What Interior Decorators Can Do for You

Published by: Marina Byrne
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

Does the idea of an interior decorator make you feel as though you need to win the lottery in order to hire one? Guess again. You CAN get help with any existing room in your home that’s been crying out for love and attention without paying an arm and a leg for unnecessary services. The trustworthy interior decorators in Connecticut in our network have the experience and knowledge needed to make your home look beautiful on any budget.

An interior decorator is knowledgeable about current trends and the application of finishes — wallpaper, paints, fabrics, and furniture. With a decorator’s assistance, you can get the look you want while someone else does the research and the legwork for you. Working with an interior decorator ensures you get the right wall treatment, a color palette that that is pleasing to your eye, furniture that’s the right scale for your room, and functional lighting. The decorator’s job is to improve your room’s (or your home’s) function by applying the design principles of color, scale/balance, texture and light.

Certain middle-range to upscale stores will offer the services of their in-house consultants. Most consultants have years of furniture experience and a large percentage have been to design school. Ultimately, you are dealing with a store employee, and will be presented with options from their store. You’re not at the mercy of their taste; you do have the option to decline to purchase certain pieces or anything at all.

Before meeting with an interior decorator in Connecticut, you have some homework to complete: pull together a folder or binder of inspiration containing things like photos from magazines and catalogs, paint chip colors, and/or fabric samples that you like. This gives the designer an idea of what your style is, even if you don’t have a clue. If the room is already furnished, decide which items must stay and which ones have the option of being relocated. You should also have a clear idea of what the room’s function is: is it a guest room/office combo? Family home-theater room? Formal or everyday dining room? Another important consideration is your home’s occupants: pets and small children will dictate the use of easy-care fabrics and everything breakable at above eye-level, while empty-nesters have a greater range of items to choose from.

The last and probably most uncomfortable part of interior decorator shopping is coming to terms with your budget. Fees will vary greatly – from hourly to fixed fees, to percentages and retail… or a combination of all. Before you get started have your designer give you an itemized list of everything: furniture, fees, sales tax, delivery, installation, etc. A high-quality and reliable interior decorator will be able to work within your budget without pressuring you to spend outside of your comfort zone.

To find a Connecticut interior decorator near you, browse our directory or give us a call today!

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