by Patricia Mues

Working with a Professional Interior Designer Can Turn Any Old House into Your Beautiful Home

In today’s real estate market, everyone is taking a closer look at their home. Those who are selling want to get the most profit; those who are buying want to make the best deal. And those who are staying put want their homes to have modern appeal and lasting value. From a cottage on the coast to a ranch in the hills to a condo downtown, good interior design can make all the difference.

“For me, interior design is about making a space that is comfortable,” says Marisa Reed, owner of Veritas Interiors in Escondido and an ASID professional member. Her years of experience creating rooms that invite easy living can be a great asset for sellers. She can quickly assess what’s right and wrong about a home’s decor. “In two to three hours, I can go through a house and make recommendations about what would need to be done,” says Reed. “I can even specify paint colors that will work well in almost any space.” (Her favorites are soft beiges and greens that add color without taking away light.) Along with removing clutter and personal accessories throughout the house, Reed recommends that sellers take a critical look at their window treatments. “Blinds that are cheap and outdated should be removed.” Then the windows should be cleaned thoroughly and either left bare or finished with a simple valance. Reed also counsels her clients to maximize the feel of a room by minimizing furnishings whenever possible. For a bedroom, that may be keeping just a bed and two side tables. For a dining room, just a table and some chairs will suffice. “Keep it simple,” says Reed. “Just put in what you need to define the room’s function.”

The keen eye of an interior designer can be just as helpful for buyers, especially when they are considering homes that aren’t brand new. Reed helps clients see past pink flocked wallpaper or bright gold laminate, yielding a great house at a bargain price. “People react strongly to colors,” notes Reed, “but they can easily be changed. I always think about the flow first. Is the kitchen convenient to the garage? Is there a bathroom accessible to company? Could we take down a wall to create a great room or combine two small bedrooms to make a large master?” She also lets clients know they can modernize a kitchen without a total overhaul. “You can paint the cabinets, add new countertops and change out the appliances for stainless steel. You’ll have a whole new look.”

For those buying a new place with a blank slate, interior designers can take the confusion out of customizing a home. “When you walk through a model, it can be hard to remember what comes standard and what’s an upgrade,” says Sharon Widdop, an allied member of ASID. “I try to learn how my clients plan to live in the home, so that I can help them make good decisions. For families with kids, that means selecting flooring that looks good, wears well and is easy to maintain. If home entertainment is a top priority, I’ll make sure we can create a media room that’s both comfortable and functional.” Space planning is also paramount to successful design. “People tend to fall in love with a model, so it’s my job to stay grounded,” says Widdop. Can that dining room really seat eight comfortably? Is a garden tub or a big shower the better choice? “When I’m familiar with a client’s style, the furnishings they plan to keep, and the life they want to live, I can help them create a home that will be relaxed, functional and beautiful.”

Homeowners who are staying where they are can also find interior designers willing to work on a budget. “I love working with people who think they can’t afford an interior designer. They’re often surprised by how much a room changes when you put the right color on the walls.” For Widdop, creating rooms that are nurturing and friendly are at the heart of her work. “When a client tells me they feel so happy to come home, I know I’ve captured the client’s vision. That’s the best feeling in the world.”

Choosing an Interior Designer
Personal recommendation is the best way to find an interior designer. If you know someone who has worked with one, ask if they’d use him or her again. If they would, find out why. Were they confident without being pushy? Did they handle conflict well? Did they meet deadlines and stay within budget? You can also look for the work of local designers in magazines and newspapers and then search for their websites, which will likely have photos of their past projects. Home shows and designer showcases are another great way to get to know designers, who will be happy to talk with you about a potential project.

The easiest and most complete source for information on interior designers is the local ASID website, asidsandiego.org. It offers great information on interior design and has an online referral service that’s fast and free. Just answer half a dozen questions about your project and budget, type in your zip code, and in less than a minute you’ll have details on designers who might be just what you’re looking for.

Once you have found a designer with good accreditation, make sure he or she suits your personality. “You’ll be spending a lot of time with this person, so make sure you choose someone who listens to you and shows they understand,” says Widdop. “If you don’t have a good feeling, thank them for their time and move on. True design professionals are not prima donnas.”

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asidsandiego.org

Marisa Reed • 760-505-2266 • veritasinteriors.com

Sharon Widdop • 619-518-6798 • stagedtoclose.com