What Does an Interior Designer Do?
Y’all, before I decided to study interior design in college, I imagined that designers’ days were spent picking out pretty fabrics, flipping through paint swatches, and expertly styling accessories. But once I did my research, I realized there’s a whole lot more to it than that! And that it’s even better than I could have imagined!!
Today I’m sharing 6 things that most people don’t know that interior designers do! Can y’all guess what they are?
Happy New Year, y’all!!! I hope you had a Blessed Christmas and that you’re feeling inspired to make 2020 the best year (or decade) yet!!
In December’s post, I mentioned that I’d be giving you more advice for making your home the fresh, functional, and classic space you’ve always dreamed it could be. But before we dive into the serious stuff (like creating a plan and a budget), I wanted to share a fun, behind-the-scenes post with you for January!
Today’s topic....
What does an interior designer really do??
Y’all, I love this question!!! Before I decided to study interior design in college, I imagined that designers’ days were spent picking out pretty fabrics, flipping through paint swatches, and expertly styling accessories. But once I did my research, I realized there’s a whole lot more to it than that! And that it’s even better than I could have imagined!!
Today I’m sharing 6 things that most people don’t know that interior designers do! Can y’all guess what they are?
1. Prepare Construction Documents & Comply with Building Codes
Basically, “interior architecture” is the best way to explain what we do. Interior designers can draw the construction documents which include floor plans, dimensioned plans, electrical plans, lighting plans (reflected ceiling plans), elevations, and building sections. They are conceptual drawings that usually need to be stamped by an architecture, but are ready to go for contractors.
These are all detailed drawings that describe exactly how an interior is supposed to look. These are drawings meant to be so detailed that crew is working on the site know exactly what to do with a General Contractor or Interior Designer there.
Also, ADA codes and building codes in general are very important when we are drawing up plans.. These are important to any renovation or design project, and an interior designer can help you with all of that!
2. Help You Create a Smart Budget (and Stick to It)
Budget is an extremely important part of any home project, whether it be a revamp with just furniture or a total remodel. Your interior designer should sit down with you at the beginning of the project, before designing even starts, to see what main features are important to you and develop a budget for bringing those features to life.
Your designer can also help provide insight on which products and materials are worth splurging on (long-lasting investments) and which could be “save” items. Of course, the final choice is yours! The important part is having a defined budget to drive the project forward.
3. Create a Design with Function and Purpose
Another expertise in a designer’s skillset is in designing wayfinding, the way someone navigates the room. This is one where function and purpose meet simplicity meet beauty — and that’s my FAVORITE part of design!!
We’ll design a space that’s more than beautiful. It will be designed for the life you have (making it easier!) and for the extra amazing life you WANT to live!
4. Professionally Manage Your Project
Your interior designer wears many hats when designing the space and in managing the process of creating it. Your designer and team manage the project to make sure everything is taken care of and everything is run smoothly. This includes on-site check-ins, communicating between all the people involved, and even ordering, tracking, and receiving product shipments.
This also means that YOU get to relax, stick to your usual schedule, and let your designer handle the details! Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, right? ;)
5. Advocate and Look Out for You
Naturally, remodels are full of things that will come up. For example, if the contractor is installing the floor and he needs more tile, or maybe he has a question about the layout/pattern of the tile. The interior designer will take care of that for you. You are not having to answer every question the contractor has and you do not have to worry about the product being there on time.
Most interior designers will also have managed so many projects over their careers that they can spot any issues from a mile away… and stop them before they start!
6. Decorate Your Home for the Final Reveal! (in some cases)
Interior designers and decorators have slightly different roles. Interior designers are involved mainly with everything that is physically connected to the home, like its floor plan, electrical, countertops, flooring, plumbing, light fixtures, etc. Decorators, on the other hand, typically specialize in soft furnishings, which includes your furniture, window treatments, and accessories. And then, there are professionals who do both!
For me, I LOVE to do both! Seeing everything come together from start to finish is what makes this career so exciting and impactful!
So — I’d love to hear! Which of these 6 things surprised you the most? Which would you be most excited to have someone’s help with?
Sending love from GA!
Sarah
How to Style Your Kitchen for Christmas
We’ve all heard tips and advice for decorating our Christmas trees, our family rooms, our porches and front doors… but what about our kitchens, y’all?!?!
We’ve all heard tips and advice for decorating our Christmas trees, our family rooms, our porches and front doors… but what about our kitchens, y’all?!?!
Since it is officially the Christmas season, I wanted to share with you some of MY FAVORITE THINGS. And as most of you know I love supporting small businesses, so before the new year when we will get into all of the remodel and renovation advice, I wanted to share my favorite Etsy shops!
The handcrafted touch adds an extra sweetness to your home and even to gifts!
If you’re hostessing this year, I bet you would get LOTS of enjoyment out of a festive kitchen, leading up to the holidays AND when it’s actually time to cook and entertain!! If that’s you, I have some great styling ideas and tips below that I think you will love!
If you’re not the hostess this year, I think you’ll love these ideas and tips anyway. ;) Because these will make INCREDIBLE hostessing gifts! Walk into your holiday event with one of these goodies below, and I guarantee you will score some major brownie points!!
So, are you ready to make this the prettiest, most festive Christmas yet?? Then let’s go!
1. Greenery + Simple Dishware
For me, simplicity is KEY. Normally, you don’t want too much stuff on your counters. This goes double for Christmas time… we’ve got to leave room for the food!!! That’s why greenery and simple dishes are my favorite way to decorate a kitchen for the holidays.
They are also easy and beautiful gifts to give a hostess!! Who doesn’t appreciate flowers or a small green plant to liven things up and look sweet on the counter??
Check out Kim on Etsy at TheBackyardGardener.
2. Burlap Cottage Wreaths
Before your guest walk into your kitchen they will go through the front door. So you have to make a good first impression there! I can’t think of any other better wreaths than The Burlap Cottage. They make the most STUNNING wreaths. They are unique yet simple — which of course is why I love them!!
These wreaths are perfect for a front door or inside your home. Prop it up against the kitchen counter backsplash, hanging from the wall, or set it in front of a window!
The best part? Leanne (owner) also takes custom orders, too! So you can personalize the wreath to make your gift recipient feel extra special. :)
On Etsy: The Burlap Cottage
Instagram: @theburlapcottage1
3. Personalized Engraved Cutting Board
This has a special place in my heart just because how sweet it is, AND Look, you can add a NOTE! Soooo sweet!! Perfect for a gift.
Wooden cutting boards are also my FAVE accessories to use when styling a kitchen. They add so much to a space: simple natural beauty, rich, and warm.
For Christmas decorating, you could pair a cutting board with some greenery (sprigs of pine, etc.) for the perfect holiday vignette!
For these cutting boards, Christy from ChristysCreations5 on Etsy is a must-see!
4. Pantry Labels
I LOVE the idea of pantry labels… for yourself or to give as a gift! (Who doesn’t love to at least try to be organized? I’m raising my hand over here!!!) To turn these into Christmas decor, you could get red jars and stick the labels on for candy, cereal, sugar, flour, cookies, you name it.
OR, you could fill a jar with hot cocoa mix, label it, and give it as a hostess gift! The labels come in MANY custom colors, so you can find something you know your recipient will love all year 'round ;)
To become organized and stylish in the kitchen this Christmas season, check out Racheal from WMCreationsShop on Etsy.
Facebook: Wonderfully Made Creations
Instagram: @wonderfully.made.creations
5. Custom Printed Kitchen Towel
Christmas time isn’t only about red and green. It’s about family and friends. I can’t think of a sweeter gift than to give a relative a dish towel with a meaningful family recipe on it. It will last for years and years and can even be passed down if you would like! How sweet is that?!?!
To find it, I have the sweetest shop to share with you!
As for the decorating side of things, you could hang this towel on the oven for instant decor that brings a smile to your face -- and a delicious recipe to the table. ;)
Go check out Ashley’s Etsy shop ByCuddles to add a sweet and personal touch to your kitchen this season.
FB: ByCuddles
Insta: ByCuddles
So, what do you think? Are the ideas flowing and inspiration flowing? I sure hope so! I’d love to hear which was your favorite in the comments below!
Coming up in the New Year, I’ll also be sharing a series of posts about renovations and remodeling that will take kitchen style a whole step further. Especially if you’re feeling the pain of a small or dysfunctional kitchen this season, you won’t want to miss these!
Until then, God Bless you and your family and I hope y’all have a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas!! See y’all in the New Year!!! Can you believe that it is already going to be 2020?
Xoxo,
Sarah