Linda Castle is the owner of Decorated Designs, www.DecoratedDesigns.net.
Q: Are all show houses and home tours alike? How do I pick the one(s) that is most appropriate for my design needs and tastes?
A: There are several different types of show houses. Each has a different purpose. Oftentimes a builder who wants to increase traffic to his properties will do a model or show house to promote a new development. Usually done by one designer or design firm, this type of showcase is often more modest in scale. It’s created to give the prospective buyer a feeling that the house has a beautiful moved-in feeling.
There are many “tours” of homes and gardens in the spring and fall. Although they’re not necessarily done by professionals, they’re generally nicely decorated. They are privately owned homes that the owners open up to the public for a short period time.
There are also a variety of specialized tours. Check out the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s Tour of Remodeled Homes or the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s tour of some beautiful homes in Madison, Ga. Both are usually held in October. The Modern Atlanta Home Tour is coming up June 8-9.
Events like the recent Decorators’ Show House & Gardens are dedicated exclusively to showcase designers like me.
Q: When you design a room in a show house, what design process do you go through? Do you look for trends or a theme?
A: As a designer you want to consider several things, including the price point of the viewer and current market trends. You also want to design a space that is aesthetically appealing to the consumer.
Q: How do I recognize a trend?
A: As with clothing, there are always new design trends being presented, but there are always classic items that never lose appeal. Paint color is one of the trends you can incorporate into your home easily and fairly inexpensively. Fabrics, rugs, and furnishings will all follow the on-trend paint colors. But, today the term “transitional” is very popular. It allows the new client to keep something old, add something new, and create a most pleasant outcome. Trends will be represented in magazines, at show houses, and on the Internet.
Q: What trends are popular this year?
A: This year the colors are trending toward the taupes, soft grays and khaki, with accents in turquoise and emerald. There is a trend toward richer colors and less of the pastels. Also, birds are being represented as a big theme—in wallpaper, art work and accessories. Grasscloth is making a huge comeback as well. Wall textures, such as venetian plaster and faux, are still popular. Mercury glass in table tops and accessories as well as mirrors has taken the place of the traditional mirror.
Q: When I see something I like, how do I interpret it for my home?
A: The first consideration is always budget. Clearly identify your budget parameters and goals. Can you replace furnishings? Do you merely need to update the space with different throw pillows, a new piece of furniture, art or accessories, or just paint.
Q: What value does an interior designer bring to the process?
A: A designer who listens to you, works within your budget, and understands your likes and dislikes is invaluable. That person will save you from making costly mistakes, and often save you money on items that are not available to the retail consumer. Plus, the designer can provide custom items, including furniture, window treatments, bedding, etc. All of which would generally not be available to you.
Q: How do I locate an interior designer to work with me?
A: Many designers have online portfolios. Houzz is also a good online source. The American Society of Interior Designers offers a searchable database by location. Don’t forget referrals from friends and family who have worked with an interior designer.
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