Interior Design Help

[HatDaddy]

So my wife is looking for some help when it comes to designing the house.
Is there somewhere online she can look at and get ideas for decorating? Magazines?

I don't have much of a clue when it comes to this stuff, but I know enough to tell her that stuff doesn't match.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[alden]

Are you talking design as opposed to decorating? If so, there are lots of resources out there. For starters, go look at the books offered at Home Depot or Lowe's. They're good for brainstorming, and making sure you don't do something terrible. For more specific topics, take a look at the gardenweb forums. Beyond that, you're into architecture books.

For decorating, I have no suggestions.

 

[brntorng]

Fine furniture stores usually provide in-house decorating consultation for "free." There are also independent decorators available who work by the hour or by adding a markup to what they purchase on your behalf. In any case, keep an eye on your checkbook. They have a tendency to get carried away...

 

[BigWill]

yeah...maybe confusion on terms?

usually an "interior designer" will work with the architect on specific elements; layouts, materials, etc.

An "interior decorator" is more of a paint/furniture/wallpaper person.

If your building a house, the "interior designer" will help layout the kitchen and select the cabinets, countertops, appliances, fixtures.

The "decorator" will help select the kitchen table, the wallpaper, the centerpiece on the table, etc.

 

[BigWill]

and avoid this guy..he did a **** job at Anna Nicole's place.

 

[HatDaddy]

Sorry, it would be for decorating.
Curtains, decor, pillows, tables, paint schemes, etc...
Gracias!

 

[bevosayshi]

ystudio-dc.com/

 

[The Over Cusser]

I work for a major home builder, and we get quite a few people browsing through our model homes just to get ideas.

 

[sylvester]

There really is huge difference between a designer and decorator not just in their certifications and education but what they charge as well.
Like most professions there are A,B, and C type individuals.Make sure to discuss the billing up front and in great detail will it by the hour, job, or lump sum? Will the real cost of your product be passed on to you...In many cases there are non disclosed rebates (kickbacks) from their recommended suppliers.Will the product you select be bought from a local supplier or after the selection is made will it be purchased on line...(defective, replacement parts, service call) are all a real ***** dealing with a 1-800 person.
In my business we deal with all of them from super high end designers being flown in on their customers dime to the local decorator who helps out her friends and neighbors.
If you settle on a short list of names or have any questions about buying product from a business that will give you (free) design hours with your purchase, send me a PM and I would be happy to discuss the pros and cons.