There are some all-too-common problems associated with being an interior decorator. From oddly- shaped spaces to extremely high ceilings, I’ve seen it all! Throughout my years as a designer, I have learned how to tackle these obstacles head-on. Here are some of the challenges I have had to face throughout my interior design career:

• Selling my vision. Some interior designers’ tastes clash with their clients’. In my experience, those who reach out to me need my help. There is an unspoken understanding that our tastes aren’t going to be the same. Typically when a client calls, though, it’s because they are looking for a unique and different taste – a look you wouldn’t find in a magazine.
• Balancing the client taste with design expertise. When I work with someone, I try to get them to see their space in a way that they would not have thought possible. Of course, I also take their personal tastes into consideration. As an interior decorator, I have the ability to see what a space is capable of being before I even start a consultation. I try my best to get my clients to see this new perspective, and to push them outside of their design comfort zone to explore all of their options. In this case, some control has to be relinquished by the client, but it’s rare they have a problem with this notion.
• Working with clients who have started designing already. So often, a client will attempt to tackle an interior decorating project on their own and become overwhelmed. Whether it’s budget constraints or just getting lost in the design process, interior design isn’t as easy as it looks! For example, one of my clients fell in love with a large sectional and brought it home only to discover it didn’t work at all in the space. I have come into projects like this and had to educate the client on what sizes and styles will look best and provide the most comfort, given the size of the room.

A space cluttered with furniture and minimal decor.

A transformed living space with window treatments, textured furnishings, and an area rug.                

• Dealing with size. Often, there’s an issue with the sizing of a space. A room is either too big or too small for what the client desires. Or, a client will want too much or too little furniture for a particular room. When this happens, it’s my job to step in and work with the elements of the furnishings they love and find a way to incorporate those looks in a way that is appropriate for the size of the room.
• Working within a realistic budget. When I meet with clients, I come up with three options for them in terms of their budgets: a good, a better, and a best option. This allows me to show them what they’re getting at each price point. For clients working within a tight budget, I encourage them to think of interior decorating in levels. Level one is where we focus on the most important interior design factors, including seating, tables, and area rugs. Creating a comfortable seating area makes the space livable! Once this portion is completed and the client has had more time to save money, we can act on level two, which involves accessorizing a space. Lighting, artwork, and window treatments help adorn a space and inject it with personality, which is the most exciting part for me.
• Tackling oddly placed, shaped or sized windows and doors. I love a project that presents me with challenging windows or doors. They allow me the chance to showcase my ability to completely transform a space. One of my favorite ways to address the issue of strangely positioned windows is with window treatments. Curtains and drapes are the diamond earrings of the design world, perfectly accessorizing the look of a room.

My job is all about accentuating the assets of your space while at the same time minimizing the flaws. If you’re looking for help designing a space in your home, reach out to me today!