Confessions of an Interior Designer
Mind-Readers and Saving Relationships One Ottoman at a Time
Today, let’s set out on a journey through the mysterious and often misunderstood world of interior designers. Contrary to popular belief, our job involves much more than picking out the perfect shade of turquoise or debating whether the throw pillows should be round or square. Brace yourselves, because being and interior design is not for the faint of heart. It is a rollercoaster of creativity, chaos and an occasional battle with the rogue throw pillows.
First let’s address the misconception that our sole purpose is to select furniture. Sure, we can tell a Chesterfield from a Chaise Lounge, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. We are the unsung heroes of the home, juggling roles that range from a marriage counselor to a self-defense guru. Forget about picking out swatches; we are busy saving marriages. Picture this: a couple stands in the middle of a furniture store, eyes locked in a heated debate over the perfect coffee table. Enter the interior designer, armed with a smile and a healthy dose of conflict resolution skills. Suddenly, we’re not just picking furniture; we’re saving relationships one ottoman at a time.
But that’s not all. We’re also mind readers. No, really. How else do you explain our uncanny ability to interpret vague statements like “I want to feel cozy but also open and airy”? It’s a skill we honed through years of practice, turning ambiguous desires into Pinterest worthy desires.
And then there’s the technology wizardry. AutoCAD? Photoshop? We’re on it. We’re not just flipping through fabric samples; we’re crafting 3D models and virtual walk-throughs, transforming your vision into a digital masterpiece. Who knew amidst the color palette and furniture arrangements, an interior designer could jump into the realm of coding to construct a captivating website for the sole purpose of showcasing their artistic endeavors and marketing their company? It is a testament of the adaptability that defines this profession, where the artistic meets the digital, improving their skills that extend far beyond the visual of a well-decorated space.
Color expert? Check. Construction Administrator extraordinaire? Double Check. Being an interior designer is like signing up for a crash course in everything but the kitchen sink – except, of course, we’re also kitchen sink experts. From deciphering all the mysteries of window treatments to navigate the labyrinth of flooring options, we moonlight as lighting gurus and appliance whisperers. Just when you thought we were done, surprise! We’re also contract law aficionados. Oh, and did I mention we crunch numbers like an accountant on a caffeine high?
It's a delicate dance that requires the problem solving skills of an engineer and the creativity of a modern-day Michelangelo.
So next time you see an interior designer, just remember, we’re not just creating beautiful spaces; we’re the smile-wearing, multi-tasking, mind-reading, self-defense-trained, tech-savvy warriors who turn your space into a masterpiece. And if we happen to look frazzled at the end of the day, it’s because we’ve spent the entire day shopping and still have the task of organizing everything on paper. After all, keeping up with the trends is a full-time job, and someone’s gotta do it!
XOXO,
What is Designer's Corner?
In this blog, tutorials, business advice, and shared experiences merge to guide the path for aspiring interior designers. The author, a seasoned interior designer with over two decades of experience in transforming spaces has encountered a myriad of clients, each with their unique quirks and peculiar requests. Here, the tutorials offer invaluable insights into the craft, while business advice extends a guiding hand to novices. Yet, it's the Designer's Corner where the past informs the present, and the future of design is shaped with every shared story. Embracing the industry's lighter facets, anecdotes are shared, and the occasional absurdity is met with laughter, fostering a community where designers find solace and wisdom in the collective journey. Whether you're a designer seeking affirmation, a client looking to hire, or navigating your own renovation project, this space can be a guide.