“If I were asked to say what at once is the most important production of art and the thing most longed for, I should answer a beautiful house.” Even though the father and inspiration of the Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris, spoke those words a century ago, they are certainly true today. In the present day, the business of home and interior design is thriving. There are more options in bathroom and kitchen design, flooring, furniture, lighting, paint, and textiles than ever before. The design industry information is ever-present in books, magazines, and newspapers, television and web sites. With all of these choices and sources of reference, where does one begin their journey to transform their house to a home?
The most effective way is to enlist the expertise, knowledge, resources and services of a professional interior designer. The job of a professional interior designer is to consult and understand a client’s needs with the result of creating a space that functions well. The interior designer should create an environment that provides its ideal purpose while making the most out of the available budget. While undertaking the design process, consideration of the end user’s lifestyle should be given. In the words of Elsie de Wolfe, the first professional American decorator, suitability and practicality are the first consideration. The designer is similar to the conductor of an orchestra overseeing that all the instruments are finely tuned, the timing is ideal and the musicians are positioned perfectly for the grand performance.
In order to prepare for your first meeting with an interior designer, it is important to identify your budget, the functionality of the space, personal likes and dislikes, style preferences and time frame expectations. An effective way to begin your research is to start saving pictures from magazines and books of room design that you find attractive or by touring model homes. Sources of inspiration are omnipresent for you to draw your enthusiasm from such as family heirlooms, colors in nature, fabric designs and possessions you adore which can spur you with a design theme or style. When one begins the mission of furnishing a space, there are numerous essentials that must be considered.
Here is a list of some of the items to think about in your overall plan: architectural elements including built-in bookcases and cabinets, doors, fireplaces, moldings, and windows; accessories and art; ceiling treatment; color; comfort; design style; fabric pattern and texture; fixtures and hardware; flooring, furniture style and scale; lighting; plumbing; space planning; wall treatment; and window treatment. In addition asking the question, “how will the upholstery and furniture selections hold up through normal wear and tear?” An interior designer can be your guide through the many products and suppliers on the market today.
There has to be a purpose to decorating, after all it takes money, patience and time but it should not be taken too seriously. It should be fun and full of passion!
“Be it ever so humbug, there’s no place like home.” Noel Coward
By Charisse Marie Colbert
My beautiful house
By: Charisse Marie Colbert, CMC Design Studio
