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Victorian Decorating Tips
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Distinctive Interiors Inc.
70 Concord Ridge Rd.
Flemington, NJ 08822
Sandy Gavarny, A.S.
Interior Designer
By appointment only
908-782-1355
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How to work with an Interior Designer
We wanted to give you information on "How To Work With An Interior Designer." Many people do not know how to go about using an interior designer. There are many different types of designers and many different styles in which to decorate your home with.
We contacted Sandy Gavarny of Distinctive Interiors, Inc. to answer some questions for us. She has many different design services available such as; home interior design, office interior design, floor planning, furniture, custom window treatments, custom area rugs, carpeting, wallpaper and accessories.
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Ms. Gavarny is a very well-rounded Interior Designer and has 20 years experience in the field. As you can see, Ms. Gavarny has a full decorating service and was gracious enough to give us the following valuable information.
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L/V:
How to choose the right interior designer?
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SG:
Selecting the correct decorator or designer is very important. First of all you need to choose between a decorator, or design consultant and a professional interior designer. A decorator is usually someone who is good with colors but, is not trained in the field. Usually shop at home stores hire this kind of help. An interior designer, on the other hand, is someone who is trained in the field. Also, has a degree from a design school or college, and can work with an architect on blue prints and building.
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L/V:
Should a designer have a portfolio of their work for you to view?
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SG:
Most professional Interior Designers will have a portfolio of photos from work they have completed. College portfolios of renderings and floor plans have some what been replaced because they are so time consuming. Their replacements are photos, computer floor plans and graphics. Besides the portfolio, a list of references from previous jobs is far more important. You should call the referrals and ask how pleased they were with their designer, and how they felt about the service and installations they received. A good Interior Designer is only as good as her referrals. Most good designers do not even advertise, they get their recommendations from all their previous work. Most importantly, you need to have a great repour with your designer. She will be able to know your likes and dislikes, and you need to have trust in her. Remember, this is supposed to be fun, so let her do her job and she will lead you the right way. However, you do have the final say, and you are the one who will live with the end results.
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L/V:
Do certain Interior Designers concentrate on just one type of particular style?
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SG:
I would say that certain decorators will work in just one style such as modern or period styles such as English because of their affiliation with a store they might work in. However, most Interior Designers find it a challenge to work in all styles. A good designer should be able to design a room based on the clients need, input and style of the home. Not to say, however, that this rule can be broken.
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L/V:
Will interior designers be willing to redo just one room?
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SG:
Most Interior Designers will take on a one-room project. However, it depends on their firm and their workload at the time.
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Photos included in this article are from Ms. Gavarny's portfolio
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L/V:
What should an interior designer ask you to obtain information on your particular needs, style etc...?
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SG:
A good Interior Designer needs to be a good listener. The needs of the client and their families life style should be noted. You need to give the client a not only beautiful but, functional end result.
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L/V:
When a client sits down with a designer, should they have any information ready for the decorator in advance?
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SG:
I usually ask my first time clients to start a folder of pictures from magazines of things they like and dislike, before I meet with them for the first time. Sometimes, it is hard for new clients to express in design terms what kind of look appeals to them. Most clients are happy to be prepared before a first meeting. Any fabric arm covers or existing carpet samples will aid the designer when she returns to their studio to work on their project.
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L/V:
For our readers information, what are the current trends, and do you see any particular trends coming in the future?
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SG:
I feel the current trends this year are still the Italian Tuscany look and all period styles of furniture such as; English, French and many Antique pieces.
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I think from the above information, we can feel very confident on "How To Work With An Interior Designer." So, start that make-over for your home you have been planning for years and enjoy the results.
Happy Decorating!
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