Value Lessons in Interior Design

Lots of people are quite capable of making a room ‘pretty’.  (You can substitute the words:  handsome, attractive, pleasing, etc.)  Adding value might be a totally different story.  In fact, ‘value’ can have a lot of different interpretations. Value is not always something you can put your finger on.  It certainly can mean the quality of the product is there, but to me, this story goes much deeper.

I was reminded of this, while speaking to a client this morning.  We don’t have anything currently in the works, I was just catching up with her and to see what has been happening in her life.  (It means a lot to be able to continue the relationships, over the years.)  We also spoke a little about my projects and she remembered reading, on my Facebook page, about a recent disappointment I had experienced with a potential client cancelling a meeting. 

(Just in case you didn’t know, the mock-playing of the violin symbolizes when it was used to accompany certain silent films in order to emphasize melodrama. It’s usually tied to the tune, “Hearts and Flowers”, by Tobiani, and the tune is often hummed while miming.  I could almost hear it in the background while writing this post.) 

I usually don’t try to fixate on such things but I think I was perplexed as to the sudden change of heart.  I did know the couple initially planned to hold meetings with local designers and expected to do it without being assessed a fee.  I spend a bit of time, on the front end, preparing for working meetings and have developed a system to make the best use of time. I had pre-confirmed the initial visit services I could provide, including a visit with a reputable builder/contractor.  The potential clients were looking to make some structural changes and we needed to know if some of the items they were proposing would be feasible, as well as code compliant.  The only way to know was to visit the site.

All was agreed upon, weeks in advance . . .including a small fee to cover the trip and the value of my advice and experience.  The appointment was twice-confirmed with great enthusiasm.  They came into town and then, two days before our meeting, I was emailed to say the appointment was to be cancelled.  A decision had been made without any further discussion – or meeting. 

My reaction?  A bit disappointed that my time and experience was not perceived to be of value, as well as that of the contractor and his project manager, who had been added to assist with the visit. 

 

My conclusion?  Every dog, cat – and designer - has his or her day. Things have a way of working out for the best.

Meanwhile, I’ll get back to the conversation with my client.  She reminded me of the value I do bring to each design meeting and person’s home.  She’s the ultimate cheerleader and you always walk away feeling as if you’ve won the “Person of The Year” award, when she really is the one who should receive it. 

My client shared with me she remembered how I educated her about upholstery fabrics and that thickness was not always the best indicator of durability.  I explained to her about the Wyzenbeek testing process and the more double-rubs a fabric passes, the more strength it exhibits against abrasion and wear.  A fabric, passing 30,000 double rubs, for example, is considered to be heavy duty and can still be a fine weave.  We made sure to examine each option for her furniture.

Why was this so important?  She has one of these fellows in her life . . .

. . . Almost 160 pounds of furry, black, drooling Newfoundland love.  He’s part of her family and resides both indoors and out.

While all of this might seem to be a no-brainer, with her having such a large dog, fast forward to a couple of years later and now her daughter’s cats are "co-existing” with the Newfie.  (Tolerating might be a better term.)  If you’re not a cat aficionado, I’ll just say they love to rub up against all corners, with both body and paw pads.  It’s their way of saying, “this is mine and you can’t have it”.  Now just imagine two cats trying to let the dog know who’s boss.  That’s a lot of rubbing!  My client said I must have had some ESP when it came to the “double rub” test.  (Insert:  smile.)

Can I just tell you how awesome it made me feel to know, over two years after she purchased her upholstery from me, she still feels she received something “extra” in exchange for her investment?  She can enjoy her interiors without concern they’re off limits to the regular family members, as well as the fur family members.  She feels that she has a sanctuary, called “home”.  She also felt someone missed out on a great experience in receiving my assistance.  (Insert:  humble thanks.)

Beauty only touches the surface . . .

. . . . value goes much deeper. 

To my client . . . Thank you for recognizing the value of my services and time.  For those who might consider asking for my help, I appreciate the opportunity to share this story with you.  And . . . Thank you for your time.

All my best ~ Wanda

Making The Right Choices in Your Interiors

In a previous post about interior design, I requested for consumers to ask themselves the question, “Why do I want to hire an interior designer?”.  I shared how it allows for them to really focus on what their design goals might be.  As a professional designer, I also ask that same question when I receive a potential client’s call.  One of the biggest responses will be, “I don’t want to make a mistake and I need help in knowing what is ‘right’ for my room.”  I’m very sensitive as to how intimidating the process of interior design and making all of those decisions can be.

(Pay attention to the little details, if you want a well-designed room.)

Let me share a few thoughts about making the right choices.  First, the definition of ‘right’ can mean several things, but in many cases it means the individual: 

1. Is interested in being educated about making wise decisions.  They want to know the “why behind the buy”.
2. Needs or wants a caring advocate.  It’s not just about hand-holding.  There is a language to interior design and it often needs translation to other vendors, contractors or craftsmen involved in the process.
3. Needs assistance so the project looks professionally done and not something amateurish in the execution.  A designer, who has experience and ongoing education, has developed an “eye” for a finer process. 

These folks still want the home to reflect their personal style but with that extra sparkle brought forth by things being done “right'”.

 

(This chair, from Leathercraft, exemplifies the “right” about craftsmanship and quality.  The gentleman, who does their nailhead trim, has been with them for several decades.  The hand tufting was completed by a different expert craftsman.  The leather was hand cut, from a custom pattern, by yet another craftsman.  The legs were furniture-finished, by a separate expert.  Notice how the Ikat patterned fabric is perfectly in alignment.  The fabric pattern cutter made sure of it.  So many hands, working in unison, created not only an heirloom but a lesson in that good design is always good and the differences can be appreciated by the touch and the eye.)

(The dovetail joinery, in a drawer, not only provides a beautiful finish, it’s one of the strongest ways to connect a drawer face to the sides.  The joints oppose one another so that the drawer box stays intact for years of use.)

Even in the simplest of terms, when we hire anyone to help our home become a more beautiful place, we desire for it to be done well.  Just recently, a client wanted to get a project finished and the contractor who was helping her offered to provide his professional painters to keep the process going.  My go-to-guy was tied up on another project, so based on the contractor’s recommendation, we moved ahead with his people.  We are now having my painter re-do the project.  As my client commented, “I wanted the areas to look better than if my husband and I did it.”  The other fellows missed the mark.  (The old adage, “Good things come to those who wait”, often applies.  We will . . . the next time.)

Did you know it takes about 10,000 hours to become an expert in a field of practice?  If you are a consumer, ponder how you choose design professionals.  Do you know how they’ve become who they are, today?  What’s their training, experience and expertise?

Design is also about inspiration, creativity and passion.  I can attest that the desire to spend those 10,000 hours, (and many, many more), absorbed in the process of developing my skills, was definitely spurred on by passion!  Combining all of the above, should provide you, the consumer, with the best tools for making the right design decisions.

“Some critics will write 'Maya Angelou is a natural writer' - which is right after being a natural heart surgeon.” ~ Maya Angelou

Thanks, Maya, I couldn’t have said it better myself! ~ Wanda

The Freedom To Create Fine Interiors

My husband and I have a standing joke about his perception of things.  When I ask him what he thinks of something, even if he likes it . . . and I mean, REALLY likes it . . . he still uses the expression, “I think it’s fine.”  For someone, like me, who is much more descriptive about my level of enthusiasm, he might as well be saying, “It’s mundane, ordinary, okay, or passable.”  Sigh! 

When I use the word, ‘fine’ in reference to interior design, it takes on a whole new meaning.  It’s about the originality, the quality, and the process. Being in this industry, for almost thirty years, I very much appreciate the inspiration and execution behind pulling off an original design concept and to see it evolve into form.  It’s like watching a beautiful butterfly emerge from it’s cocoon.  Others may not have the vision for what’s about to hatch, but the miracle first hidden from view can be quite stunning!

I often think of the times I’ve done work in show houses or for charitable events.  I’m able to chose how to invest my time and product in the most creative of ways, a bit more carte blanche, as it were, for what the circumstances allow.  It’s where I often receive the comment, “I never would have thought of that but it’s beautiful and it works!”  Don’t you think that’s one of the reasons people are attracted to design?  They love being delighted by the element of creativity?

My favorite projects, (while still acknowledging the client is in the driver’s seat), are when I’m allowed the freedom of the creative process.  In the business that I’m in, I work with other creative types, too.  Photographers, decorative artists, graphic designers, workrooms, etc., will all tell you, when they try to work in more controlling circumstances, their output feels more stifled and ordinary. 

Last year, about this time, I was in the midst of creating a couples table for an event.  The process was the same as if I had been designing a room.  From the furnishings source to the decorative painter, there were a total of eight individuals who had a part in making the intangible come to reality.  It all began as a vision in my head, and I translated it to a cursory design board so the other folks could share the vision, too.  And by the way, I’m a big fan of the design team concept!

If you read the fine print, in the bottom right corner of the design board, (above), you’ll see the set-up time was tightly scheduled.  I had to have my creative ducks in a row, well before everything landed at the venue.  It took much of the entire day, with some last minute tweaking before closing time.

With the exception of the vintage china, the crystal, and the flatware, everything for this setting was a custom creation and was hand-crafted.

The mirrored mats evoked the wow factor!  My decorative artist has a special process.  (The secret’s in the source!)  The hand-sewn, linen table square was also hand-painted and crystals were applied.  People couldn’t believe it when they saw it.  They thought we just embellished an already printed cloth.

 

The floral designer brought out various containers and we discussed the available seasonal flowers.  I wanted to float tea lights, in wisps of ribbons, and to keep the flowers airy, as well.

He really listened and the end results were amazing!

 

So many little details . . . and so much joy!

If you’ve been reading my blog, for a while, you may recognize these photos from another post.  I still love looking back over the project and thought I would share it, once more, with a reminder of a few important observations:

• Great design is timeless and can and should be enjoyed for more than a fleeting moment.
• You’ll get the most beautiful results when you allow creative people a little more room to spread their wings.
• Interior design is more than an overnight process.
• Interior design involves time and a financial investment.  (And the two do intertwine.)
• Quality always shines through.
• A vision can only be fully shared when the project has been completed.  The real picture will then come into focus.
• If your designer is happy, chances are you will be, too!  Let them do what they do best and your results will be rewarding.  (My clients always say, when they see me smiling, they know to expect the best!)

What questions or comments do you have about the process of design?  I’m happy to share!

It’s all “fine”! - Wanda

Hiring An Interior Designer? Why?

What Are Your Expectations?  There are probably a plethora of articles about hiring an interior designer, what to look for, what to expect from them, and what to ask of them.

 

(Where to start?  Your designer will know. – Master Bedroom design beginnings – Wanda S. Horton.)

Ask Yourself Some Questions Before Picking Up The Phone.  Other than the obvious desire of wanting to live in a better designed home, having a need to freshen or fix-up a space, or the many different reasons you might need help with your interior spaces, there are also some important underlying questions to ask of yourself, in order to know if you’re going to make the right connection.  (Hint, designing minds want to know these answers, too!) 

Why do you think you want to hire an interior designer? 

• Do you think they will free up your time to do other things?
• Do you think they will teach you how to design?
• Do you want to prevent errors and make wise investments?
• Do you believe they will bring a sense of status to your project?
• Do you think they will bring a better function, aesthetic, and quality of life to your home?

What value do you see a designer bringing to your project?

What do you think your investment will be in terms of design services and what your design service needs might be?

Other great questions: 

• What will your involvement be in the design process?  A lot?  A little?  Somewhere in between?
• Do you like watching design television, read a lot of magazines, or read design blogs?  What are your favorites and why? 
• Do you enjoy collaborating as part of a team? 
• Do you understand what the creative process is and do you have the patience to allow for it to unfold? 
• Are you ready to commit to completing a project or do you expect for it to be done in stages?
• How long do you think it might take to complete your project and how did you determine that timeline?  (Read about it?  Have an important event coming up?)
• What’s most important and in what order? - Function?  Look?  Quality?  Sustainability?  Price?
• What service do you most value and in what order? - Creativity?  Function?  Knowledge?  Time Management?  Project Management?  Money management?  Communication?

(Each element and layer brings forth the satisfaction of completion.  Taking away one part is like taking away brush strokes in a piece of art.  You’ll never see the total picture. – Master Bedroom design completion, Wanda S. Horton.)

After practicing interior design, for almost 30 years, I’ve seen a shift in the perception and appreciation for the skill sets and experience needed to do what I do best.  (This could be a totally separate blogpost.)  Let’s suffice it to say, I spend extra hours educating and reassuring a more apprehensive public about the benefits of bringing a designer on board.  A lot of questions are asked and I usually don’t mind answering them, as long as we’re making a forward motion.  I honor that it’s a mutual investment of time and it should be made wisely.

In my experience, I see how projects can become “stuck” when the creative flow becomes interrupted with too much afterthought.  I’ll admit, I’m more comfortable with a goal-oriented client, who is ready to get things done and in a logical manner of succession. I believe the best time to ask the important questions is in the beginning of the process. The outcome is much happier for all! 

. . . And usually, a happy designer is at their personal best!

Have a question?  Please do share it! ~ Wanda