Making Your New Home Yours

By Anne Marie Soto

The American Society of Interior Designers

Scenario #1: In the midst of a busy move-in, you decide to add a dramatic chandelier in the foyer. The placement is left up to the electrician. Unfortunately, he installs it in the exact center of the space without also taking into consideration the view from the second floor landing or how it looks on the outside, through the home’s dramatic front windows.

Scenario #2: Changes in what is to be the library/home office include built-in bookcases and cabinets. Now it’s time to add the desk. You put it in the “perfect” location only to find that the electrical outlets are in the wrong place and you can’t simultaneously enjoy the lovely view and watch the flat-screen television.

Scenario #3: You were very proud of the work you did yourself on your previous home but found that some of your improvements made it difficult to sell. You are determined not to repeat the same mistake.

Scenario #4: You were sure your living room furniture would look just wonderful in your new home but, after spending money moving it, it looks and feels all wrong.

These are just a few of the pitfalls you can avoid by using the services of a qualified interior designer.

THE ROLE OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

Images of beautifully appointed and arranged rooms are usually what first come to mind when one thinks of interior design. Color, fabric, furniture, art and ornamentation are indeed important elements in the overall design. How the environments we inhabit look and feel greatly affect our mood and sense of well-being.

But interior design also involves many practical and technical considerations that affect comfort, function and safety. Among these are lighting, acoustics, space planning, organization and storage, scale, accommodation of special needs, fire safety and compliance with local building codes.

In addition to their in-depth knowledge of products, materials and finishes, professional designers have the training and expertise to plan, schedule, execute and manage your project from start to finish. They know and work closely with vendors, contractors and other service providers, coordinating and orchestrating the entire design team. Designers also provide specification and purchasing services to procure materials, furniture, accessories and art, some of which you might not be able to find on your own.

Some offer advice on selecting colors, patterns and materials or on arranging furniture and accessories. A professional interior designer commands many areas of expertise, including:

• Space planning and utilization, including organizational and storage needs
• Long-term project and lifestyle planning
• National, state and local building codes
• Safety and accessibility
• Ergonomics
• Conservation and green design
• Interior detailing of background elements, such as ceiling and wall designs
• Custom design of furniture, drapery and accessories
• Acoustics and sound transmission
• Audio/visual and communication technology
• Construction documents and specifications

When you hire an interior designer, you get the benefit of an experienced professional who can solve problems, help you avoid costly mistakes and, most importantly, create an attractive, affordable space designed to meet your lifestyle needs.

CHOOSING A DESIGNER

One of the easiest and best places to begin looking for an interior designer in New Jersey is on the Web at www.njasid.org/findadesigner. You can search for a designer by name, town or county or by viewing Portfolio Pages, arranged by specialty, that contain information about the designer, as well as photographs of his or her work.

The creative aspects of interior design can be exciting and fun, but never forget that it is also a business — and you are the one who will have to live with the finished project. Your satisfaction with an interior-design project depends a great deal on the designer you select and how you work with him or her. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a good working relationship and a successful outcome.

Interview several designers — at least three or four. During each interview, explain clearly what your needs are and acquaint the designer with your project ideas. Before the interview, it’s a good idea to put together a folder or scrapbook of your likes and dislikes, wishes and dreams. Look for pictures of rooms or styles that appeal to you, swatches of fabric, paint color cards, furniture catalogs or brochures, etc. Show these to the designer. Note whether the designer is attentively listening and asking questions that indicate an understanding of your needs and preferences.

There are no guarantees, of course, but in general you want a designer who is accredited. One who has the appellation ASID or Allied ASID after his or her name means that the designer has met certain educational and experience requirements for membership and has agreed to abide by the Society’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. You should also look for a designer with experience in your type of project, who demonstrates creativity, talent and resourcefulness, who is attentive, responsive and communicates well and who has a record of reliability and work habits.

Always ask to see the designer’s portfolio and get the names of three or four references. Make sure they are recent, preferably within the last year, depending on the type of project. When talking with references, ask how satisfied they are with the completed project. How close did it come to their initial concept? Were there any surprises? Was the project completed by the date promised and within the budget agreed upon? Ask about the designer’s work habits and style. Was he or she accessible, attentive and responsible? Did he or she pay appropriate attention to the details throughout the project?

Qualified interior designers will have the education, training and expertise to manage all the details of your project. They know the importance of listening to your ideas and understanding your needs. From consultation to planning to finishing touches, they can help you every step of the way, augmenting your choices and adding value to your budget.

Much of the information in this article was excerpted from 
the brochure “Designing Your Space,” which includes additional information about hiring and working with an interior designer. This brochure is produced by the American Society of Interior Designers and can be downloaded by visiting www.asid.org.