“Finishes” are items specified to the homeowner by the designer and can include choices from a total color palette, furniture, window treatments and lighting fixtures, to cabinet hardware. 

Specifying finishes with a designer during the initial phase of your project benefits everyone. 

When working with remodeler or builder, a designer foresees needs or thinks about things you may overlook, before construction begins. For example, if your sofa is floating in the middle of the room, you want to make sure you have the proper placement for electrical floor outlets.  A paint color may appear fine on the sample but work differently on the wall.

Designers use colors quite deliberately considering the lighting, type of space, and environment. Knowing how colors affect us emotionally help us to achieve the type of atmosphere the client is seeking when designing a room, home, or workspace.  Color choices can add warmth, calmness, or brightness to interior and exterior spaces.  They permeate spaces in a myriad of ways; from wallcoverings, fabrics, flooring, cabinets, and other elements.

A designer can be a bridge between you and your remodeler by establishing good communication with all parties.  Costly mistakes and changes affecting the project can be avoided.  

A professional with a trained eye can automatically tell you if there is something wrong or right in a space.  Having that immediate consult is a major advantage when making aesthetic decisions. It is the result of knowledge and years of experience. This not only affects your remodeling budget, but helps you spend time and money more efficiently, adding value to your home.

A professional designer will help you envision your residential or commercial space prior to construction. A detailed plan is created to reflect your personality from color choices to the last detail of the project. Storyboards, floorplans, drawings, and samples are provided to illustrate each area of the project.  An inventory assists to determine what items may be kept or repurposed. Suggestions of fabrics, countertops, backsplash, flooring, plumbing fixtures and other items are considered.  

There are things available to designers that are not available to the general public in terms of connections, resources and merchandise. Designers are constantly visiting Trade Showrooms and attending Designer Markets open To the Trade Only, which are excellent resources for everything related to your home. The curated choices are shared with you, saving you endless amounts of time and effort researching products and pricing. 

Interior design is a skill and an art that enhances the aesthetics in your environment and the quality of life in the space. Hiring an ASID Interior Design professional allows an experience that makes your house a home, a home that will reflect your personality.

This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community.  To reach the author directly, email sophia@sophiadesigns.com. For information on this article, please contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net.  To join the council or to find a professional remodeler in your area, please visit www.ghba.org.

Create a bathroom that boasts fabulous style and function.
.