Design project do’s and don’ts

I have many projects right now, a couple coming to an end (but no pictures yet), a couple just starting that are truly BUDGET centric, and one in a holding pattern for the time being.

Rather than not post at all, I thought I would talk about the many projects I have been asked to do. I think the stereotype for an interior designer is someone who walks in with vases of flowers and accessories who “pretties up” a home. The truth is, we do way more than that. This is what I am working on:

1 – Finishing the design and furnishing of a flooded home, top to bottom. Sneak peek below:

2 – Finishing the design of a kitchen in a flooded home.

3 – Consulting on lighting and fixtures as well as kitchen design in a flip home.

4 – Consulting and providing contractor recommendations on a small project for new home owners.

5 – Consulting and designing on a full gut of a newly purchased home which will include kitchen design and fixtures.

6 – Consulting on a budget kitchen which will include paint and countertops.

There is a wide array of things that a designer can help with, and I cannot stress enough that hiring a designer at the beginning of a project will almost always save you money in the long run and here is why:

If you give a designer the budget from the outset, they can tell you where your money is best spent, where you can cut back, where to find alternatives to big-box store purchases, and what contractors are the best bet for the money. Parceling up the budget is difficult but a designer knows how to do that best and they know where to find the bargains.

So, before you get into a project or spend a dime, call a designer, even if it’s just for advice. If you don’t want him/her there through the whole process, you can just pay for a design plan that you can implement yourself. I guarantee you will save yourself time, money and headaches in the future.

Nancy Bradley photo

Nancy bradley

I consult, design, and remodel spaces that reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle and budget by getting the cost question out of the way and really listening to what my client wants and how much they have set aside for their project.