How a professional designer could save you from a DIY redesign project
by Carla White
If you’re sick of looking at the shag carpet and floral wallpaper your house has been sporting since it was built in the ’70s, then it may be time for a redesign. But if you’ve been out of the design loop and have no idea where to start, there are some things you should consider before plunging in head first.
First, do your research on what’s hot in design, what’s classic, what are design no-no’s and figure out what looks you like best. Find inspiration from any source – photos online, luxury hotels, friends’ homes, and decorating magazines or television programs.
Once you’ve found the inspiration and ideas, it’s time to turn the ideas into a reality within your home. But before you start any major project you should always establish a realistic budget of what you can afford. This will also help you decide whether you should seek professional help from an interior designer or if you’re going to do it yourself.
The benefit of hiring a designer is that you can trust that they know what they’re doing, whereas you may not be as knowledgeable in that area. You could always start by inquiring whether the designer offers complimentary consultations so you can get a feel for how they work and if they’ll jive with you and your style. And vice versa, it gives the professional a chance to check out your style and come up with some potential ideas for the redesign.
The experts at Graham’s and Son Interiors in Cambridge add that including a designer from the beginning allows him or her to assess the natural light in the room you’re looking to redesign and see how it affects the space and any existing décor that will be used in the new design.
The biggest thing to keep in mind when looking at sprucing up your home décor is ensuring that the room is balanced. Make sure that no part of the room appears too heavy. Balance the colours and patterns throughout the room while ensuring that they all mesh well. This may mean that you use the same fabric for a tall drape, a chair and some throw cushions with complementing colours throughout other areas of the room.
But whatever you do, don’t forget about the budget.