The Interior Design Experience

I was in my early twenties, before I became an interior designer, back in the day when that process was a little easier, I debated whether, on my modest household income, I could afford to have a professional come to my home to give me some objective and creative advice about my living room.

I had style and potential.  As mentioned on my “About” page, my interest in decorating started early—I was three years old when I started to collect paint colour chips from the local lumber yard on shopping excursions with my father.

But, I wanted more, I knew that there was a world of professional “secrets” to which I was not privy.  I had not yet started my education in interior decorating and design.

So, I called a local shop, one that specialized in custom window treatments, and I made an appointment with a consultant—not an interior designer, but today you would call her an interior decorator.

She wasn’t terribly creative, but she did know about window treatments, and I was very happy to pay for her advice and the custom window coverings she supplied, some type of window shade, I don’t remember exactly what they were, probably because admittedly, I’ve designed and purchased many, many custom window coverings since then….

No matter, the point is, that even on a modest income, I was an interior decorating client, who became an interior designer.

Fast forward, 20 years later, and I was a well established interior designer, having become a registered interior designer, a member of The Association of Registered Interior Designers for 10 years, and had run a successful interior decorating store and interior design business.  I had the privilege of designing many homes and business, and won accolades for speaking, writing and designer showcases.

I decided to hire another professional, this time an interior designer to help me re-design my own principal bedroom.

This time it wasn’t about needing the help.  It was about wanting the experience…

Vern Yip, of Trading Spaces fame, came to my home from Atlanta for the two hour consultation.

Yes, I was intimidated.  No, I needn’t have been.  He was nice as pie, complimented me on my home, and said he would like me to come give him some ideas for his new apartment—he was kidding, of course, but it was nice of him to say, it helped me to relax and enjoy his company and our time together. (How this came about is a bit of a long story, but the short version is I bought his services at a charity auction).

The bedroom walls were painted in a pale blue grey.  I don’t use much blue in my home, after an experiment with Mediterranean blue, once-upon-a-time, but this soft watery grey/blue with a touch of aqua is a serene piece of heavenly sky.  (A colour similar to this one from the Pottery Barn photo above).  I love it!  It’s perfect, especially balanced with the tailored grey and brown menswear inspired fabrics and warm woods of the antique furniture and hardwood floor.

We were simpatico, Vern and I; he also liked to mix antiques with modern pieces, wool and cotton fabrics, and rustic accessories with crystal and silver accents.

The take home message is this.  Don’t let your doubts stop you from using the services of either an interior decorator or designer.  There is a design professional for hire that will be appropriate for any budget, from the consultant at the local paint store, to a qualified interior decorator or designer.

If you do the legwork to find the right professional for you, (see my previous blogs, Hire a Designer or Go it Alone and Should You Trust Your Designer) the results can be spectacular, and make your decorating dreams come true.

Let yourself have this wonderful experience, you deserve it!