Responsibilities of the Interior Design Professional

Time management and attention to detail are two significant qualities of the interior designer. Besides the variety of responsibilities that come with a project, the designer may be working on several other projects and is possibly in different stages with each one.

It is a complicated process, but the design professional has to be able to pay attention to and keep track of every little detail of the project. 

1. Collaboration

In the beginning stage, as well as throughout the duration of the project, the designer is responsible for setting up meetings with the clients. The initial meeting is to consult with them and be sure that they will be able to effectively work together to come up with a unique design solution. The designer needs to be able to listen to the clients and help them decide what needs to be done. Along the way, the designer will need to be able to coordinate times to present plans and ideas to them. 

2. Attention to detail

Once the clients have agreed to hire a designer, the designer will need to survey the area and take measurements. The designer is responsible for taking and recording accurate measurements at the job site. It usually helps to take another person along to take the measurements or to record them. 

It is important to get the measurements right the first time around to prevent wasting your time and your clients' money. Items to take to the job site include: a tape measure, notepad and pencil, and a digital camera. You will want to take pictures so you don't have to go back to the job site every time you forget one of the details. 

3. Research

After the measurements have been taken and the clients' needs and wants have been assessed, the designer is responsible for coming up with a logical design plan, while keeping sustainable and universal design in mind. The designer may have to do some research at this point. 

4. Making appropriate changes

The designer will draw floor plans and perspective drawings with furniture layouts to present to the clients. Perspective drawings are often color rendered to help the client visualize the design. This is where the designer will need to set up a presentation meeting with the clients; any changes that need to be made to the plans will be discussed here. 

5. Execution of the plan

After the plan has been approved, the designer is responsible for working alongside other people, such as subcontractors, and setting up inspections to be sure that the design is coming together smoothly, as well as keeping the clients informed on the status of the project. It is important to inform the clients as soon as an obstacle comes up in the design process. The designer is also responsible for purchasing any furnishings, accessories, and materials needed. 

The design process is often complicated and may not be as straightforward as an interior designer may have hoped, but a competent designer will be able to keep track of each project and to keep the design process on track. The experienced designer has good time management and pays attention to detail.

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Unique Ways to Decorate the Mantel for Fall

As fall draws near and the weather grows cooler, the fireplace will once again become the center of attention. Fireplace mantels are a great place to display decorations, especially seasonal decor that can be easily changed to showcase relics of each season. Are you looking for ways to decorate the mantel for fall?

There are dozens of autumn-inspired items that can be displayed this time of year. Let's begin by looking at a few things that work great as fall mantel decorations. 

Fall-inspired mementos

 

These are just a few items that will look good on your fireplace mantel in the fall. What else could you add to the list? 

1. Pumpkins
2. Gourds
3. Fruit
4. Candles
5. Leaves
6. Pine Cones
7. Acorns
8. Mini Scarecrows
9. Corn
10. Sunflowers 

Ideas to decorate the mantel for fall

 

Your options for fall mantel decorating are limitless. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

• Leaf garland with mini pumpkins: Place a few mini pumpkins in random places on the mantel. Weave leaf garland around the pumpkins and place a couple candlesticks somewhere in the arrangement, on one end or the other. 

• A walk in the woods: Choose items that can be found in nature. Go out and find pine cones, leaves, acorns and berries for your mantel centerpiece. Arrange them in a clear, decorative vase or a shallow dish and center the arrangement on your mantel. 

• Pears, pine cones and leaves: Arrange some plastic pears and leaves in a shallow dish. Add a couple pine cones. Center it on the mantel, and surround with garland and randomly-placed pine cones. Place a couple candlesticks on either end. 

More mantel decorating tips

 

Here are a few more tips for decorating your fireplace mantel in the fall. 

1. Arrange any fall-inspired items along the mantel; don't be frugal with your fall decorations. 

2. Fill jars and clear vases with smaller fall-inspired items, like acorns and berries, and line them up along the mantel. 

3. Be careful that garland or anything else does not hang down from the mantel while the fireplace is lit. 

4. Decorate the wall above the mantel with mirrors, photos or anything else you like, whether they have a fall theme or not. 

5. Do not light candles and leave them unattended, especially if they are surrounded with dry leaves and garland.

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Pet-Friendly Materials and Finishes for the Home

Those of us with pets are very aware of the types of materials and finishes that are in our homes. Certain fabrics, for example, collect animal fur more than others and certain colors show fur too well. 

Pet owners often hesitate to buy new furniture or flooring because of their pets, whether they shed a lot, drool or have frequent accidents. You may know what doesn't work well for households with pets, but are you aware of the various pet-friendly materials and finishes available for the home? 

These are just a few types of fabric, flooring and colors that are better for homes with four-legged family members. 

1. Pet-friendly fabrics

 

Does your current furniture collect your pets' fur very quickly? Opt for crypton, leather, ultrasuede or matelasse when it comes time to buy new living room pieces. Crypton is not vinyl or plastic, but it is moisture-resistant, easy to clean and it is still comfortable. 

Matelasse is a stitching pattern that appears to be quilted; it is thick and heavy but there is no padding inside. This is a great option for anyone who lets their pets sleep in the bed. 

2. Pet-friendly flooring

 

If you have dark carpeting and light-colored pets, you might find yourself vacuuming very frequently. If you have pets and want new carpeting in your living areas, choose a low-pile carpet that is not continuous loop--it can snag on a claw and unravel quickly. 

Otherwise, ceramic tile is another good option for households with pets. Keep in mind, though, that hard floors can be slippery for little paws so be sure to provide plenty of non-slip rugs so your critters don't get hurt. 

3. Pet-friendly colors

 

Colors can be difficult to choose if you have pets that shed frequently. Overall, medium neutral hues are likely to be your best bet. However, if you have light-colored pets you can probably get away with lighter furniture and flooring, while families with darker pets might opt for darker materials and finishes for the home. 

No matter what, you should still vacuum and clean fabrics frequently to get rid of pet fur and dander that can cause allergies in people. 

My cushion-back sofa is NOT very pet-friendly; Mila & Loki like to sleep on the cushions, permanently deforming them over time

Note: This article was previously published at Yahoo! Voices and the rights reverted back to the author when the site closed.

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Interior Design Tips to Sell Your Home

It's all about the presentation of your house

As a student in the Interior Design program, I learned about various aspects of the Interior Design process: space planning and color coordinating, as well as a variety of materials and finishes. To sell your home, however, you do not need to be an experienced Interior Design professional. 

All you need to do is follow a few simple steps for sprucing it up. 

1. Keep your home clean

Keep it clean - a potential buyer does not want to see your everyday lived-in mess. Yes, this means picking up after yourself in the mornings and before you go to bed. De-clutter the house by throwing out what you no longer need, or try selling it in a garage sale. Clean up the kids' toys and store them in baskets. Keep everything else in storage totes for the time being. 

2. Replace damaged materials

You will also want to get rid of any spots and stains. Tear out the carpet and replace it with wood or laminate floors. Tile is another option for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and laundry rooms. This will give the home a cleaner and more open feel. A cheap way to clean up the walls, rather than by scrubbing the stains out, is to repaint them in neutral colors. Keep the colors interesting to attract buyers, but not too wild, because that could drive them away. 

3. Replace outdated home furnishings

Replace outdated appliances. Also, worn cabinets should either be replaced or refinished to give the kitchen a newly remodeled look. The kitchen is often the most important room on a potential buyer's wish list. A buyer does not want to walk into a kitchen only to see a remodeling project in the future. This may be a little extra money spent now but, in the long term, it will mean more money in your pocket. 

Where to save - and where to splurge - on your kitchen remodel

4. Stage the rooms to sell

Living areas should not be cluttered with furniture. Take out what you seldom use and arrange the remaining furniture in a way that is easy to maneuver around. Add colorful decorations to end tables - sparingly, of course - to give the room an interesting appeal. 

5. Create curb appeal

Finally - and no, this is not part of the Interior Design, but it will help to sell your house - it is all about the curb appeal. Mow the lawn, trim weeds from flower beds, and keep toys off the yard. Clean the windows and give the house a fresh coat of paint if it is starting to look shabby. 

In order to sell a home, it should be in good condition and it should be able to attract a variety of potential buyers. By following these tips, you will be able to get the most out of selling your home in today's market. 

Note: This article was previously published at Yahoo! Voices and the rights reverted back to the author when the site closed.

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