So you want to transform your space?
by Tammy Collins, TLC Creations ETC
For many people the very thought of "what to do with this space" is so overwhelming that they end up doing nothing. It turns out, it’s really not that hard to get started on having a space that is exactly what you’ve always wanted. My advice to get the ball rolling is to take these three baby steps.
First, find something you love. It might be a piece of fabric, a pillow, a painting, a picture, a favorite blouse, a magazine page, or something that has been handed down to you. If you love it, it can inspire you. You may have several things that give you inspiration and that is fine. These items will say much more than the obvious to a professional.
Second, list the function of the room. What do you need the room to do for you and your family? If it is a dining room, do you eat all your meals in the room or is it used only for dinner, or maybe just a holiday family meal. Does the room need to function with a dual purpose? Does it need to be an office or a homework station too?
Third, decide if you will need a professional and for what specifically. After you have the inspiration piece and the function of the room, you may want to get some design help. If steps one and two are mysteriously escaping your grasp, then you definitely should consider the benefit you will get from a professional designer.
You can use a professional designer for many things. For example, a professional designer can provide design inspiration, color selection or a storyboard. One or all of these maybe all you need to get started. If getting the inspiration for the design is your dilemma, hire a designer for a consultation. Color selection can be the worst part for many individuals. If you are struggling with this aspect of decorating, hire a professional for color selection. You may have the inspiration, but lack the ability to see beyond that. If that is the case, hire a designer to prepare a storyboard. A storyboard is like a magazine picture of your room with your inspiration applied through a designers’ eye. It will solve major problems for you, such as; color selection, proper placement of furniture, which pieces to have in the room, the right accessories, and the proper placement to pull it all together. Most importantly, you will see the finished product.
Looking into a crystal ball and seeing the future can be a terrific tool. A storyboard will let you see the final result with a polished, professional twist. It is essential to the proper execution of a design. You may choose to execute the storyboard yourself or hire a designer for all or part of the makeover. Whatever you decide, adding a professional to the mix will end up saving you time and money by avoiding improper choices.
Tammy Collins Interior Designer/Artist
TLC Creations ETC
Interior Artistry For Your Life!
Education+Experience=Exquisite Interiors
©TLC Creations ETC 2008
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