Just Need a Little Design Help?
In my last blog, I gave an overview of full scale design services. Sometimes people just need a little guidance and advice to get started on a project or finish a space.
Most designers will do an in home consultation for a set fee. The fee varies by regions. Consultations are not staging appointments. They are to answer questions about your space. When I do them, I take the notes so my clients don't have to remember everything we discuss. I will email my notes to the client after the appointment. I often include pictures of furniture styles or window treatments that I recommended. Depending on the budget, I will often recommend stores in which to shop.
What type of things are discussed? The best color for walls and trim. Furniture placement. Pieces needed to complete the room. Use of accessories. Pieces to eliminate. Possible construction.
Replacing flooring or window treatments. Space planning.
The answers to the above issues are based on how the space is used, including entertaining and what kind of tasks are performed in the discussed area. Obviously, it varies by the room and individual families.
The fee for this service is minimal but gives direction to the client. I also make myself available to answer questions over the phone after the consultation. If a client finds something in a retail store and wants my advice, I will meet them at the store and charge a nominal fee.
A step up from the consultation involves actually shopping for the client. Fees can be project based, hourly or daily. This type of service can involve selecting a piece of furniture or a room full. Or it can be for accessories. When accessories are purchased, I oversee the placement in the home.
This type of service is reasonable and can give peace of mind and confidence to clients who just need a little advice or help. Seeking this type of professional advice is a small investment compared to the cost of purchasing the wrong size sofa, poor quality, etc.
Be aware of "in store design services." Many times they are provided by salespeople who have been given basic information on furniture construction from their employers. They are SALES people, on commission and their goal is to sell. An independent designer's goal is to help you get what you want within your budget. A salesperson has one source. His store. A designer has no limitations on resources. Make sure you find out the qualifications of a store design consultant. They should be able to draw a room to scale, do an in home appointment and come up with a design presentation. If they can provide those services, you can usually get free but limited design help.
Some other things a designer will consider that you may not know:
Upholstery fabric: What kind of fiber is it? Does it hold up with kids and animals? Will is fade?
Construction of upholstery: Is it hardwood, kiln dried? How is it jointed? 8 way hand tied?
Carpeting: Is is continuous filament? Solution or yarn died? Heat set? Will it fade or "fuzz"?
Window treatments: Should draperies stack back, puddle or brush the floor? Are shutters good for
certain windows? What about blind options?
The list goes on. Think of a design professional as an asset, not an expense. No worries, no headaches!
Most designers will do an in home consultation for a set fee. The fee varies by regions. Consultations are not staging appointments. They are to answer questions about your space. When I do them, I take the notes so my clients don't have to remember everything we discuss. I will email my notes to the client after the appointment. I often include pictures of furniture styles or window treatments that I recommended. Depending on the budget, I will often recommend stores in which to shop.
What type of things are discussed? The best color for walls and trim. Furniture placement. Pieces needed to complete the room. Use of accessories. Pieces to eliminate. Possible construction.
Replacing flooring or window treatments. Space planning.
The answers to the above issues are based on how the space is used, including entertaining and what kind of tasks are performed in the discussed area. Obviously, it varies by the room and individual families.
The fee for this service is minimal but gives direction to the client. I also make myself available to answer questions over the phone after the consultation. If a client finds something in a retail store and wants my advice, I will meet them at the store and charge a nominal fee.
A step up from the consultation involves actually shopping for the client. Fees can be project based, hourly or daily. This type of service can involve selecting a piece of furniture or a room full. Or it can be for accessories. When accessories are purchased, I oversee the placement in the home.
This type of service is reasonable and can give peace of mind and confidence to clients who just need a little advice or help. Seeking this type of professional advice is a small investment compared to the cost of purchasing the wrong size sofa, poor quality, etc.
Be aware of "in store design services." Many times they are provided by salespeople who have been given basic information on furniture construction from their employers. They are SALES people, on commission and their goal is to sell. An independent designer's goal is to help you get what you want within your budget. A salesperson has one source. His store. A designer has no limitations on resources. Make sure you find out the qualifications of a store design consultant. They should be able to draw a room to scale, do an in home appointment and come up with a design presentation. If they can provide those services, you can usually get free but limited design help.
Some other things a designer will consider that you may not know:
Upholstery fabric: What kind of fiber is it? Does it hold up with kids and animals? Will is fade?
Construction of upholstery: Is it hardwood, kiln dried? How is it jointed? 8 way hand tied?
Carpeting: Is is continuous filament? Solution or yarn died? Heat set? Will it fade or "fuzz"?
Window treatments: Should draperies stack back, puddle or brush the floor? Are shutters good for
certain windows? What about blind options?
The list goes on. Think of a design professional as an asset, not an expense. No worries, no headaches!
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