Interior Design Direction for DIY’ers
Do it yourself or ‘DIY’ for short is catching more and more momentum in home improvement. Many television networks like HGTV and TLC show what one can do with a tight budget and sweat equity. Home Improvement is big business. Lowes and Home Depot welcome thousands of people into their stores each weekend with the “home improvement’ bug.
As an interior designer in Portland, Oregon I love this awareness. Most of my clients lead very busy lives and at the end of the day and during weekends at home, they crave a place to relax, retreat and entertain. Rooms featured on television home makeover shows have inspired many of us, but sometimes also leave us frustrated when our own DIY home projects don’t measure our intent or expectations.
What if you had some expert advice in the beginning to ensure your inspired plan and the finished outcome were one in the same? What if your finished space exceeded your expectations because expert advice made you aware of challenges you didn’t forsee and brought great ideas to light that were specific to your space and project that you wouldn’t consider on your own?
Most homeowners see contractors, architects, interior designers. and tradespeople as an all or nothing proposition. This isn’t true. More and more trade professionals have added the DIY crowd to their business clientele. We will gladly visit your project site or room project and make some recommendations. You might find a seasoned professional can steer you clear of common pitfalls in materials, colors, textures, and applications.
Let’s say you need a new deck. A new deck built by a contractor costs $7000. To purchase necessary materials to build the deck costs $3800. Although you haven’t built a built a deck before – you buy a book at the local home improvement store on deck building. The project takes you longer than you anticipated. You make some mistakes the book didn’t cover. Also, perhaps the design of the deck could have been more pleasing by addressing shading for afternoon sun, diagonal lines to open the space and a solution for the herb garden you wanted for cooking. The book didn’t cover those considerations!
Interior Design and Decorating professionals like Angela Todd Designs work the same way. You can work with us in whatever capacity makes sense for you. A couple of hours with recommendations and a to-do list? No problem. For under $250, you can have piece of mind and know your project’s decisions are sound. You will now your wall color won’t need repainted, your granite and backsplash match, and your carpet will go with your sofa.
Consider working with an interior designer when….
- You know what you like when you see it, but you aren’t sure how to put it together.
- You have existing pieces to incorporate into a new look, but don’t see the common thread.
- You don’t know what your room is missing or needs to look exceptional.
- You absolutely do not want to buy something you don’t like, don’t need, or won’t use.
- You aren’t sure where to start in your home or room for a great look.
- You don’t want or can’t afford to make mistakes that need fixed or redone.
- You have a budget and it is important you stick to it.
- You aren’t sure if your tile, carpet, paint, (insert item) will look great in your room once finished.
I would love to help you turn your room into something personalized and exceptional. Imagine having your room ignite your senses every time you enter. We will work together to create the results you desire. You let me know how much – or how little – you want help. If you are located in the Portland Oregon area, you can contact me via my interior design web site.
If you are reading this blog and you are located outside of Portland, Oregon. Please email me for an interior designer referral.
Angela Todd
Owner & Principal Designer
Angela is the principal designer at her boutique interior design firm in Portland, Oregon. She is known for creating memorable backdrops that tell the story of fascinating and intricate lives.
