Designer & Client Mistakes to Avoid

I was reading January's Architectural Digest this morning and this article was very interesting so I'm quoting what I read.......

We asked top designers “What’s the biggest mistake clients make?”
Read what they had to say.

The first one is that they don’t hire a designer! The second mistake would be “one-stop shopping.” Purchasing everything from one place is never a good thing to do—rooms end up looking like a page from a catalog. — Roderick N. Shade
Asking to have a design concept that is not appropriate for the architecture of the space and their lifestyle. — John Barman

Not engaging a decorator before completing their house plans with their architect. — Craig M. Wright
Not being honest about how much they want to spend; not telling the designer the true amount. — Carleton Varney
Scale, scale, scale...and asking their mother-in-law or friends. [They] aren’t your best friends after all because they don’t think about what is best for you, but they know what they would like and chances are you will not like their choices! — Mario Buatta
A scattergun approach to a project. There is nothing more depressing than having a sheaf of cuttings presented to you which are in no way related to each other or appropriate to the project in hand. — Graham Viney
Homes and rooms [that] are cluttered—most clients do not edit. — William Hodgins
Clients who want to build a Tuscan villa on a Cape Cod landscape. Also, clients who want everything done overnight. They would be better served living with the essentials and letting the space evolve. — Karin Blake
Trust is key to the successful outcome of any design project. A designer should be hired only if the rapport between client and designer is a good one. Choosing a designer based solely on a fee schedule is a big mistake. — Scott Snyder

I don’t let my clients make mistakes. Mistakes
are costly. — Marjorie Shushan
Having a lack of or poor communication with the designer. [Also] having an unrealistic budget. — Charles Allem

Bringing along too much of the past. — Mimi London
Not trusting themselves to know what they don’t like. Nobody should ever be talked into something that they find distasteful. — Alexa Hampton

To not have confidence in their designers and to doubt them. Sometimes clients choose a designer based on their social appeal notwithstanding their personal inclination—that is very silly. It would be the same as to buy a garment because it is fashionable and not because it fits you! A very wasteful and costly mistake. — Robert Couterier
Trying to second-guess themselves. If you like something, go with your gut. — Mark Boone

One shouldn’t try to include everything they ever liked into one house or apartment: the point of view gets confusing and often creates uncomfortable intersections. — Mariette Himes Gomez
Going for what is safe instead of taking risks. Sometimes the most remarkable interiors are the ones that have been created totally from the imagination. Great leaps of faith are required and the rewards can be very exciting. This is why creating interiors for a client that I have worked with before is usually the most satisfying. The element of trust increases between client and designer with each project. — Thomas Pheasant

As you can see from this article, hiring the right decorator/designer is very important. You want someone that is very in tune to your needs and someone who wants to make your home what YOU want. Your decorator can guide you along the process helping you make wise decisions during your remodeling/updating project. It will be the best money spent!

White House Made Comfortable

Today begins a new era in American history as Barack Obama is inaugurated as our 44th president. It's not unusual for incoming First Ladies to make changes to the more than 200 year old residence. One of Michelle Obama’s priorities has been to make sure her family feels comfortable in their new home, The White House.

I've read that The Obamas chose California native Michael S. Smith http://www.michaelsmithinc.comheir/ as their designer whose style has been characterized as “a delicate blend of European tradition and American modernism.” The First Family will be in good company. Smith has designed spaces for Cindy Crawford, Steven Spielberg and many other notables. Smith’s first task: the daughters’ bedrooms. I hope we get to see a little of Smith’s work and how he spent his $100,000 budget, courtesy of Congress.

Can you imagine just moving into the White House never mind having someone come in and decorate it like you want it.

Can't wait to see what it looks like!

Top color trends used by Interior Designers in 2009

I went to Dallas Market Center this week to see all the new home products and hear seminars on recent trends, etc. What caught my eye this time at market was the array of colors. For so long we've seen lots of muted soft tones. They are still very popular but the introduction of many other colors is alive and well.

Elegance and luxury have been abandoned and replaced with sensibility and cultural awareness. A respect for nature and fundamental human values are deep within the emerging color trends.

In example of these colors are seen with Benjamin Moore Paints. I think they have done a great job selecting colors that are practical and warm and inviting for any space. The intensity of the colors and the hues are perfect. Below is a description of their color palletes and examples of their new colors. These color trends will get you up to speed with the new color trends but actually ahead-of-the-curve by knowing what color palettes will be used by many top interior designers in 2009 and beyond.

The Natural Purity trend is inspired by the driving force to use natural products in all facets of our lives; pure natural foods, eco-friendly building products, no additives or treatments, everything in its purest form. Light and shadow interplay to satisfy the yearning for simplicity in a world of over abundance.

The Organic Village trend is inspired by the movement to live in bustling urban areas yet maintaining a peaceful and serene lifestyle. This is fueled by the desire to be part of the community while reducing pollution and global warming. Smaller living spaces reflect the socially responsible actions of design and sustainability. The urban village does not sprawl but moves upward with organic rooftop gardens.

The Nocturnal Habitat trend is inspired by the desire to simplify our lives. With a fast paced lifestyle, virtually and digitally, these colors feel soothing yet infuse a wide array of color. We are searching for a restful environment that conveys our ecological values respecting the balance between earth and its people. All living creatures want to feel secure in their surroundings.

Global Oneness celebrates individuality in each of us. It is combined with international influences that shape our world in a vivid exciting palette. Yet stepping out of this global circle we need our own identity. The dramatic colors announce LOOK AT ME!

PICK YOUR COLOR CHOICES AND GET PAINTING IN 2009!

Master Bedroom Christmas Present

I have a client that gave herself a master bedroom re-do for Christmas. We incorporated a lot of the artwork she already had to save on the budget. We purchased new bedding, added some awesome throw pillows with lots of texture and color. We then hung draperies to add height to the room, making it feel very elegant and "finished". A new lamp added a nice touch too. From Simple to Spectacular. You spend a lot of time in your master bedroom. Make it cozy and relaxing!

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE WINDOW

AFTER WINDOW

Fireplace is ready for Santa

This fireplace is a beautiful stone but the color was pretty bland. By adding a faux finish to it we added some style and beautiful contrast with the walls. Simple idea but it makes a HUGE statement in the room warming it up and making it feel more sophisticated. Ready for stockings to be hung!

Mary with European Inspirations did it again - she can be contacted at 817-797-2126. Thank you Mary for your stunning artistic eye!