Top 5 Interior Design Reality Myths
Some of the HGTV home remodeling and interior design shows on television feature only a few people miraculously transforming a room or house in record time. You may even see the “designers” themselves down on their hands and knees stripping a floor or scraping wallpaper off the walls. Is this reality or myth? Interior Design Reality Myth #1 – Time
Reality television shows have a whole crew of people working behind the scenes to transform these rooms and houses. You may only see two minutes of wallpaper scraping, but the reality of it is that many people are completing that task off camera. Do not expect to accomplish the same project in the same amount of time if it is just you and one other person.
Interior Design Reality Myth #2 – Cost
“We transformed this entire room for just $6,000!” That got your attention, right? Did you happen to catch the small print in the credits where companies were thanked for donating their time, labor, or products? While it is certainly possible to redo an entire room for under $6,000, it may not look the same as the one on the HGTV reality show.
Interior Design Reality Myth #3 – Planning
Do not think that the designers met with the client one time and created their master plan in less than an hour. Concept and design development takes time. When working with a designer, expect to pay that person for her or his expertise. When you go to the doctor for a check-up, you do not refuse to pay because nothing was wrong. Creating a design plan takes time, and you should expect to compensate the designer for any work performed on your behalf. The same concept extends for shopping for the items you desire for your new space. One of the benefits of hiring an experienced designer is knowing that your money will be used wisely.
Interior Design Reality Myth #4 – Style
It is normal to fall in love with a room you saw on an interior design reality show, but do not expect it to come out the same in your home. The style of the room may not fit in with your style or space, or it may not be as functional as you think for your needs. Be honest about what you want and expect and listen to your designer – once again, you are paying for her or his expertise.
Interior Design Reality Myth #5 – Results
The results you see on the HGTV interior design reality show may not the true ending. Rushing through a project so fast often leads to small problems – dripping faucets, uneven painting, appliances that do not work right, shoddy workmanship, and even unexpected or unseen damages. All is not always as it seems on television. The truth is that interior designing a space is a very personal experience and one that you want to reflect who you are. Finding the right designer that understands what you are looking for and works with you to create the magic that will become your dream room is essential. Come back next week to get the facts of how to create your interior design reality.