a decorator?
A: A decorator can help you clarify the wants and needs for your living
spaces. She can also make it easier to pull ideas together and implement
them. She knows the newest products, which products fit your lifestyle, and
which creative solutions will solve your design dilemmas to save you time
and money.
|
|
| |
|
