The initial meeting with a Seattle interior designer can be both exciting and overwhelming. However, it is important to communicate as best you can and share your views, opinions and design expectations. To fully understand your personal style, an interior designer needs you to be prepared with both information as well as examples of your personal design preferences. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while meeting with a professional designer:

Share your failures:
It may seem embarrassing, but sharing your failed decorating attempts with a professional can be incredibly valuable. By showing examples of what you have tried in the past but found to not work for you and your family, a designer can move forward with design alternatives that will fix any existing problems with layout, room organization, furniture choices and even wall colors.

Share your lifestyle:
One of the most important pieces of information that you can offer your interior designer is an in-depth description of how, when and why you use your personal space. For example, are you seeking only family-friendly design ideas? Are you wishing to live a “greener” lifestyle with only sustainable, all natural materials? Or are you running a business from your home and need an office among your living space? All of these situations call for inventive and innovative interior design and by having this information ready prior to your consultation you can help your designer fully understand your needs.

Share your inspirations:
In addition to sharing your failed decorating attempts and lifestyle needs, it is also important to share the things, places and people that inspire you. An interior designer’s first responsibility is to make sure that your space reflects who you are. You can help with this step by supplying your designer with some visual examples of your own personal inspirations. Share with your designer anything that affects you creatively, emotionally or spiritually. These objects are not necessarily accessories or artifacts but can be anything from photos of your personal travels, articles from your favorite decorating magazines or even a few pages from your favorite coffee table book. The more examples you give the more “you” your space will be.

Share your budget:
All Seattle interior design firms will need an approximate budget when working through the initial details. It may not seem important to have a budget amount for the first few consultations but the truth is price point matters and is quite often the deciding factor when choosing anything from furniture and accessories to building materials and lighting fixtures.

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There comes the time when we feel we want a new look in our home. Sometimes we can’t really put a finger on it. We don’t know if new furniture or accessories will suffice, or if we’ll need a more dramatic change.  We just know we want something different. When you consult professional interior designers, you may obtain lots of great ideas, whether it is to reuse items around the house that you already have and simply give them a little bit of a facelift, or tear down walls for a completely different look. Most of the time, these simple ideas could indeed make big changes in the décor of your home.  Here are a few basic changes you can discuss with your interior designer:

Repaint It
A fresh coat of paint can breathe a whole new life into any piece of furniture.  If a piece has previously been dark, your interior designer could have someone lighten it up with a lighter shade or a washed old-fashioned look.  You can even take a modern piece and give it a distressed look to take it from contemporary to country with hardly any effort or cost.  If you’re doing a child’s room, consider taking that old dark heavy furniture that’s been stored away in the garage and giving it a coat of high gloss paint in a bright primary color. Presto!  You have a completely new kid’s room.

Accessorize It:
So what can you do if you like the finish on a piece and you don’t want to paint it but you’d like to give it a bit of a new look?  Well, one thing you can do is simply change up the hardware.  You will be amazed at the selection of knobs, handles, pulls and hinges that your interior designer can supply you with.  An old chest of drawers takes on a real look of whimsy just by changing the old round knobs to pretty hand painted ceramic ones.

Rearrange It
Another alternative to either paint or hardware when you want a new look, is simply to ask your interior designer how to rearrange the pieces you have as they are.  You can bring an old piece back to life simply by giving it a new purpose.  For example, an unused chest of drawers from the spare bedroom makes a great linen chest in the bathroom for storing extra towels, facecloths, cleaning cloths and even extra bedding.  Put a fancy basket of sweet smelling potpourri on top and your chest has a whole new look!  Another great idea is to bring an unused blanket box out of the bedroom, fold a blanket on top and use it as a handy bench in your hall or entryway.

All of these decorating ideas are the perfect complement to more dramatic interior design efforts. However, you must understand that this level of redecorating has its limits. For a more professional, dramatic makeover, consult your local Seattle interior designer and you’ll achieve a look that will surely breathe some fresh air into your home.

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Modern minimalist décor is very powerful when it is handled correctly.  Contrary to what many think, this interior design style is not about leaving spaces empty, but about creating a room where everything has a function.  Modern minimalist décor is, then, for people looking for organization amid the chaotic surroundings of life and modern society.

In order to be clear, let’s define ‘modern’ and ‘minimalist’.

‘Modern’ is not ‘contemporary’.  ‘Contemporary’ is a time period, and ‘modern’ is a lifestyle.  It is an attitude that cherishes technology and social contact; it simplifies life. It is sincere and eliminates the things that have no true meaning for you.

‘Minimalist’ can apply to ‘modern’ or other decoration styles.  The minimalist movement in design started after WWII as a back-to-the-basics approach that considered simple living a more relaxed and comfortable way of existence.

When applied to ‘modern’, the minimalist approach works when it shows someone’s favorite colors and shapes in a dynamic and fun way.  When interior designers in Seattle decorate in a modern minimalist style, she is creating a space to fit the owner’s way of life.  Every single item will have a specific purpose and place.  The designer will create a warm, practical and extremely welcoming atmosphere by using, or leaving out, color and texture.

Drama in modern minimalist décor is not achieved through strong color.  Big elements like walls, furniture and floors will show white and neutral colors.  The light is used to challenge the soft white walls, and the architectural characteristics of the space are exhibited.

In the same way, forget about heavy textures for this style.  The basis for a hit modern minimalist décor is soft fabrics, leather furniture, shiny cabinets and floors, and linear and invisible moldings.

With clarity on the client’s needs, a professional designer will create a living and enchanting minimalist space.  She will help the owner feel accomplished and relaxed in his or her life by getting rid of things that are not needed.  The modern minimalist décor is a style that rejoices in clean lines and an open space.  It is certainly a style that lets a person rebel against the dominating and rampant consumerism that has taken control over the world.

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To most couples, the bedroom is an intimate space they share and spend a lot of time together in. To make your bedroom a place where you and your partner can look forward to retreating into, consider new ways to invite an element of romance into your bedroom decor. Invest in the help of a Seattle interior designer to help you achieve the best look to suit your and your partner’s tastes and preferences. Here are some great ideas to inspire you:

1. Obliterate clutter
Clutter and mess can be one of the biggest killers of romance. It’s hard to relax in a messy space and having various objects lying around can be a major distraction. First, spend time cleaning out your closets for unwanted items you have amassed over time. Then speak to your interior designer about the best ways to maximize your space. You’ll want your belongings to be kept well organized and hidden out of the way in closets and storage drawers that perhaps slip underneath the bed. Look for classy storage ideas that will help mask your belongings and add an element of style to you room as well, e.g., a vintage dressing table or an elegant leather ottoman for the foot of the bed.

2. Your bed and bedding
Beds are personal items of furniture and should suit your and your partner’s personal tastes. You’ll want something that is attractive and deliciously comfortable. You might choose a bed with an ornate iron frame or opt for a more contemporary style that sits low and has a simple wooden box frame. Your sheets should be special, as well. Talk to your interior designer about which fabrics, e.g., silk, satin or cotton, and colors would best suit your bedroom design. It’s easier to feel romantic if your bed always looks inviting.

3. Have fun with lighting
Lighting can impact your mood. You’ll need bright lights while you read or are sorting through clothes, but to create a romantic atmosphere, dimmed or colored lights will calm the senses. You might want to add new light fixtures which can be dimmed when needed or find shades that add color to your existing lamps. You might even opt to have a romantic fireplace installed. If you and your partner love candles, ask your interior designer for ways to create a candle deck or similar feature that you can enjoy using.

4. Personalize
The most important thing about your bedroom space is that it is YOUR bedroom space. Ask your interior designer to help you personalize your interior. Are there photos that are very personal to you both e.g., one of you cuddling together, or a painting that you both love and want displayed? Do you like the look of mirrors and want a few more in the room? Or perhaps you love the smell of fresh flowers and want somewhere to display them? Discuss your preferences with your interior designer in Seattle. They’ll help you incorporate the things you enjoy into your private space.

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If you plan to have a new dining room designed for your home, it’s wise to have a basic understanding of the design options available to you.

1. Size
Small dining rooms feel overcrowded if dressed with heavy furniture, dark walls and heavy drapes. In contrast, large rooms feel empty if the dining table is too small, there are few furnishings and the walls are light-colored. Ideas to enhance smaller rooms include adding an additional window or wall cutout to add new dimensions to the space. Windows that open into the kitchen are particularly useful. For larger rooms, tall plants, rich drapes or extra pieces of furniture, e.g. a wine rack, can be tasteful additions.

2. Formality
Opting for either a casual or formal dining space will impact your design choices. For formal spaces, a heavy wooden table with special finish and a fine china cabinet could be chosen. In comparison, for casual spaces, you might decide on a round glass table and a colorful rug to compliment your room. The frequency with which you intend to use your dining area should help steer your design choices, too. You might choose more opulent furnishings for a formal area used only on special occasions as wear and tear isn’t a concern. For your casual room, you might need fabrics and accessories that are suited for frequent use.

3. Accessibility
If you plan to entertain often in your dining room, it should be accessible to a bathroom and other gathering areas such as a living room or home theatre. Naturally you will want it to be very close to the kitchen. Whether you opt for a formal or informal arrangement, you will also need to plan a dining setting that is roomy enough for people to move around in without having someone else vacate their seat.

4. Furniture
When planning the ideal dining room, having plenty of space available at the table is a must. It may spoil your well-executed decor if folding chairs have to be added to a crammed table. Anticipate how many people may need to be seated at your table and if this varies greatly, consider purchasing an expandable table. Other than a table and chairs, a dining room has very little furniture needs. This means that additional pieces can be a matter of personal taste. Just be sure your choices do not make the room uncomfortably crowded.

5. Lighting
Guests will need enough lighting to eat their food without trouble, but lighting that is too harsh could cause glare to bounce off white dishes. Crystal chandeliers are great choices for formal rooms while generic lamps might suit your casual room best. One good tip to note: avoid western-facing windows if you like to host dinners - the setting sun might disturb your guests’ eyes.

Now you can be prepared to discuss the above mentioned features with your Seattle interior design firm to help you create a beautiful and functional dining space.

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A baby’s mind is constantly developing and absorbing things from its environment like a sponge. You’ll want to make sure a child’s nursery is a space that engages their mind and senses, and encourages their learning. Speak to your Seattle interior designer about these five great ideas that can help make a child’s nursery more stimulating.

1. Themed room
Pick a theme for the child’s nursery that relates to something you hope they will become familiar with from an early age. Some popular ideas are animals (a farm or safari theme), the alphabet and numbers, the ocean and ocean dwellers, seasons or night and day. Speak to your interior designer about ways to incorporate them into your room’s decor, e.g., through wallpaper, borders, having a mural painted and finding corresponding accessories like lampshades, blinds and painted dressers.

2. Decorate the ceiling
In its early months, a baby spends a lot of time on its back looking up towards the ceiling. Make use of this space - perhaps have contrasting colored patterns painted onto it or even a mural of the morning or night sky. You could choose several different designs depending on what each part of the room is used for, e.g., a plain design may be needed in the space where baby falls asleep. You can also add stimulating accessories like mobiles or hanging toys to certain areas.

3. Create a library
Reading is a wonderful way to stimulate intelligence. Begin your child’s interest in books from a young age by incorporating a library into your nursery. You might opt to have a few shelves of books put up or maybe a few book cabinets erected. Perhaps add a rug or a rocking chair that you and your child can settle on while enjoying the library’s books.

4. Define spaces
You’ll want your nursery to be both a stimulating environment and a calming space where your baby can be soothed during nap and bedtimes. Define areas in the room where baby can go to be stimulated and those where they can unwind and be put to sleep. In stimulating areas, the decor can include mobiles, colorful walls designs and items such as a play mat for tummy time. In calming areas, the decor can incorporate soothing colors, dim lighting, and furniture such as a rocking chair for bonding time between parent and baby.

5. Toys and more toys!
Toys can be enjoyed at all ages, are visually stimulating to even a newborn and will also add another dimension to your decor if you want to display them in your nursery. If you have a themed room, you might choose to fill the room with toys relating to the theme. You may also want a designated area, perhaps a toy box or cupboard, where you can store toys at the end of the day. Ask your Seattle interior designer how you might incorporate toys into your chosen decor.

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