Browse Forums Finishing Touch Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 21Oct 04, 2007 10:12 pm Penjay, you bring up a good point!
(((I aslo think that having someone else choose for you makes your house seem less personal.))) I can only speak for myself here, I ALWAYS work WITH my client, WE choose the colours. My clients have full say with what is happening in THEIR home. Very rarely do I have a free rain of the colour selections and choices. It is always what the client wants, I just define and polish their look at little more, of course to their approval. Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 22Oct 04, 2007 10:16 pm Michelle rellie It never even crossed my mind to use a professional decorater/designer. I have always thought they would be way out of our budget. Had I have known I could have had a consultation on our whole house for under $300 I would have done it for sure ! Rellie, Hope I didn’t say something the wrong way here. This just depends what you are prepared to let the decorator do. This is a 3 hour job on the basics. Not the lot. No, I knew you meant just the basics Even for the basics I would have been expecting to pay a lot more. I know my perception was always that "designy people' probably cost and arm and a leg so I have always battled my way through it myself. I also agree with Penjay, I wish we had gotten professional help with our exterior colours as I am having real problems being happy with them. Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 23Oct 04, 2007 10:20 pm So I guess it looks like it comes down to the expense and the personal taste side of things.
Well that gives me something to work with now…..thank you all! rellie hang in there, take another look at it, paint it up on boards sit back with it in your face every day, you will get the gist of it. Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 24Oct 04, 2007 10:39 pm I personally think that it's a lot more simpler than the the whole "Oh decorators/designers/consultants are expensive" spiel. In this day in age any sort of information you are after is virtually free and readily available by means of the internet or the like. Like this forum for example.
I think that design (and those areas related to the field) is one of those industries that most people feel they can attempt, mimic or execute themselves. And this happens quite a lot. From graphic design to home design (architecture) to landscaping, to art making, to pottery to interior design etc. I understand the questions that you pose, Michelle, and why you wonder why people don't take on the services of a professional such as yourself. As a graphic designer (one with a bachelors degree and a diploma which I spent a few years at school to get) I am constantly competing with what I refer to as 'pirate designers'. And what I'm about to say isn't at all trying to be offensive or saying that one needs a bachelors degree to become a designer but when i refer to 'pirate designers' I refer to people who download pirated software, learn a few tips and tricks on how to use a certain program (say photoshop or the like) and then learn to put a website together then market themselves as a 'freelance graphic designer'. Then the fight begins because a certain qualified designer will charge $X for his services and said freelance designer will charge half the amount. Who do you think the potential client will pick? Design is also one of those sensitive types of things because each and every person has a different idea of what they think is 'nice' and we all have different tastes and different opinions on how certain things should be and be done. It's like having a handyman around. Why pay someone the big bucks when hubby or Uncle Joe from around the way can build you that deck or that pergola or paint that wall for you? I'm sure I speak for a lot of people here when I say that your comments/advice/suggestions have been a really great help and are glad and thankful for your comments/advice/suggestions. Now don't anyone reading this get mad with me (and Michelle I'm not saying stop your contribution to this forum) but a lecturer of mine once advised that if you keep giving out your services for free or at a discounted rate then that will always be what people expect. But now in defense of Michelle, and other (related) designers, the services of a professional in that field is worth every penny. As they have and are people who have been in the situation you are in more times than you have and hence can give the correct advise/solution etc. As a first home builder myself I was quite confident in my ability to pick my colours (for obvious reasons) but I've read a lot of people say things like...this colour or that colour wasn't quite as I expected. Or...this colour and that colour looked like it will go with that tile when i looked at the swatch but now it doesn't. Someone in that industry would've been faced with that situation or certain colour/swatch and would've been able to say wether it's suitable or not. But that only comes with experience. And so, could've saved you the six hours you spent going back and forth between one swatch or another. Did I answer your questions, Michelle? I don't think so. LOL But just my two cents... [sneakersss] Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 25Oct 05, 2007 7:56 am I often think of a design professional as someone who's trying to make a name for themselves... like the architect who has to build something outlandish to get noticed etc.
I don't want my house to be a showcase for someone else's work. All I want is for the colours to go together, and not be too 'out there'. No crazy lime greens for eg Now it seems from what you've said Michelle, that your aim is to provide just that to your clients (what they want rather than your show-piece), and maybe that's an indication that my perception of the profession is wrong. Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 26Oct 05, 2007 10:05 am YSSIM….I totally agree with you on the UNQUILFIED!
There’s an artist in my area with a website, nice website put together by a graphic designer like you. IN this website she claims to be an interior decorator, as well as an artist…..mmmm, I rang her, under another name of course! I asked what qualifications she had to be able to my home together from floor plan. SHE LAUGHED…..then said “OH….none, but I’m good with colour!” Just to be a dog, I told her she was NOT qualified enough to be working on MY home!!! Thanks but no thanks!!! Payback! W*** is THAT all about? To top it off, the graphic designer who had put together HER website had obviously found mine, and took a heap on MY wording, (as I’m the only one done here that used them) and put them on her website! I was definitely looking for my baseball bat when I saw that!!!! Don’t know if anyone has noticed or not, but NO ONE from my area is on this forum! Except a guy from a hardware store Luke, he’s very good with info as well! Just the 2 of us! If there was anyone else, I would only give out snippets of info to that person, I’m afraid THEY would have to call me for a consultation….paying! Thanks YSSIM!!! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 27Oct 05, 2007 10:08 am Parker…..unfortunately….I am getting the impression from replies that not too many people are aware of what we do!!!
I’m now getting even more concerned about my industry! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 28Oct 05, 2007 1:46 pm Maybe that's the key Michelle, you need to state exactly what you can/will do for your charge - be it
*colour selections, *suggested appliances, furnishings and accessories, *buying on their behalf *going with them to a shop to guide their selections *painting *colour mapping (put together a colour board) etc. *Could you get them discounts from anywhere - eg have an arrangement with suppliers that you will bring them business in return for a 5-10% discount? I know personally if I can save some money (even if I have to spend it in the first place) then it makes it seem like a better deal. Just more suggestions/comments. Ray. Second Time 'Round Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 29Oct 05, 2007 3:33 pm Hi Michelle,
I think there is a trend towards DIY at present. Most Bunnings/Mitre 10/Haymes Paint stores offer colour boards that will show you what colours go with what. Some have workshops. Also they have software where you can see the finished colours and change your mind with the click of the mouse. I know this does not come close to what you offer but just another veiwpoint. The reason I did not go down this path was i enjoyed browsing many many many hours through magazines and display homes to find the colours I wanted. In hindsight I think some help would have been a good idea- Now I curse when I can see every handprint in the kitchen\bathroom. Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 30Oct 05, 2007 3:39 pm Michelle,
From reading people's feedback, it appears that most people think that interior designers do colours and only a little bit extra. Makes you wonder what the years of formal education are all about Cheers, Casa Demolition August 2009, Construction Started September 2009, Completed December 2010 Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 31Oct 05, 2007 5:00 pm Programs like My Virtual home probably dont help much either!! I have reverted to username - mattwalker Carlisle Homes - Grande 43 My building experience is here: http://www.ourgrandeplan.blogspot.com Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 32Oct 05, 2007 5:18 pm Everyone’s feedback has been great!
I know most people don’t realise what we can do, but I had no idea it was so general! It has made me think on a different level now, for my next lot of advertising. I’m not feeling very well lately, so when I can get myself motivated I will be spending time on a new strategy! That’s if I don’t decide to give the whole thing a miss altogether, 13 years has been a long time trying to fight my way to get work…..maybe its time to lay the whole thing to rest. Perhaps its time to pursue my writing, give that more attention. Thanks everyone!! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 33Oct 05, 2007 10:02 pm Dear Michelle,
Wow, what an amazing thread! I have used the services of an interior decorator at $100 an hour...highly recommended to us by a city developer who has used her for all his high rise projects. Total amount I spent $1800. As we are building a custom built home, it was important to me that I had help with choosing the colours and materials to finish off what I hope will be a beautiful, well designed home with "attention to detail' Was it worth it....Every single cent Every where I go, I carry my big colour/product board to show shops what my colours and themes are. I also have these stunning 3D colour photos of my house that our architect did for us. I have spent hundreds of hours researching products for my house and using a designer helps me stay on track. Some thoughts... 1. Have I changed anything...Yes but it still has to stay within the guideline of my colour boards 2. Is there any thing I didnt like that she has picked...Yes, the colour of my kitchen bench top. 3. Do I feel that it is still my choices...Absolutely, I showed her what I liked and she just sourced the products for me and made sure everything stayed within my colour scheme 4. Anything I was disappointed with...Yes, the cost of my carpet..$320 a metre, she promised me that the carpet would be a reasonable cost...I dont know what happened there 5. Things that I missed...Yes, I didnt ask her to pick me an over all white because I said I dont want a white house, well now I do LOL 6. Would I use an Interior decorator/desiging again...Yes, my house is the biggest investment of my life and why not do it right. Such a small price to pay an expert that can enhance the overall look of your home. My thoughts why people do not use interior decorators/designers 1. Lack of information where to find a good one 2. May think it costs too much 3. Only houses in magazines use decorators Michelle, a note to you, Personally, I would start using the net more to find customers. There is no reason at all why you couldnt design my home in Melbourne even though you live in another state. Have you thought about this? Are you friendly with any good builders who could give his own clients your card. Our builder is forever telling us the best places to source taps, tiles etc an interior designer attached to his business would be the icing on the cake for his clients. I hope this has helped, you are such a wonderful, kind poster on this forum and I hope it all works out for you. Mrs B Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 34Oct 05, 2007 10:13 pm Michelle,
I was thinking that with all your expertise answering posts here and your love of writing, you should combine the two. You could do an ASK MICHELLE column in newspapers or magazines, like a home decorating agony aunt!!!!! Do they have them in home beautiful sorts of magazines? You would be a natural! Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 35Oct 05, 2007 11:12 pm On that note, what about a book titled along the lines of "Everything you wanted to know about interior decorating but were affraid to ask???
Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 36Oct 05, 2007 11:47 pm Or...
Interior Decorating for Dummies (and undesigny people) The Idiots Guide to Decorating Your Home How to Choose Colour Without Really Crying The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: A Home Decorating Case File You can send us all autographed copies! Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 37Oct 06, 2007 12:08 am Well done Penjay.
At first i thought about the dummies one, but thought that might be copyrighted to the "dummy's group" Sorry Michelle, i know we are joking around, but there are different ways to tackle any situation. You have many skills, so it might be time to look beyond the current situation. You are a wonderful multi-talented woman who can achieve anything!!!! Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 38Oct 06, 2007 10:52 am Mrs B……thank you for your wonderful reply!
I’m every happy you had a good experience with your decorator, do you mide if I use it on my website at some stage….no name mentioned of course! I will modify it slightly, so it is a statement in general….is that ok? In reply to your questions, I actually spam email to over 90 businesses around the south coast and Sydney, I have received a few jobs by doing this, on a large Hotel in Wollongong. So that works IF the commercial business is looking to do renovation or new furniture at the time. I could easily do a home via the net, I have done 1 this way so far. Email and digital cameras make this so much easier now. I have a couple of builders that I work with, but this only happens when their client’s needs help, a lot of people are prepared to do it themselves. I finish a 1Millon dollar home last year from one of the builder’s recommendations. I also have my business cards in ALL of my supplier’s businesses so they can be handed out. ((((I hope this has helped, you are such a wonderful, kind poster on this forum and I hope it all works out for you)))) Thank you so much for your kind words Mrs B! I’ve had quiet times in the past, as has everyone in the building profession, that’s when I start writing my novels again. So I guess it all balances out. Thank you for your reply…it’s made me appreciate that NOT everyone is unaware of our services and how good they are! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 39Oct 06, 2007 11:02 am Penjay….I guess I could do that, room for thought there….THANK YOU!!!
**Phoenix** AS for a book….there is lots out there on the market! Quite truthfully its not really what I want to write about, I would much rather concentrate on the gory detail of how humans have evolved back to animals again, and make my stance on how some woman are miss treated at the hands of THESE animals! Sorry, passionate about these issues! Or... Interior Decorating for Dummies (and undesigny people) The Idiots Guide to Decorating Your Home How to Choose Colour Without Really Crying The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: A Home Decorating Case File Very funny!!!! Love it…..possibly use this on my website at some stage!! (((**Phoenix**You are a wonderful multi-talented woman who can achieve anything!!!!)) **Phoenix** want to come and be my butt kicker, I need someone like you around me at times!! THANKS!!! Thanks girls…..gave me a giggle for the morning….keep it up!!! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: A PROFFESIONAL QUESTION 40Oct 08, 2007 9:46 pm Michelle Mrs B……thank you for your wonderful reply! I’m every happy you had a good experience with your decorator, do you mide if I use it on my website at some stage….no name mentioned of course! I will modify it slightly, so it is a statement in general….is that ok? ! Dear Michelle, Of course you can and if needed I can write a even more detailed answer if you like. The way I see it, I am making the biggest investment of my life so why not do it right, with the help of professionals. There was a great article in the Herald Sun a week ago about interior designers. They can add literally add thousands of dollars to the value of a property by decorating alone. The majority of developers employ the services of a designer because it helps sell the property for a premium price. With our last house, we changed our minds 3-4 times and of course were charged a ridiculous fee to make these changes. For the sake of a few hundred dollars, we could have employed the services of an interior decorator to look over our colour selections and we would not have made some rash decisions. Anyway, just a few more thoughts... Mrs B You can really use anything you want the main consideration would be how it looks once painted/finished - or the look you want. Cabinetmakers use MDF because its cheap… 2 9962 I would say both styles you have pictured are steel. The lower chord of the first pic would be a massive lump if made using timber considering the size of the rafters. If… 1 6154 1 13126 |