A Homeowner’s Guide to Working with Interior Designers, with a Specific Focus on Personal Property, Soft Goods and Decor
Engaging an interior designer can transform your home, making it not only beautiful but also functional and personalized to your taste. Interior designers specialize in curating spaces that reflect your lifestyle and preferences, often involving the selection of personal property, soft goods, decor, and working closely with artisans like seamsters and furniture makers.
Our first guide about interior designers in the Construction Guidebook emphasized their role as it relates to selecting building materials, building lighting plans and other construction related activities. This guide tackles the other side of their role and will help you understand the types of interior items they select, how they collaborate with artisans, and what to expect when working with them.
Understanding Interior Designers
Interior Designers are professionals who plan, research, and coordinate the decorative and functional aspects of interior spaces. Their work includes Space Planning, selecting color palettes, choosing furniture and decor, and often custom-designing elements to fit the specific needs of a home. Interior designers collaborate with various tradespeople, including seamsters, furniture makers, and other artisans, to bring their vision to life.
Key Focus Areas of Interior Designers
Personal Property Selection: This includes choosing furniture, artwork, lighting, and decorative items that suit the homeowner’s style and the overall design concept.
Soft Goods: These are fabric-based items such as Upholstery, drapery, cushions, and bedding. Designers often work with seamsters to create custom pieces that enhance the design and functionality of a space.
Decor: Involves selecting decorative items like rugs, mirrors, vases, and other accessories that complete the look of a room.
Artisan Collaborations: Designers frequently collaborate with furniture makers, seamsters, and other craftsmen to create custom pieces tailored to the homeowner’s needs.
Types of Materials and Items
Soft Goods and Textiles:
Upholstery Fabrics: Including cotton, velvet, leather, and performance fabrics. Designers choose fabrics that match the room’s aesthetic and are durable for daily use.
Drapery and Curtains: Custom Drapes can be tailored to fit windows perfectly, often using luxurious materials like silk, Linen, or blackout fabrics for added functionality.
Rugs and Carpets: Rugs add texture and warmth to a space, and designers select them based on size, pattern, and durability. Materials can range from wool and jute to synthetic fibers.
Bedding and Cushions: Custom bedding, throw pillows, and cushions in coordinated fabrics can pull a room’s design together, adding comfort and style.
Furniture and Decor:
Custom Furniture: Interior designers work with furniture makers to create Bespoke pieces that fit the specific dimensions and style of a room. This can include anything from a custom-built dining table to a unique headboard.
Lighting: Designers select lighting fixtures, including chandeliers, pendants, sconces, and lamps, that enhance the ambiance and functionality of each space.
Artwork and Sculptures: Art adds personality to a home. Designers curate art that resonates with the homeowner’s tastes, often sourcing pieces from local artists or galleries.
Mirrors and Wall Decor: Mirrors can make a space feel larger and brighter, while wall decor like framed prints, tapestries, and wall sculptures add visual interest.
Common Tasks of Interior Designers
Space Planning: Designers assess the layout of a room to optimize the flow and functionality, ensuring furniture and decor are appropriately placed.
Color Coordination: Designers choose paint colors, fabric hues, and finishes that complement each other and the overall design theme.
Item Sourcing: From furniture to soft goods, designers source items from showrooms, artisan workshops, and online vendors, often securing unique pieces that aren’t available to the general public.
Custom Design Coordination: Designers work closely with seamsters, furniture makers, and other artisans to ensure custom pieces are crafted to the exact Specifications needed for the project.
Tools and Equipment
Design Software: Programs like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit help designers create digital renderings of their designs, allowing clients to visualize the final outcome.
Fabric Swatches and Samples: Designers carry samples of fabrics, wallpapers, and finishes to help clients make informed decisions about colors and textures.
Measuring Tools: Tape measures, laser levels, and room layout tools are used to ensure accuracy in space planning and furniture placement.
Mood Boards: These are physical or digital boards that display a collection of textures, colors, and design elements, helping clients see how different components will look together.
Terms You Might Hear
Floor Plan: A scaled drawing that shows the layout of a room, including walls, windows, doors, and furniture placement.
FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment): Refers to all movable items that furnish a space, including decor, lighting, and accessories.
Mood Board: A visual representation of the design concept, including color schemes, textures, and inspiration images.
To-the-Trade: Items that are available exclusively through designers and not sold directly to the public, often including high-end or custom pieces.
Soft Goods: Textile-based items such as drapery, upholstery, and bedding.
What to Expect
1. Initial Consultation:
The designer will meet with you to discuss your style preferences, functional needs, and budget. They will assess the existing space and take measurements.
During this meeting, the designer will gather information about your lifestyle and how you use each space to ensure the final design is both beautiful and practical.
2. Design Development:
After the initial consultation, the designer will create a concept for the space, which includes a floor plan, Color Palette, and initial selections for furniture and decor.
You’ll review the proposed designs, provide feedback, and make decisions on customizations, such as fabric choices for upholstery or finishes for custom furniture.
3. Sourcing and Customization:
The designer will source the necessary items, working with artisans like seamsters and furniture makers to create bespoke pieces. This phase involves detailed coordination to ensure all elements are crafted to the correct specifications.
4. Installation and Styling:
Once all items are ready, the designer will oversee the installation process. This includes placing furniture, hanging drapery, and styling decor items to create a cohesive look.
The final stage often involves fine-tuning, such as adjusting the placement of art or adding decorative touches to ensure the space looks polished and complete.
Examples
Example 1: Custom Living Room Makeover
A homeowner wants to update their living room with a more contemporary feel. The designer selects a neutral color palette with pops of bold blue and gold. They commission a seamster to create custom velvet curtains and Reupholster an old sofa in a modern fabric. A furniture maker designs a bespoke coffee table with a glass top and metal base, perfectly fitting the room’s aesthetic. The space is completed with a mix of new and vintage decor items, creating a balanced, stylish look.
Example 2: Bedroom Refresh with Custom Soft Goods
A homeowner wants a bedroom that feels luxurious and restful. The designer creates a custom headboard with tufted velvet fabric, sourced and made by a local furniture maker. They choose coordinating bedding and custom throw pillows made by a seamster, ensuring all textiles work together harmoniously. The designer also selects custom blackout drapes to ensure privacy and enhance the room’s ambiance.
Example 3: Kitchen Update with Artisan Collaborations
A homeowner wishes to enhance their kitchen without a full renovation. The designer works with a furniture maker to create custom bar stools with leather seats and metal bases, adding a modern touch to the space. They also collaborate with a seamster to produce Roman Shades for the windows, using a fabric that ties together the kitchen’s color scheme. Finishing touches include curated decor items like ceramic bowls and artwork that complement the overall design.
Further Reading and Resources
These resources provide additional insights into working with interior designers, helping you make informed decisions about personalizing your home with the right decor and custom furnishings.
Wrap-Up
By working with an interior designer, you can achieve a cohesive, personalized look in your home that reflects your unique style. Understanding their process, the materials they use, and their collaborations with artisans will help you navigate your home design project with confidence and creativity.