Wednesday, June 20, 2012

DIY... Not for everyone.

         DIY (Do-It-Yourself) home design projects are not for everyone.  As much as networks like HGTV glamorize home renovations and decorating, often times it is in the home-owner's best interest to hire a professional.  I cringe every time I see a "Feature Wall" gone wrong.  If someone has French-country style furniture and a teal wall, there has been a mistake somewhere along the line. 

         Some individuals have a natural flair for color selection and space planning, but I have seen that these individuals are in the minority.  It saddens me to see a renovated kitchen that has cost the client tens of thousands of dollars, with very obvious and embarrassing mistakes.  One common mistake is the 3x3 island.  Some kitchens are not intended to have islands.  Islands in kitchens are a trend.  They are not ALWAYS the most practical use of space.  Islands should be at LEAST 3x5.  So if your space does not allow for an island, do NOT try to squeeze one in.  Another kitchen design tragedy is the beautiful white marble counter top that is blotched with red in the first 4 months because no one told the client that marble counters should not go in kitchens.  Marble is very sensitive to acids such as those in tomatoes and stains very easily. 

        Do-it-yourselfers, even with the best tastes and intentions, are prone to selecting each item in their room individually (not keeping in mind the big picture) and making uninformed decisions.  A designer's first responsibility to the client is to BE EDUCATED.  There is more to design than color selection and spray paint.  You need to be trained to know the pros and cons of all materials involved in an interior space.  You need to be able to visualize and coordinate dozens of different elements in a room and have them all blend beautifully.  For home-owners that are unsure about how to approach an investment in one (or all) of their rooms, they should consider hiring a designer to at least consult with before committing to purchasing multiple big ticket items (for example, cherry wood flooring).  Even lower cost commitments in a home may be too laborious to change if the client doesn't like it afterward.  For instance, if you select a beautiful rich burgundy for the paint in your bedroom and despise the color as soon as the painting is complete, you will either be living with a displeasing room for a long time, or going through hours/dollars of frustrating time painting the room over. 

        As I have met and assisted home-owners over time I have discovered that about 5 percent of them KNOW what they want.  In this economy it is generally agreed that you must make every investment count, and get the biggest bang for your buck.  As a professional interior designer, I counsel my clients on where to start, what to invest in first, second, etc, and give them neutral non-biased information that will help them make the best decision.  "The best decision" being one that stays in budget, is good quality, and will work for THEM.  I can give advice or manage the whole project.  As fun and easy as magazines and TV make home decor and remodeling look, by the end of a project a client may have put 5,000 miles on their car, spent months sifting through catalogs and visiting showrooms, and still be unsure of whether they are making the right decision. 

         The top 3 advantages when you invest in a designer are first, you avoid stress, second you save time, and third you can have the security of a professionally designed space that you will love, and grow to love even more every day.  I give kudos to the brilliant DIYers out there, but for those who are unsure, don't be afraid to call a well qualified designer and at least get some professional input.

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