Should I take an interior decorating class if I want to decorate my own home? To decorate your home, you don't need to take an interior decorating class. Embarking on decorating your own home can be a big...
Embarking on decorating your own home can be a big undertaking. Often, people feel like they do not have the tools or the knowledge to decorate their own homes. This can feel like a giant task, especially if you do not know how to get started.
When asked if she thought someone should take an interior decorating class before decorating one's own home, Kathy Dodson, award-winning interior decorator and owner of Decorating Dens, said that she does not feel that taking a decorating class is the best approach for most people. "I think you would need to take a lot of classes if you were doing your whole home."
Instead, Dodson recommends consulting an interior design professional, at least for a consultation session, to get you started. "I think you get a lot more out of three hours with that designer than a six hour class that you are taking for the next six months." She says that you want to have some general knowledge of what you are interested in prior to meeting with the design professional. This way, you do not waste time trying to figure out a direction.
If you decide you need some design assistance, it is often to your advantage to work with an interior designer early in your planning process. While you can call upon an interior decorator at any point in your design process, it can often help with the final look if you do a consultation earlier, rather than later in the implementation process.
While looking through decorator magazines or other sources, if you find looks you like but you do not know how to go about duplicating a similar look in your own home, it can be helpful to take your clippings and ideas with you when you consult with a professional. He or she can help you to figure out how a similar look could be adapted to work with your surroundings.
Professional interior decorators can save you time and money in the long run. Since your decorator does design work for a living, he or she can most likely give you tips and tricks regarding where to find the best deal on your decorations and supplies, and what stores carry the items for which you are looking. Just simplifying your process of obtaining all of the design elements for your home can lift a burden.
An interior design professional can help you with any of the elements of decorating your home, from choosing your colors to placing your furniture in the best spots. Just getting some ideas from a professional can help to point you in the right direction.
If you do not feel that working with an interior decorator is right for you, there are a number of other sources you can consult for ideas. There are many home decorating shows on television that provide many different types of decorating options. There are also a number of decorator magazines and books that are easily accessible. The more research you do and ideas you obtain, the better you will feel about trying out ideas in your own home.
