Let's Talk About Some Interior Design Truths
Okay, let’s talk some interior design truth. (As it pertains to me and my business) I’ve seen a lot of misconceptions out there about hiring an interior designer/decorator and want to get a few things straight.
You can’t afford to hire an interior designer unless you’re rich.
No, this isn’t true. I’m sure most of us dream about living in a multi-million-dollar home where we can hire people to do all the housework for us. I know I have. (Mostly because I am lazy when it comes to cleaning my house) However, that isn’t reality for a lot of us. As someone who works in the interior design field a customer with an endless budget would be fun, but not realistic. How fun would it be if you had no budget?! (The movie ‘Big’ comes to mind for me. Trampoline in the living room? Yes, Please) but I digress. Working within a budget is part of the job.
As happy as I am to work with someone on the higher end of a budget I am just as happy to work with someone on the lower end. I lived in a one- or two-bedroom apartment in Toledo, Ohio for around 15 years. Making the apartment “homey” is the only way I survived the three-story hike upstairs several times a day and noisy neighbors. You can take pride in a rented space. I am also more than happy to help anyone who lives in a rented apartment or home turn that space into a beautiful place. A smaller budget in these projects can go pretty far.
E-Design or Virtual Design is a hoax.
Dammit! You caught me. Just kidding. I can assure you that E-design is legit and still takes a lot of hard work from the designer. I still spend hours on the smallest of projects. A lot of research goes into finding furniture that suits you. We don’t just throw a design at you and be done with it. We take time to get to know you and the style(s) you like. If you don’t know your style, we work through it with you until we find what will make YOU happy. Yes, everything is done online, but these days most things are done virtually. (Thanks, Covid) When it comes to furniture, we can still make sure that they are local so that you can go see them or sit on them to make sure it works for you. Material samples can be sent to you so that you can see them in person. If you don’t something you are under no obligation to go with it. Just as an in-person designer we can work together to find out what will work for you. Just think of it as a convenient way of traditional design. If E-design sounds like something you may be interested in, but aren’t sure, please contact me and we can discuss! I am more than happy to answer your questions.
So, Christen Home Interiors only does E-design?
Nope! I am more than happy to give you the traditional in-person design experience. You’ll just have to live in the greater Toledo, Ohio Area.
What if I just need help on a small project like paint colors or art selection?
No problem! Christen Home Interiors offers some “quick and easy” packages to suit these needs. Even if you just need to bounce some ideas off of us or need a little input we have a design package that will work for you. If it’s not already available, we’ll create one! (Seriously, we just love to design spaces, we are happy to help)
I don’t have the time to spend to look for all the design elements.
That’s cool. I do! That’s my job! I am able to pick everything out and present it to you for YOUR approval! Again, this process is having nothing to do with us and everything to do with you!
I want to use the furniture I already have. Does that prevent me from utilizing your services?
Great! That can save you money and we can work the room around the items you already have. We can add smaller items or rearrange things to make a cohesive space. Furniture isn’t cheap, we get that, there is nothing that says we can’t still transform a room using the furniture you already have. (If your couch looks like mine with holes all over it from dogs, we may have to discuss a bit further. ;-) )
