I’ve answered a few frequently asked questions to help dispel popular myths about interior design.

Unfortunately, home design and makeover shows often portray interior designers who are set on making a their own statement, despite the reality that interior designers are adept professionals
who satisfy their clients’ needs first and foremost.

How can I best achieve professional looking results when modifying my home or business?

There are many disciplines involved in obtaining a quality environment. For major structural changes, an architect is recommended. In most cases, landscaping can be handled by a qualified nursery, but for larger projects, it is best to consult with a landscape architect—especially when changes involve commercial buildings and parking. Structural interior changes that do not involve load-bearing walls can be handled by an interior designer, as well as virtually any other phase of decorating or interior design and space planning.

assess what areas you want to modify and to what extent
hire qualified professionals that will best suit each area of your project to avoid costly mistakes

What distinguishes interior designers, interior decorators, arrangers, stagers, and custom workshops from each other?

Be careful about who you choose to do what. Unlike architecture and landscape architecture, there is no mandatory national standard licensing for the interior design profession and related services—often resulting in a misrepresentation of the discipline. There are several categories of professionals within interior design:

there are no mandatory licenses for interior design professionals
beyond titles, inquire about a designer’s experience before hiring

Interior
Designers

Custom
Workshops

Interior
Decorators

Interior designers have the most comprehensive knowledge of interior changes for your home or business. Their foundation encompasses design, color theory, architecture, history, lighting, textiles, and extensive space planning. Interior designers typically earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design after attending a four or five-year program from a FIDER accredited institution of higher learning. Though not as extensive, two-year programs offer Associate degrees in Interior Design as well.

Custom Workshops fabricate various interior finishes, primarily window treatments. They often make custom decorative pillows, furniture slipcovers, bedspreads, duvets and coverlets, too—all of which is under the design direction of the Interior Designer. Working closely with you and the Interior Designer, these highly skilled professionals are an invaluable asset. They provide an additional resource for purchasing custom fabrics, drapery hardware, and other related materials necessary for your project’s completion.

Interior Decorators, Arrangers, or Stagers can be utilized for your project, but only for what is within the parameters of their expertise. Typically, they have little training and few credentials. They may have attended a short course or seminar resulting in a certification upon completion, or obtained relevant experience through onsite work within a furniture or decorating shop. Despite appearances, panache and flair are not adequate tools to make sound design decisions. Be sure to ask about their capabilities before hiring them for your project.

FIDER, Foundation for Interior Design Education Research, accredits specific colleges and universities in interior design.

Will I significantly increase my costs by hiring an interior designer for my project?

Although the amount designers charge for their services vary, their costs are often less than that of individuals who offer less comprehensive services without the same quality results. Furniture stores that employ designers motivate by offering commissions, thereby lessening the objectivity of your project. Without the assistance of an independent interior designer, costly mistakes are often incurred at the expense and aggravation of the client. A designer providing you with quality choices will lessen the overall cost of a project in terms of time and money spent. By narrowing the range of choices to what is most appropriate, a designer greatly simplifies your decision making process. Still have more questions? Let’s continue the discussion here
.

interior designer costs vary, and are often below lesser-qualified interior decorators costs
in-store designers are typically seeking commissions
as with any project, hiring a qualified professional reduces stress and insures the best results

Intelligent Interior Design Solutions
for Commercial, Residential, and
Institutional Spaces

EMAIL debrasdesigns@comcast.net
CALL (724) 916-4397
FAX (724) 916-4397

I’ve answered a few frequently asked questions to help dispel popular myths about interior design.

Unfortunately, home design and makeover shows often portray interior designers who are set on making a their own statement, despite the reality that interior designers are adept professionalswho satisfy their clients’ needs first and foremost.