Browse Forums Interior Decorating Lounge 1 Mar 08, 2011 12:54 pm Im building our dream home & as such I’ve decided to bite the bullet & ask for help with a interior decorator. As I’ve never used one before (nor have any of my friends) Im not to sure what to expect. I’ve seen her work on her web site & quite like it & have spoken to her on the phone & we seemed to click. I have an appointment with her in about 2 week’s time. This appointment is free & then we’ll discuss payments & how it works. My 3 yr old child was noisy when I was speaking to her so I couldn’t really focus on what she was saying – but what i got from her was that it can go 2 ways: option 1 being i pay her by the hour or option 2 I pay her to source all my items/products (she said that she can get discounts etc) . The option number 2 doesn't really appeal to me b/c Im a shopaholic & the idea of someone shopping on my behalf is strange to me. I mean I LOVE chocolate & I wouldnt pay you to eat on my behalf I guess I need to know just how in depth & detailed do they go? If I want her to provide me with ideas etc will it be as detailed as in "buy a big brown wooden lamp & place it exactly right here" and "get this art work & hang it there". I mean I can go out & buy nice stuff but I don't know how to place it & if it all goes together - does that make sense?!! I just don't want an interior decorator to give me a story board of colours & then that's it. so what should i be expecting? Re: made an appointment with interior decorater - now what?? 2Mar 09, 2011 4:17 pm I can help with a little advice from my own experience. We had a lady (highly recommended) visit us for a colour consult for our existing home. I had previously chosen colours and had them painted and although I was on the "right track" with them, they weren't quite right. Since we were doing an extension, I wanted to get all the colours inside & out) right since it is a lot of $ to spend and not be happy. She worked on a flat hourly rate and it added up quickly but it was money well spent. It is best you have a clear idea of what you want but to also be open to suggestions. Collect pictures from magazines, the internet, samples, swatches, etc. so you can show her what feel you are after. Go to shops and find pieces you like - take pics if you can. Once you have put it together as best you can THEN get together and go over things and if you want to, then go shopping together. Remember, you do not have to get everything all at once but rather build up to the look you want. I did put the brakes on that with the lady we paid. She was pushing me to have travertine in my bathrooms and it was something I just did not want. Don't feel you have to go with something just because someone says so. It is your place and you will be the one living in it. The internet is a great tool and makes the process easier than flicking through heaps of magazines. I hope I have helped just a little. Re: made an appointment with interior decorater - now what?? 3Mar 09, 2011 5:53 pm Perfect response SquirtyChookGirl. I would suggest you go out and buy the items you love, then get her to do the placement of the items that suit where they will work best. Shop for you own selections….that way there is no misunderstanding of these selections, all she has to do is place them. After all, what is the best part about decorating? Shopping!!!! What I find the hardest to work with….is people who do not know what they want. Try and sort that out before she comes….we/decorators are only human, we can’t pull information from you if you haven’t worked that out yet. We try, but that means more time she has to spend with you. Be prepared! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: made an appointment with interior decorater - now what?? 4Mar 09, 2011 8:13 pm Good answers here. When I worked with designers (one kitchen, one garden and one builder) I kept a notebook full of pictures and photos of things that I liked and also had another one full of stuff I disliked. The designers found these notebooks really helpful and could give them a headstart which eventually saved me lots of money. Re: made an appointment with interior decorater - now what?? 5Mar 09, 2011 9:25 pm I would wait to buy major pieces until you see her. You could end up making an expensive mistake. You might think for example, that 2 3-seater sofas would suit your living space best, but she might have a configuration with a sectional or a sofa and armchairs that make much better use of the room. I presume you already have some furniture, work out what you have to keep (eg antiques/family heirlooms), and what you are happy to replace. Look at as many home magazines and design books as you can, pull out pictures of rooms, pieces that you love. Also, be very clear about what you definitely don't want. I find a lot of inspiration in the design shows on Foxtel, just seeing how designers work. There is one great show called 'Find Your Style' http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/10-tips- ... index.html The designer works with the client, by choosing existing things in their home that they love, to find their design 'style' whether it is French Provincial, Contemporary, Mid Century modern, etc. They then decide on colours, wood tones etc and the designer gives them a shopping list of the basic items - eg a sofa in a particular style and colour. Then the designer comes back and helps them arrange the items, and the all important - accessorising! This could be an approach that works for you, the designer helps you focus on what 'style' you want to achieve, guides you to shop for the main items, then helps you put it all together. Re: made an appointment with interior decorater - now what?? 6Mar 16, 2011 5:01 pm Great advice already here! I just wanted to add that I know of some people who called in a decorator who picked everything- from paint colours to every item of furniture (which she purchased on their behalf so they would apparently receive a discount) I'm not sure that what was selected was really a true reflection of the home owners and what really suited their lifestyle. Just as an example, the interior designer selected on off-white leather lounge and I'm not sure anyone has ever sat on it. It has gone in the position recommended by the interior designer......however.... Right in the middle of the room they kept their 'old' but still good quality/ great condition lounge chair (which although doesn't look 'out of place' with the decor is certainly 'out of place' left right in the centre of the room) This is the one people are allowed to sit on. The interior designer also selected and purchased on their behalf a large chess table with chairs to place in an unsual part of the house......but they don't even play chess! I often walk into the house and feel as though the home owners are 'house sitting' because the selections just don't seem to suit them! Based on this- I definitely agree with the previous posters who have said to 'be prepared' so that the interior designer is in a better position to help you out and don't be afraid to speak up if you disagree with any of the recommendations! i imagine you also have another contract with an architect? and yeah, whatever other's said about special conditions and appendices 16 16000 Brass or 2) Stainless steel made - which Kitchen tap is good for drinking.Brass kitchen taps in Australia contain lead… 0 6734 |