2020 ASK A DESIGNER
Last year we started a series where we let our followers ask design questions and our designers would answer! Here are our favorite questions from 2020.
ASK A DESIGNER
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY DESIGNERS
Q: WHAT ARE A COUPLE OF SIMPLE TRICKS TO BRIGHTEN A ROOM?
A:
This is a great question! It is very important to brighten up your room during the long winter months. A few tips are to maximize natural light by adding softer window coverings to allow light to filter through. Integrate lighter and brighter colors throughout the space to give the feeling that it is brighter. Change out your light bulbs for some that lumen levels that mimic the sun. Incorporate different sources of light in a room, such as table lamps, floor lamps, seasonal lighting, etc…
Not only can you physically brighten up a room, but you can brighten the feel of the room. Do this by adding warm comforting scents, such as cinnamon or clove. Add colorful seasonal décor to capture the spirit of the season. Turn on your fireplace for a warm glow to the room.
Soft window coverings can help bring in light to your room.
Photo Credit: cocolapinedesign
For more tips on how to brighten your home during the winter months- read our blog post- EXPERT TIPS TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME WHEN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS
Q: IS IT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO GET A DEGREE IN INTERIOR DESIGN TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
A:
No, it is not necessary. Many successful designers do not have a degree in Interior Design. While it is not necessary, it certainly helps if you have one. Having a degree greatly increases your general understanding of codes and other standards that you should abide by. Technical abilities, such as 3D models, are also taught in school. Having the ability to show your client a 3D model of their space, helps sell the design and gives the client a better understanding of how the space will look when it is done. A degree is beneficial for many designers, it gives reason for why spaces look the way they do, more than the general aesthetic. It will put you leaps and bounds above anyone who starts at the same time as you and does not have a degree.
Q: WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
A:
I love being an Interior Designer! Being a designer comes with a lot of challenges, but at the same time, it is so rewarding to see a finished project. A lot of people think that fluffing pillows are all interior designers do- that is a big misconception. There are a lot of technical details- and a surprising amount of paperwork- that go into every room. Most of the time, I would rather be wrestling a floor plan or putting together samples for a client to choose a wallcovering than doing all the paperwork.
Q: WHAT IS CURRENTLY TRENDING WITH INTERIORS AT THE MOMENT?
A:
For a while, white and grey colors were trending. We saw a lot of white kitchens and finishes on Pinterest and in magazines. More recently, deep rich colors, such as navy blue and emerald green, are trending. The nature style design is less stark and is a more livable interior. This year, we’re seen a swing into combining nature and design. Warm tones through wood and greige are becoming more and more popular. And we love the look!
We’re all here for bringing together warm natural tones into design.
This dresser is painted 2021 Color of The Year- Urbane Bronze. We love how well it contrasts against the white and green.
Sherwin Williams announced the 2021 Color of The Year- Urbane Bronze. We love how the color adds drama to the space while simultaneously creating a sanctuary. Urbane Bronze goes perfectly with those wood tones and greenery. We predict these darker colors to continue trending through the fall.
Q: I’M HOPING TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER FOR A HOME I’M GOING TO BUILD. WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOR THE DESIGN PROCESS?
A:
Designers take your Houzz account, pictures, Pinterest account and ideas to bring your vision to live through mood boards like this one.
There’s a lot that goes into designing your home. There are about six main steps to the grand reveal. First, you’ll meet with the designers for a consultation. The designers will get a feel for your needs and what you want in your home. Using your wants, needs, and inspirational Pinterest boards, the designers will create a concept design for you to approve. Once we have a final sign off, the designers will collaborate with the architects, engineers, and contractors to make technical drawings before construction. Designers will then place orders and manage your furniture. The furniture will be shipped to our receiving warehouse and each item will be properly stored until install. The designers make it to the construction site to ensure that it is installed correctly. Once the building is up and ready- it’s time to install furniture and finalize the last details for the grand reveal.
If you want a more detailed process list you can read AN INSIDE LOOK ON THE INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS or contact us here
Q: WHAT IS THE BEST FLOORING FOR A KITCHEN REMODEL?
A:
There are many great options for kitchen flooring. It mostly depends on what features are most important to you in your kitchen. We recommend using wood or tile.
We love the look of wood in a kitchen!
Photo Credit: Schoolhouse
There are many engineered wood products that are water resistant and very durable and appropriate to use in a kitchen. Wood on the floor is softer than tile and adds a warmth to the space. It’s worth mentioning that with time, it can dent or scratch.
Tile is another great option. It is a very durable product and there are so many different types to choose from. Tiles can chip and crack and, if you choose natural stone, you need to check with the manufacturer on what cleaning products can be used to not damage the product.
With tile you’re able to choose from a variety of designs and find the perfect look for your kitchen.
Photo Credit: ambientetile
These are just two of many options on the market. If you need help further narrowing down what product is best for you, we would love to help you out on the design of your kitchen remodel.
Q: WHAT IS TRENDING WITH CURTAINS RIGHT NOW ?
A:
Right now, we love our tailored and pinch pleat curtain. Roman shades are all the rage currently! For commercial interiors we are seeing mostly roller shades in 3% transparency.
The tailor pleat is a great addition to any room.
Love the look of this pinch pleat!
For an even more sophisticated look, pair the pleated and roman look together.
Pro tip: Use curtain rings for a more finished look and make sure the drapes are "kissing the floor." They should be just touching the ground not flooding the floor and not a few inches above.
Q: THINKING OF GETTING SKETCHUP FOR RENOVATION, WOULD YOU SUGGEST IT?
A:
Yes! SketchUp is a wonderful resource. SketchUp can help you envision your renovation in three-dimension. It has so many features. I love that there are so many furniture models and layouts to download. You can play with textures and finishes until you achieve the look you want. As a designer, SketchUp was one of the first tools I learned to use. We are happy to provide three-dimensional models, if you need help.