How to Define Your Interior Design Budget

When you go into a travel agency to book a holiday there are two things the agent needs to know from you. First, which part of the world do you want to visit? Secondly, what’s your budget? You may have fallen in love with the idea of spending August in a Tuscan villa, complete with vineyards and pool, but your budget may suggest a trip to the English Riviera in April as being more realistic.

But if the travel agent knows you want to visit Italy, and you’ve been honest about how much money you can afford to spend, then a suitable holiday can usually be found. You may not get the Tuscan villa, but a few nights in some modest hotels in Venice and Florence may fit your bill, and give you pocket money to make the most out of your holiday.

Why is it, then, that many people are so hesitant to tell their interior designer what they can afford to spend on their interiors project. Some people seem to treat the subject of "the budget" like a game of poker. "If the interior designer thinks I’ve got less than I have I’ll get the whole thing done more cheaply." Or worse; "If the designer knows how much I’ve got they’ll make sure they spend every penny".

It’s important not to confuse the word "budget" with "life savings". Your budget should be the amount that you are happy to spend to achieve the result that you desire. It is your responsibility as the client to have a clear idea about your budget before you start looking for your designer. Remember that shoe-string TV makeovers are programmed for their entertainment value, not for their practicality or longevity in the real world.

Permanent, added-value home improvements designed and supervised by a professional come with a price tag. You are paying for the designer’s design expertise; ability to source from trade-only suppliers of furniture, fabrics and accessories; and the time they save you from having to organise and supervise builders, painters, joiners, plumbers, etc.

Once you have decided the sum you wish to invest in home improvements, it often helps to check the feasibility of that budget by allocating portions of it to different areas of expense. For a simple living room refurbishment you might allocate the budget into seven areas; for instance, floorcovering, wallcovering, curtains, furniture, light fittings, accessories and designer’s fee.

A useful tip is to think in terms of percentages rather than cash. We all think money is still worth what it used to be worth in the "good old days", and even millionaires complain about the price of butter. However, by allocating percentages to your project, you are better able to see what you can afford, and are willing, to spend on each area of the redecoration. If you want to have an elaborate curtain treatment, you may have to reduce your budget for the floorcovering, or vice versa. This method also helps you to prioritise your decoration requirements. By being honest with your interior designer about your design priorities and your budget, you are more likely to receive a design and service that will surprise and delight you.

Check that the designer you choose has a defined fee structure and make sure you get this in writing. Ensure that the designer knows your decoration budget and be clear about whether the design fees are included in this budget, or are paid on top. Give the designer the budget breakdown and as much specific information as possible about your expectations within that budget - if you’re expecting to get that antique reclaimed parquet floor above all else, then make this clear. If it your desired object isn’t within the scope of your defined budget, the designer can get back to you early on in the project to juggle the budget allocations.

The designer will welcome clear information on your budget because it is a real time saver for both of you. If the budget extends only to slipcovers for existing furniture, let the designer know this before they set off to pound the pavement in a search for brand new furniture. (Remember, you’re probably paying for their sourcing time!)

If poker really is your game there is nothing wrong with keeping a percentage of your budget in reserve without telling anyone (in fact, this is quite a good idea). If the budget runs over (and if the project requires building, plumbing or electrical work, this can happen when surprises like dry rot, rising damp or structural problems are uncovered), you then have a cash reserve. But if the project has run smoothly, and the designer has completed it on budget, then why not use the extra money to visit the travel agent to celebrate!

Modern minimalist master bedroom photos

Modern minimalist master bedroom suitable for young couple or new bridal. In this article we can see beautiful modern master bedroom with style minimalist photos. Master bedroom so large, we can arrange bedroom accessories here. In this picture we can see modern master bedroom with minimalist concept there TV flat, backdrop as the accessories, and on the corner we can find plant. All the bedroom accessories make beautiful and comfortable. With parquet flooring and decorate with modern brown rugs make clean and elegant this master bedroom. In front of bedroom we could seat on the white sofa as the small living areas. This modern minimalist master bedroom complete with modern bathtub integrated in this bedroom. From this Modern minimalist master bedroom photos you can get inspiration to decorate your bedroom. Modern minimalist master bedroom designed by Semsa Bilge.

A Change in Season Reflects a Change in Mood Now is a Great Time to Redecorate Your Home

A Change in Season Reflects a Change in Mood
Now is a Great Time to Redecorate Your Home

(ARA) – Change is in the air. Fall is here and winter isn’t far away. It’s one of the busiest times of year for interior decorators. “The reason we’re so busy is people really get energized in the fall,” says Thomas Pheasant, an award winning interior designer from Washington, D.C. “The change in temperature serves as a signal to start focusing more on the indoors to get ready for winter.”

Pheasant says one of the best, and easiest places to start, is in the room where you spend a majority of your time: the bedroom. “You don’t have to start moving furniture all over the place to change the look of the room,” says Pheasant. “Changing your bedding and curtains is often all it takes to make a dramatic difference.”

Pheasant says the same colors you see on the trees outside --- orange, gold, red, brown and olive green -- have great appeal indoors. “They really set the mood of the season, especially when combined with paisley and velvet textures.”

The bedroom isn’t the only place where bold color and texture changes will have a quick and noticeable impact. You can also set the mood of the season by putting some dried leaves or branches on the coffee table, and colorful pillows and a slip cover on your sofa. A seasonal bowl of apples on the dining room table, along with slip covers on the chairs, will also make a big impact.

So where do you start if you want to bring the fall “look” into your own home? “Start with materials. The kinds of fabric or color you choose can really change the attitude of the room,” says Pheasant. “Velvet and damask are formal patterns that are more appropriate for fall and winter. Linen, paisley and leather are more modern and better suited for spring and summer.”

Pheasant recommends you take his ideas to an interior designer for help implementing them. “Mistakes are expensive. Professional designers have resources available that most people do not. Hiring someone can make your life so much easier,” says Pheasant.

If you ultimately decide to take Pheasant’s advice, pieces from his collection of furniture and accessories are sold at over 200 independent dealers throughout the country.

Thomas Pheasant is an award-winning interior designer with more than 20 years of experience in the field. He has been recognized for his signature style of modern elegance. He focuses on bringing a contemporary dimension to classic principles in design: a bridging of past and present. Pheasant’s projects range from high-end residences to corporate interiors and special commercial assignments, such as prototype retail environments, exhibition spaces and upscale hotels.

Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc. includes Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms and Baker stores. Along with McGuire Furniture Company and Ann Sacks, it is part of the Kohler Interiors Group and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath designs. Kohler Co. was founded in 1873. Headquartered in Kohler, Wis., it is one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States.

Courtesy of ARA Content