It’s All Yours!

I have a confession to make. I really hate making decisions. I especially hate making decisions for other people. I hate knowing that my actions may directly impact the comfort and happiness of others. That probably sounds like a huge red flag for an interior designer, someone who makes her living by making decisions that directly impact the comfort of others. However, I actually see it as a benefit for my clients.

For better or for worse, a huge part of my decision-making is based around the needs and feelings of others. Currently, I’m struggling to pick a rental for our family vacation. I desperately want everyone to love the place I choose, and I worry about making the wrong decision. That’s just me. Professionally, though, I have learned to channel those tendencies and use them to better focus on my clients’ desires. Ultimately, their comfort and happiness is all that matters when the project is complete.

Interior design can be an art form. I have seen amazing spaces that were created by designers who know how to use a room like a painter uses a canvas. I know that some clients prefer to give their designer free range and allow their home to become an artistic statement. That’s wonderful. On the other hand, I believe most people want to have a say in the design of their spaces. When I worked in a cabinet shop, I sometimes saw clients who seemed visibly concerned or uncomfortable with the choices their designer was making. Her “vision” sometimes didn’t really align with their tastes, but they didn’t dare argue. She was the “expert”, after all. True, but in the end, it was their home.

I used to watch Trading Spaces when I was younger, and I think it had a bit of an impact on my design philosophy. The episodes always included an emotional room reveal, and those emotions weren’t always positive. Sometimes designers ignored the homeowner’s requests, such as not to touch the fireplace. Sometimes they just went off the rails and glued hay to the walls. (Seriously, if you don’t know that reference, look it up. It’s ridiculous!) Watching those unhappy reveals, seeing the homeowners in tears, made me realize just how emotionally connected we can be to our homes. I learned that my clients deserve to feel good about the overall look and feel of their home. It isn’t all about me.

I truly believe that my job as a designer is to guide, not dictate. I’ve said it before: Your home should be all about you and your taste. If you don’t want me to touch the fireplace, we’ll work around it. If you want beige walls, I’ll find a beige that looks great in your room, even if the current trends are leaning towards gray. I’m here to use my knowledge and experience to shape your wants, your needs, and your style into a home that you will love. At the end of the day, it’s your home!