10 Things Decorators Want You to Know About What They Do
Are you curious about what decorators do? Ever wonder where those fees go, what they do all day or how they come up with fresh ideas? Read on for answers from three professional interior decorators who offer their take on the job, working with clients and the behind-the-scenes work they do that most of us never see.
What do decorators do?
Decorators work with furniture, “soft” furnishings like fabrics and rugs, accessories and colors to pull together a room or an entire house. All decorating jobs begin with a conversation between you and your decorator.
This is when you can discuss style and color preferences, budget and the scope of your project. You might hire a decorator for a one-day consultation to get ideas you can then implement yourself — or work with a decorator to complete a project from start to finish.
Your decorator may create mood boards, go shopping, transport and install furniture and accessories, choose paint colors and fabrics, create a new furniture layout, or even get in there and move furniture.
1. Communication is key. If you were under the impression that hiring a decorator would be the last decorating decision you need to make, think again. While a decorator is there to facilitate the process, it is still your home, and your input is invaluable.
San Francisco Bay Area decorator Maggie Morgan of Maggie Rose Interiors says, “I wish I could read minds … but I don’t. The best designs come from open communication about likes, dislikes and full understanding of a client’s needs. Pictures and examples are even better! I love when clients have put some thought into the space before I come over and can describe where they’re getting stuck.”
2. It’s about more than choosing furniture and fabrics. Your home should reflect who you are, beyond your taste in throw pillows — your hobbies, passions, direction in life and more. A good decorator should be able to pull out these details and work them into their final vision for your home.
Toronto, Ontario, decorator Laura Collins of Laura Collins Design says, “I am a part-time therapist! Part of my job, beyond all of the pretty aesthetic details, is getting to know you. Understanding your core and what you like or dislike.
“Within minutes of meeting clients, I am often given a breakdown of the clients’ life. As we know, people’s surroundings, especially one’s home, is a very intimate part of life — intimate details are often shared. This also really helps when considering the direction of the project, when you know more personal details.”
3. Your budget will be respected. One of the biggest misconceptions about decorators is that by hiring one you are kissing your budget goodbye. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Be honest and realistic about finances from the get-go with your decorator for the best results.
From Maggie Rose Interiors: “I don’t blow your budget. The number I’m given is the number I use, and I’m respectful that my clients want to stay within a certain range. I will make the most of your budget. However, I also won’t work with a budget that is too small or unrealistic for the client’s goals. No one is happy at the end of that scenario.
“I talk with my clients about their expectations and what they have to spend. $10,000 goes a lot farther in a room that is furnished but needs accessories, than it does in an empty room that needs everything. We talk about ways to save and where to splurge. I also have to keep in mind labor (painters, etc.), tax, shipping and delivery fees, storage, and even small things like curtain hardware.”
Read more 10 Things Decorators Want You to Know About What They Do
What do decorators do?
Decorators work with furniture, “soft” furnishings like fabrics and rugs, accessories and colors to pull together a room or an entire house. All decorating jobs begin with a conversation between you and your decorator.
This is when you can discuss style and color preferences, budget and the scope of your project. You might hire a decorator for a one-day consultation to get ideas you can then implement yourself — or work with a decorator to complete a project from start to finish.
Your decorator may create mood boards, go shopping, transport and install furniture and accessories, choose paint colors and fabrics, create a new furniture layout, or even get in there and move furniture.
1. Communication is key. If you were under the impression that hiring a decorator would be the last decorating decision you need to make, think again. While a decorator is there to facilitate the process, it is still your home, and your input is invaluable.
San Francisco Bay Area decorator Maggie Morgan of Maggie Rose Interiors says, “I wish I could read minds … but I don’t. The best designs come from open communication about likes, dislikes and full understanding of a client’s needs. Pictures and examples are even better! I love when clients have put some thought into the space before I come over and can describe where they’re getting stuck.”
2. It’s about more than choosing furniture and fabrics. Your home should reflect who you are, beyond your taste in throw pillows — your hobbies, passions, direction in life and more. A good decorator should be able to pull out these details and work them into their final vision for your home.
Toronto, Ontario, decorator Laura Collins of Laura Collins Design says, “I am a part-time therapist! Part of my job, beyond all of the pretty aesthetic details, is getting to know you. Understanding your core and what you like or dislike.
“Within minutes of meeting clients, I am often given a breakdown of the clients’ life. As we know, people’s surroundings, especially one’s home, is a very intimate part of life — intimate details are often shared. This also really helps when considering the direction of the project, when you know more personal details.”
3. Your budget will be respected. One of the biggest misconceptions about decorators is that by hiring one you are kissing your budget goodbye. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Be honest and realistic about finances from the get-go with your decorator for the best results.
From Maggie Rose Interiors: “I don’t blow your budget. The number I’m given is the number I use, and I’m respectful that my clients want to stay within a certain range. I will make the most of your budget. However, I also won’t work with a budget that is too small or unrealistic for the client’s goals. No one is happy at the end of that scenario.
“I talk with my clients about their expectations and what they have to spend. $10,000 goes a lot farther in a room that is furnished but needs accessories, than it does in an empty room that needs everything. We talk about ways to save and where to splurge. I also have to keep in mind labor (painters, etc.), tax, shipping and delivery fees, storage, and even small things like curtain hardware.”
Read more 10 Things Decorators Want You to Know About What They Do
