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Lights,
Camera, Action . . . Design?!?
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by: ARA
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(ARA)
- “Reality” shows have saturated television
programming, especially in the area of home and
garden design. You can “trade spaces” with a
neighbor, enlist a professional to recreate a
high-end designer room on a budget or secretly
call in a design team to remake a room as a
surprise for a loved one. This makes for
compelling television watching . . . especially
when the transformed spaces and the shocked
reactions of the room makeover “victims” are
revealed. But these reality shows are not real.
They do little to showcase the benefits of working
with professional interior designers who can help
you “trade spaces,” “change rooms” or
“design on a dime,” but better.
Although some design show hosts have a formal
education and professional background in interior
design, many do not. The professional design
talent would be the first to tell you that the
magical world of television, with its strategic
editing and instant gratification, is far
different from the real world of interior design
where good results require careful planning,
patience and expectations.
Although a design show’s budget may be $500 to
$1,000, that amount doesn’t include the cost of
hiring and using professional labor. These shows
have designers and multiple contractors on staff
who make sure the inexpensive supplies are
translated into aesthetically pleasing (although
not necessarily functional, practical or safe)
furniture, accessories, window treatments and
wallcoverings.
After watching episodes of these shows, some
viewers may mistakenly believe that any home
improvement project can be accomplished within a
very limited price range and a smidgen of time,
creating unrealistic expectations that can only
lead to disappointment. Disillusionment will turn
into delight, however, if you take the time to
find and hire the right professional interior
designer who can develop a design solution and
practical budget specific to your needs.
Qualified interior designers can make a huge
impact when it comes to home renovation and
remodeling. Designers are creative problem solvers
who can analyze lifestyles and needs, optimize
traffic flow, organize and effectively use
available spaces, select color palettes, and
interpret personal preferences. And unlike most of
the design reality shows, professional designers
listen and adhere to their clients’ needs and
preferences before recommending a design course to
take.
If you are an avid “do-it-yourselfer,” a
designer can set a cohesive renovation plan so you
can tackle your own project efficiently,
realistically and on budget. When a job is more
complicated, a designer can assemble a team of
specialists, provide access to a variety of
resources that you might not be familiar with and
seamlessly manage your entire project from
beginning to end. Designers can be consulted for
their skills and expertise at any level of need or
any size or scope of project. You’ll find that
the collaboration between homeowner and designer
leads to tremendous results, which will exceed
expectations. Best of all, you’ll be surprised
at how little designer fees add to the overall
renovation budget, especially when you factor in
eliminating the risk of costly mistakes.
Design reality shows have made the world of
interior design accessible to viewers of all ages,
income levels and cultures. People are learning
that a well-designed space increases functionality
and contributes to a family’s sense of well
being. You should view these shows as a source of
inspiration and entertainment, but work with a
professional interior designer to create a home
you can live in and enjoy for years to come.
To find out how to locate a qualified interior
designer in your community, check out the American
Society of Interior Designers’ free Worldwide
Referral Service at www.interiors.org. To learn
how to choose and work with an interior designer,
go to the ASID Web site at www.asid.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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