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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Important Consideration Factors When Choosing an Interior Designer

An interior designer has a crucial role in enhancing home appearance. So before beginning to interview the different service providers available, it is important that you know the crucial areas.

Look at Client Reviews, References, and Recommendations

You want to trust the project with a reputable company. What is better than checking out what customers are saying? This can help you know the kind of services and quality to expect from a particular agency. For instance, you can check out our testimonials page to ascertain the level of professionalism you will get from Lisa Lewis Interior Design.

They Should Be Working With Professional Organizations

If any of the country’s renown professional organizations has a chapter in your town or city, you can go through their list of members. This can be an ideal place to start with when choosing the company to upgrade your home interior. Our services are accredited by the Society of British & International Design and hold a BRE Academy certification.

How Is Their Track Record?

You want a company with a specialism in the particular area in which you need assistance. So, you can go for the one that specialises in a range of design services, to be sure that the experts can address any relevant issue.

How Experienced Are They

You want to hire an experienced company that is knowledgeable with all the interior design needs of your community. I graduated with a KLC Diploma in Interior Design and have been designing homes for over 17 years. Also, I have worked for a top-end interiors firm as well as an award-winning design and architectural practice before finally establishing my company in 2004. So working with us has several benefits since we understand how to meet and even surpass your expectations.

Let Quality Work Speak for Itself

A reliable service provider does not just come up with fancy blueprints but also works well with qualified subcontractors. You can check out the numerous homes in South-West London, Somerset, Surrey, and Dorset that we have worked in to know whether our output matches your expected standards.

Find More Tips for Choosing the Best Interior Designer

With all this information, you are in a position to understand why we are the right service provider for any of your interior design needs. If you have inquiries, need further guidance, or want to schedule your appointment, then feel free to contact us.

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Services Portfolio

Room Schemes

This is the initial consultation; we meet and go over your visions and specific requirements. Following that, I will send you a Briefing Document that outlines my proposal. If you are happy with that, I will send you a layout, proposed colour schemes and samples, and perhaps a drawing of the finished space. Fees are based on the scale of work.

Space Planning

I can draw a new floor plan for you that maximises the space and existing layout, taking advantage of natural lighting, doorways, and electrical outlets for a simple re-organisation project.

Sourcing

My aesthetic is yours–helping you realise your interior dreams. In that light, I love to re-use pieces that are special to you.  Indeed, this way your new rooms are personal. With my years in the business, my expertise goes from sourcing that piece of furniture you want to finish a room, to drawing entirely new floor plans and interiors.

Specifications

After we have agreed on the project, I can draw comprehensive specifications so that you can work with contractors directly.

Bespoke Design and Joinery

An example of my Specifications work is in designing bespoke cabinets, bookcases, and storage. I have the vendors to execute your vision, or turn the plans over to you, for your cabinet maker to complete the process.

Design Illustrations

Most of my customers have some difficulty in visualising ideas. Thus, I do offer perspective images, elevation drawings, and sketches to help you envision the finished work.

Project Coordination

I do believe that interior design projects run more smoothly with one person coordinating the work, from conception to the final floor polish. I can oversee the entire scope of work, from concepts to specifications to selecting the contractors–ensuring that you don’t have to worry about the day to day details.

Learn More About Hiring an Interior Designer

I welcome the opportunity to discuss your interior design project with you. In the meantime, please review my portfolio for some examples of my recent projects.

The post What Are the Costs to Hire an Interior Designer appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

1. The First Phone Call

The first step to employing an interior designer is to contact them via phone. You may wonder what the first call should entail. Well, you should expect to become familiar with the interior designer. Secondly, the designer will need to understand your specific requirements. This is so that they can better understand the scope of the project.

2. Receiving a Quote

You should expect to receive a quote from the interior designer. Fees will depend on the scale of the work.

3. Room Schemes and Design

Following your consultation with the interior designer, you will receive a proposed layout, as well as sample, colour ideas and in some cases an illustration of what the rooms could look like.

4. Providing Feedback

After receiving the proposed layout from the interior designer, this is where you provide your input and feedback. After all, the space should be a collaboration between you and the designer. Think about what you like and don’t like, as well as specific elements that you would like to include, such as furniture or decorative pieces that are important to you.

5. Regular Meetings Through Completion

To ensure that the space meets your needs, you should expect to have regular meetings with your designer until the completion of the project. The designer can oversee the work of the contractors and other services to ensure that the work meets your vision and standards.

6. Final Checks

Nearing completion of the project, the interior designer will review the space and look for any last-minute touches, improvements and take care of any snagging issues.

7. A Happy Customer

And you’re finished! Ideally, your space should meet or even exceed your standards. And you, as the customer, get to enjoy your newly-designed abode.

Learn More About What to Expect When Working With an Interior Designer

If you’re looking for top-quality, sustainable interior design in London and Dorset, then contact Lisa Lewis. She has been in the field of interior design for over 17 years and designs spaces that reflect those who inhabit them. Take a look at her portfolio page, which showcases some of her recent projects.

The post What to Expect When Working With an Interior Designer appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

For those leary of hiring a professional interior designer, the following is a take from Lisa Lewis on how she helps her customers design the spaces of their dreams without overstepping her boundaries as a designer:

What the Designer Has to Say

When clients come to me (Lisa Lewis) looking to me to help them design their dream space, the first thing I do is offer a complimentary “no strings attached” phone consultation. Thus, the client can explain exactly what they want. Once I find out the scope of the work, I dive in and come up with a ballpark estimate.

Estimate

If the client agrees that the provided price is a fair estimate, then, depending on the scope of the project, I begin doing schemes. My design services range from designing a specific space to making over entire rooms. A lengthy background of working on various projects has given me a wealth of knowledge upon which to draw.

Ideas

Once I provide my basic design ideas to my clients, they then have the opportunity to tell me what they do or do not like about the design. I will make any necessary adjustments to the design to help it meet the client’s needs moving forward. Once the client is fully satisfied with the design then I will move forward with the project. 

Depending on the project that I am currently working on, I may go at the project by myself or determine if it needs some more extensive coordination with and sourcing to help get the project completed according to the client’s expectations. 

Meetings

Throughout this entire design and execution process, I make sure that I have frequent meetings with my client about the work that I am doing. I always want to ensure complete satisfaction with the work at hand. I also want to know of any rising issues as I work on the project so I can correct them and ensure the client is 100% satisfied with my work.

Hard Work

I never leave the project location without a final check through to ensure that the issues are resolved. Doing this ensures that I end up with nothing less than happy customers!

Learn More About How Designers Work With Clients

This is how the design process works from the perspective of an experienced interior designer. The goal of the interior designer is to assist the client design their dream space! If a client is ever unhappy with the job, the designer is there to make it better!

Interior designers have one and only one job: to execute the design dreams of the client!

If you are looking for an experienced interior designer, take a look at Lisa Lewis’s profile. So, contact us to sign up for your free consultation!

The post How Do Interior Designers Work With Clients? appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

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.

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