Emphasize Your Windows With Craftsman Framing

Sometimes less is more, and not all windows need elaborate framing to look their best. If you’re interested in a minimalist design, sleek and simple craftsman framing can be the perfect finishing touch. Indeed, they draw attention to your windows instead of the items that surround them. For best results, frame your windows with wood or metal that blends in with the framing of your doors or the other accents in your room.

Use Window Hangings to Decorate Your Windows

Your window isn’t necessarily just a window — instead, it can be the backdrop to even more decorating. Hanging stained-glass pictures that capture the sunlight, beaded decor, or even miniature succulents add a colourful and whimsical touch. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, large curtains in a bright colour can be the perfect solution.

Surround Your Windows With Bookcases and Seating

Nothing makes a room feel more like home than comfortable seating. Indeed, creating a cosy reading nook can be a fun and functional way to highlight your windows. By choosing bookcases that complement the height of your windows, you can draw attention to your windows while keeping your favourite books and knick-knacks neatly organized. Adding a soft window seat in colours and patterns that work nicely with your decorative pillows, throws, and upholstery is the perfect way to create a cosy place to spend chilly evenings.

Let Me Help You Frame Windows!

Your windows can do so much more than let light into your room. I can’t wait to help you choose the perfect way to frame your windows to make them an eye-catching part of your favourite room! Contact me to learn more.

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1. Houzz Pro Home Screen 1

What has also been invaluable for me are the Project Management tools.  Working on various different projects at the same time it is really useful to have all the information in one place, and the ability to track each project’s progress really helps.  I’m able to input leads into the CRM software and then track them through all touch points, meaning I always know where I am with each potential client. And when you convert that lead into a project, Houzz Pro has great visualisation and business management tools that help you to look professional and stay on top of things. Also, the Product Library tool is so useful to build up a library of all the items you like to use in one place:

2 Houzz Pro Product Clipper 1

If you look at www.houzz.co.uk/pro there is a really useful video explaining how everything works and how you can incorporate it into the running of your business, from presenting ideas to clients, pricing and invoicing.

The Houzz software converts schemes automatically into proposals which is so efficient and time-saving:

3 Houzz Pro Proposal View 1

Testimonials are without doubt the best form of advertising for Interior Designers and Houzz Pro makes the process easy for my clients.  I am so grateful that my clients have given up time to write reviews for my Houzz Pro profile as I’m sure this makes a difference.  Working with Julia, my Client Success Manager, she has helped me prioritise this and given me useful tips to encourage clients to review.

With all these aspects of Houzz Pro, I hope to be able to take my business to the next level!

Disclosure: This is sponsored by Houzz.  However, all information included in this post is real and based on my firm’s numbers and experience.  My opinions are my own.

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The Importance of Working With an Interior Designer

An interior designer is more than just another head to bounce ideas off of. They are equipped with the insight and tools to get the job done as efficiently and aesthetically perfect as possible. Working with one will add a professional touch and encourage you to incorporate elements you may not have thought of on your own.

Insight

Your renovation is certainly not their first rodeo. Interior designers often have years of experience under their belt as well as a degree. They know the ins and outs of capturing the look you have in mind, how to make a room feel bigger than it actually is, how to colour coordinate, how to take advantage of the room’s natural lighting, and so much more.

Another Perspective

Working with an interior designer gives you another perspective to feed off of. They may have ideas you would have never thought of or been brave enough to give a go on your own.

Resources

Interior designers often have access to resources, such as cheaper material or a team of contractors. This saves you the hassle of trying to scavenge for everything with the added pressure of rallying a construction team.

Professionalism

All of their insight, experience, and resources come together to add a very complete and professional touch to the project. The environment an interior designer is able to create is so perfect, you will know a professional was involved the moment you step into the room.

Learn More About What an Interior Designer Could Do for You

Although many property owners have taken up the “DIY or Die” motto, nothing quite beats the expertise of an interior designer. An interior designer has vital insight, tremendous experience, and the resources to get the job done efficiently.

For the latest design trends and more, head on over to my blog. For more information about Lisa Lewis, please contact me.

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What Does an Interior Designer Do?

Let’s delve into the details and demystify any misconceptions that you may have.

The goal of the interior designer is to improve your space, which includes a variety of elements. This includes the way that your space looks, the arrangement of the furniture, the colours used and the practicality of the space depending on how it is being utilised. And not only does the designer prioritize the space itself, but they also want to make you, the customer, happy! They cater to your specific needs. These include your practical needs, as well as your emotional needs, in order to make the space feel comfortable and to suit your lifestyle or work environment.

Budget, Time, and Quality

An interior designer will also take into account your budget. They will ensure that the final product meets or even exceeds your expectations within the given budget. They will also monitor the amount of time being taken and communicate with any additional tradespeople to guarantee that deadlines are met. The final product should be high-quality and meet the requirements that you have discussed with your interior designer.

Functionality is Essential

Your designer will ensure that your space is functional. For example, you may want an open room plan to incorporate many guests for parties and events. Therefore, your interior designer will take this element into account and may arrange the furniture and overall plan of the rooms to encourage mobility and communication between guests. Perhaps you want a modern, social office space. In this case, your designer will likely choose furniture and dividers that encourage comfort and communication.

Aesthetic

Another vital aspect is how your space looks, as you want an environment that makes you smile. This includes the colours being used, the patterns, the shapes, the decorations, the use of lighting, etc. An interior designer will know which colours complement each other, which art pieces evoke certain emotions or suit the environment, and the most appropriate lighting to make your space bright and airy. If you would like a space that feels like home, your designer will be able to translate your vision into a reality.

Learn More About Finding an Interior Designer

The work of the interior designer should reflect the needs of you, the client. Contact Lisa Lewis Interior Design for high-quality, professional home design that will ensure top-notch aesthetic, efficiency, sustainability and your specific needs being met.

Or read my Guide to Working with an Interior Designer.

The post What Exactly Does an Interior Designer Do and How Can They Help You? appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

Before hiring your next interior designer, here are some terrific questions you should ask them.

1. How will you help me communicate my style to you?

An experienced interior designer will be great at guiding you through photos, asking the right questions about your current style, what kinds of artwork you enjoy, your favourite colour schemes, etc. They will be able to show you various examples to get a feel of your reactions and take it from there. You can also ask if they plan to draw, build models, or use technology to show you previews of their ideas.

2. How will you manage my budget?

Part of a designer’s job is to ensure they maximize your budget to its fullest potential. It must meet both your wants and needs. Ask how they keep track of expenses and if they will offer multiple choices for different prices levels. Look for a designer who is comfortable and confident in their answer and systems.

3. How would you describe your signature style?

While professional designers will be able to work with whichever style you wish, every interior designer has a style that they love. For example, if you’re looking to remodel your living room to be modern, finding a designer whose signature work is modern will better meet your needs. Having them describe their style will either turn you off or make you say “Yes, they’re it!”.

4. If there are problems on the job, how do you deal with them?

Unfortunately, problems can arise, it’s sometimes inevitable. Having a designer who has a backup plan if items are back ordered or damaged can mean a world of difference between a smooth or bumpy job.

5. What is the most challenging part of designing a home?

This question can help you identify the interior designer’s strengths and weaknesses.

6. What degrees have you earned?

Although experience level can make up for degrees in some cases, asking for their formal educational background is a smart idea to get a better feel of what they’ve accomplished.

A few other great questions to ask are, “How much time do you estimate the job will take to finish?”, “Do you stay up to date on current trends?”, and “Do you have any examples of your previous work you can show me?”.

Have more questions for an interior designer?

As an interior designer with over 17 years of experience, Lisa Lewis can help transform your living spaces into the beautiful vision you’ve always dreamed of. For further information contact Lisa today.

Or read my Guide to Working with an Interior Designer.

The post 6 Questions to Ask an Interior Designer Before You Hire Them appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

This year my highlights were:

Newton Paisley who produce fabrics and wallpapers designed and hand drawn by Susy Paisley, a conservation biologist.  Each design tells stories of neglected and endangered species and contributes towards the preservation of critical wildlife habitat.  For every metre of fabric sold, 100 square metres of habitat is preserved through the World Land Trust.  And the fabrics are beautiful!  www.newtonpaisley.com

Fenella Elms produces the most exquisite porcelain sculptures which you could look at for hours.  the calming patterns she creates are so tactile and original. www.fenellaelms.com

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