This month we are going to keep to a theme - Interior Design for KIDS! Watch our page for more information on creating the BEST space for your little ones!
MYTH #7 - INTERIOR DESIGNERS ARE "ARTSY WEIRDOS"
Many people confuse designers and fine artists, although everyone is unique, and we shouldn’t generalise.
Designers do need to have a sense of creativity, but generally are confused with being artsy airheads that just have a sense of creative style and “hope for the best”. In fact designers are rather analytical people and are tasked with coming up with creative, calculated solutions for design problems.
Designers are trained; they usually study for at least 3 years, and have knowledge on CAD, theory of materials and a vast amount of theoretical subjects such as history of architecture and furniture design. The theory enables the designer to back up their practical and technical knowledge. A good designer will never just guess, they will do the relevant research on a specific product before they specify it in a client’s space “just because it looks nice”, rarely will you find a designer that will just guess that a furniture piece will fit in a space – we always measure, and focus on the entire 3 dimensional space.
Artistic flamboyant folk are generally concerned with how something looks, whereas design is more focused on how something works.
Most of the interior designers that I know are practical people that thrive on planning and are far from being flamboyant, although every person in every profession is unique, you may find a boring designer or a flamboyant farmer, at the end of the day a designer should be judged on their skill.
“Good Art Is a Talent. Good Design Is a Skill.”
Commercial Design
Not only do we do designs for the residential sector, we design for the commercial sector too. Here is a doctors waiting room we did recently.
We have moved!
We have moved. Keep an eye out on our Facebook pageto follow the transformation of our new exciting design studio.
The Silly Season
We have reached that point in the year, where we unfortunately have to stop taking orders, as most of our suppliers are going to close their orders shortly (or already have done so), the orders that have already been placed are all on track, but I have attached some important dates to keep in mind.
Please contact us as soon as possible should there be any last minute changes, or orders, or small miracles that need to happen between now and the 12th of December.
We are still open for design work until the 12th of December, and will be just a call or email (or whatsapp or facebook msg –as you wish) away should you have any queries.
Interior Design Myth #6
Myth #6: As long as my space is trendy, it will look amazing...
This is another one of many myths about the interior design and decor field, over the following few months I will be discussing, and hopefully dispelling these:
- Interior design myth #1 – There is no difference between interior designers and interior decorators.
- Interior design myth #2 – I can’t afford an interior designer.
- Interior Design myth#3 – My home will look like your style, and wont reflect my personality.
- Interior design myth#4 – I can do it myself, I see it on TV all the time.
- Interior design myth #5 – I can get free designer advice in a salon or shop.
- Interior design myth#6 – Good design is trendy
- Interior design myth #7 – Interior designers are “artsy weirdoes”.
- Interior design myth #8 – Even if I don’t like the design, I will still have to pay.
The word Trendy implies exactly that...be careful.
One must always remember that trends have a shelf life, what is in today might be out tomorrow, and when spending hard earned money on your interior space, one always wants get something that will last and that you will like. So my advice is to get something that has classic appeal and will remain relevant for a long period of time, good interior design satisfies the needs of the person using the space.
Generally it is safe to use a neutral colour palette and furniture that will remain relevant, and is of good quality. The smaller items such as occasional furniture and accessories are generally less expensive, and can be trendy as they can be replaced when you tire of them. One should also remember that going with a cool trend will possibly only work if you are cool, an interior space needs to reflect the person who inhabits it. My mother as an example more than likely wouldn’t have a contemporary retro vibe in her space, as she has Victorian taste and if she was convinced to spend money trying to convert her space into that look and feel, because she was convinced to do so by somebody else (or the trend following masses), she would more than likely hate the space in a short period of time.
So a good idea would be to stay true to your own style aesthetic, and experiment with trends in the smaller aspects, perhaps you really love the trend and to you it becomes “classic”, then go with it.
When dealing with a qualified interior designer, they should guide you in terms of classic finishes and furnishings, and after a meeting with you and determination of your style, be able to assist you in making decisions relevant to your wants and needs, but also staying true to the architectural style of the building and classic design principles.
“Also, remember that “good taste” describes how you evaluate your meal; it is not a qualification for being a professional interior designer.” Caren S Martin (http://design.umn.edu)
Dale Dennis (B-Tech Interior design TUT)
Interior Design Myth #5
Myth #5: I don’t need a designer I can get free advice in the hair salon...
This is another one of many myths about the interior design and decor field, over the following few months I will be discussing, and hopefully dispelling these:
- Interior design myth #1 – There is no difference between interior designers and interior decorators.
- Interior design myth #2 – I can’t afford an interior designer.
- Interior Design myth#3 – My home will look like your style, and wont reflect my personality.
- Interior design myth#4 – I can do it myself, I see it on TV all the time.
- Interior design myth #5 – I can get free designer advice in a salon or shop.
- Interior design myth#6 – Good design is trendy
- Interior design myth #7 – Interior designers are “artsy weirdoes”.
- Interior design myth #8 – Even if I don’t like the design, I will still have to pay.
Yes definitely getting advice on interior design in a furniture shop could work for you,
One thing to remember is that if the advice, being given to you (for free), in say for example a furniture or fabric shop, is limited as the person giving the advice is generally trying to make a sale. This person will very seldomly give you advice on your space as a part of a whole, and provide the attention to detail that is necessary. Without conducting a site visit, or at least an hour’s consultation, how could that person really know what it is that you as a client needs and wants.
Having your home look like a singular furniture or fabric houses showroom is not ideal, and this is generally the look you will achieve if you are getting advice from the sales person/”designer” that is at the end of the day just trying to make a sale.
I am sure that the designer that is based in this shop is not going to tell you that the chair in the competitions showroom next door is going to be a better design option... when in fact it just might be.
As mentioned over and over before, the job of an interior designer is to ensure functionality of any given area, combined with aesthetic appeal. A true designer will always make sure their client is happy and safe, and if it means purchasing from over a 100 suppliers to achieve this, that is what an independent interior designer would and should do.
At the end of the day one has to remember that nothing is for free, it is up to us as an educated public to decide where we would like to spend our money. Paying a professional Designer for a few hours to put together a scheme, which you have briefed them on, and letting them do all the leg work and weeding out the items that you don’t want will more than likely safe you many, many hours, and time is money. You will also have one point of contact for your entire interior, and also have the advantage of your home being unique, and not looking like a furniture showroom (unless of course you would like it to).
Not all interior advice given in a shop is bad; please just bear in mind where the advice is coming from.
Dale Dennis (B-Tech Interior design TUT)
Interior Design Myth #4
Myth #4: I can do it myself, I see it on TV all the time!
This is one of many myths about the interior design and decor field, over the following few months I will be discussing, and hopefully dispelling these:
- Interior design myth #1 – There is no difference between interior designers and interior decorators.
- Interior design myth #2 – I can’t afford an interior designer.
- Interior Design myth#3 – My home will look like your style, and wont reflect my personality.
- Interior design myth#4 – I can do it myself, I see it on TV all the time.
- Interior design myth #5 – I can get free designer advice in a salon or shop.
- Interior design myth#6 – Good design is trendy
- Interior design myth #7 – Interior designers are “artsy weirdoes”.
- Interior design myth #8 – Even if I don’t like the design, I will still have to pay.
You more than likely could do it yourself, however there are a few points to remember:
When these TV shows are produced a lot of planning goes into the project before hand, and remember even on these shows they have a team of professionals working on the project, if not directly for the audience to see, definitely behind the scenes. These shows also have sponsors, so in these instances clients budgets are no issue.
That wonderful moment when the client says OMG! I love it (or secretly hates it – but can’t complain because it was done for free), is not what working with an interior designer is all about, the client should always be along for the journey making decisions hand in hand with the professional that is guiding them through the process. There should never be a “surprise!” whether it is good or bad.
It is also delusional to think that an entire house or room can be completely renovated in 1 day or even a week; stripping, rubble removal, electrical, plumbing, painting and new furnishings – there is in actual fact a proper timeline that should be followed to allow for quality work, there is no point going through this process if whatever you achieve has no longevity.
Are you aware that natural fibres move in coastal conditions? Your curtains will hang on the floor today, and tomorrow they will be up in the air? So perhaps using linen curtains isn’t a great idea for a beachside apartment, doing it yourself comes with a lot of risks like this if you are not well informed.
This is not to say that you cannot do it yourself, if you are inspired by design promoted by these shows that is GREAT, it is wonderful that more of the masses are becoming design aware, but just make sure that you conduct your research, do proper planning and be realistic about your projects timeline to ensure you end up with a quality, functional space at the end of it all.
1 month project - Before
1 month project - After
Dale Dennis (B-Tech Interior design TUT)
Interior Design Myth #3
Myth #3: My home will reflect the designer’s style and not my own...
This is one of many myths about the interior design and decor field, over the following few months I will be discussing, and hopefully dispelling these:
- Interior design myth #1 – There is no difference between interior designers and interior decorators.
- Interior design myth #2 – I can’t afford an interior designer.
- Interior Design myth#3 – My home will look like your style, and wont reflect my personality.
- Interior design myth#4 – I can do it myself, I see it on TV all the time.
- Interior design myth #5 – I can get free designer advice in a salon or shop.
- Interior design myth#6 – Good design is trendy
- Interior design myth #7 – Interior designers are “artsy weirdoes”.
- Interior design myth #8 – Even if I don’t like the design, I will still have to pay.
Actually the complete opposite is true, the whole operation is about THE CLIENT – which is you!
Fair enough each designer does have a distinct style that they flavour, but design is not about creating themes or re-creating other looks, it’s about researching what your client wants and most importantly needs. At my company we have an in depth questionnaire that we give to our clients to ascertain what their needs are, and also to find out what they DO NOT like, this way we have a clearer starting point. As mentioned in previous articles, the job of a qualified interior designer is to make sure that the space functions for its intended use, above anything else. The aesthetic value is added later.
Designers are trained to see the bigger picture and if clients are clear with the final direction, the designer can help them create THEIR ultimate look, and provide them with the plan to get there. Have you ever seen an amazing floor finish, a wonderful kitchen style, all sorts of interesting taps and basins? – Now you do love these items in their individuality, but do you know whether they are going to all work together? And are they going to create the final look you wish to achieve?
A Designer should be able to guide you in the right direction whether it is a classic, contemporary or country look, and most importantly this guidance is to achieve YOUR desired look, not the look the designer wants to achieve. I always say to my clients “You are paying me to create YOUR home, I will do as much as I can to help you achieve that, at the end of the day I am not going to live there YOU are”, this is just my approach and I will guide the client towards the final look they want to achieve, if they are happy at the end of the day, I have done my job. There are a few designers out there that do only take on a certain client, because they do not wish to work in another style other than their own, but there is a place for these designers too, as clients that hire them are aware of this, and generally want this designer specific style.
Designers are human and sometimes could get the initial concept a little wrong; it is here where the designer SHOULD be willing to redo the concept until the client is happy (within reason of course).
The key to this myth is relationship – Designers and clients build a relationship, and on your very first “date” you will more than likely know if you are a match or not. If you are not sure, research the design professional: have a look at their website, phone their previous clients, or ask them for a portfolio.
Contemporary/Beach Style
Contemporary/Natural Beach Style
Colourful Contemporary/Modern Style
Classic/Country Style
Eclectic Style
Contemporary Style
Dale Dennis (B-Tech Interior design TUT)
Interior Design Myth #2
Myth #2: I can’t afford an interior designer
This is one of many myths about the interior design and decor field, over the following few months I will be discussing, and hopefully dispelling these:
- Interior design myth #1 – There is no difference between interior designers and interior decorators.
- Interior design myth #2 – I can’t afford an interior designer.
- Interior Design myth#3 – My home will look like your style, and wont reflect my personality.
- Interior design myth#4 – I can do it myself, I see it on TV all the time.
- Interior design myth #5 – I can get free designer advice in a salon or shop.
- Interior design myth#6 – Good design is trendy
- Interior design myth #7 – Interior designers are “artsy weirdoes”.
- Interior design myth #8 – Even if I don’t like the design, I will still have to pay.
Another approach to this myth is my reply “can you afford NOT to hire an interior designer?”
Yes interior designers charge for their time, if we didn't we wouldn't be viewed as providing a professional service. Would you go to a doctor and not expect to pay for the consultation, and just for the medication? I thought not.
When you actually know what services interior designers provide it might be clearer; one example might be that we can do a basic scaled furniture layout before the foundations are cast, this will allow for positioning of light fittings as well as plug points, this prevents a situation where there might not be a power point where you need one, and in the same right a plug point staring you in the face where you actually don’t need it ; or selecting an incorrect floor or wall finish; incorrect sanitary and brass-ware; not to mention selecting an incorrect kitchen that you may hate for years to come when installed -these variations on a building or renovation project add up quickly, and before you know it, this bill is often times more than the fee you would have paid an interior design professional. You can decide to what scale you would like the designer to be involved, and this hourly fee is a small sacrifice for a professional service that will save you from making costly mistakes.
Our job is to make your space practical and safe for you to inhabit eliminating mistakes, and allowing you to complete the project once, properly and within budget. We work with your realistic budget, even if it means getting very creative with design concepts and re-using existing furnishings, when at that stage of the project.
Working with an ethical interior designer or design company means you won’t pay more buying anything through a designer than you will pay doing it yourself, only with the advantage of dealing with one central contact, not to mention all the relationships the designer has built with suppliers and manufacturers through working in the industry. Protect your investment by hiring a professional design team for your project.
Dale Dennis (B-Tech Interior design TUT)
Interior Design Myth #1
Myth #1: Interior designer/interior decorator what’s the difference, there is no difference...
This is one of many myths about the interior design and decor field, over the following few months I will be discussing, and hopefully dispelling these:
- Interior design myth #1 – There is no difference between interior designers and interior decorators.
- Interior design myth #2 – I can’t afford an interior designer.
- Interior Design myth#3 – My home will look like your style, and wont reflect my personality.
- Interior design myth#4 – I can do it myself, I see it on TV all the time.
- Interior design myth #5 – I can get free designer advice in a salon or shop.
- Interior design myth#6 – Good design is trendy
- Interior design myth #7 – Interior designers are “artsy weirdoes”.
- Interior design myth #8 – Even if I don’t like the design, I will still have to pay.
In this edition I will be discussing the first myth; it is common practice for society to confuse the two different professions. When undertaking my research on proposed topics, I posed a question on my company Facebook page asking people for suggestions on topics they wished to know more about in the interior design field, one response was “Things not to do when decorating.. Current trends.... simple changes to keep with current seasons....”. So point proved.
Some interior designers (not excluding myself) might be a little offended, if you called them an interior decorator. There is a difference between the two and the main difference is the level of education received in the field. Many people with flair or some sense of creativity can and do call themselves decorators, to call yourself an interior designer; you should have at least a 3 year diploma or degree in the field.
The main task (and training received) of an interior designer is to improve the functionality in terms of health, safety and welfare of their clients and the public in the interior spaces they are commissioned to design, and naturally, as required by most clients to achieve a desired aesthetic. Interior decorators do not always receive this intensive training and are mostly concerned with soft finishes and aesthetics. Likewise not all interior designers can call themselves interior architects.
There are very many talented decorators in the industry that produce beautiful work, and have been doing so for many years. There are also many fly by nights – who fling the word “designer” around like it means nothing.
The main point is that there most certainly is a difference between the two respective fields, and clients should be mindful of what the actual scope of the work is before hiring anybody.
The IID (The South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions) is the only professional body representing the Interior Design industry in South Africa. The institute is concerned with promoting professionalism and maintaining high standards in the industry, below is how they define the different professions.
Professional Interior Architect – “Any person who has obtained minimum 5 year full time degree from an accredited educational institution affiliated to a faculty of Architecture at a University and a minimum of 1 year’s practical experience and who has satisfied the National Council of their professional competence.” (http://bit.ly/1rDPJXq)
Professional Interior Designer – “Any person who has obtained a minimum 3 year full time diploma or degree from an accredited educational institution and a minimum of 3 years practical experience, or who has been practicing for a minimum of 6 years and has satisfied the National Council of their professional competence and suitability.”
Professional Interior Decorator – “Any person who has obtained a minimum 1 year full time qualification from an accredited educational institution and a minimum of 5 years practical experience, or who has been practicing for a minimum of 6 years and has satisfied the National Council of their professional competence and suitability.” (http://bit.ly/UmFaff)
For more information on this topic you can access www.iidprofessions.org.za.
Dale Dennis (B-Tech Interior design TUT)
Tips for the coast
Have you moved from Johannesburg or anywhere inland? Renovating or re-decorating your new home?
Here are a few things you should probably know about specifying materials on the coast:
Rust:
Everything rusts, it’s only a matter of time... so where before you could use any material under the sun, such as chrome or wrought iron for your light fittings or balustrades or even furniture, you will now have to use a good quality stainless steel or specially engineered plastics.
Glass:
This is a great material to use in abundance to bring in views and give the illusion of spaciousness, but remember that there is the element of the salty sea breeze , that is a constant factor. Remember this when specifying glass, weigh up the options in terms of required look versus constant cleaning required.
Natural fabrics:
When selecting fabrics for curtains and upholstery remember that inland there is much less moisture in the air than on the coast – natural textiles such as silk, cottons and linens absorb this moisture and can literally move dependent on the moisture content in the air, for this reason you should select poly -cotton blends or 100% polyester fabrics to be safe. There are amazing polyester fabrics on the market that appear natural, allowing you to not have to sacrifice on the desired look but be safe in terms of constant look and maintenance.
Wood:
There is nothing as amazing as wood, but due to varying conditions it can crack if subjected to the elements. Make sure that if you are putting in solid wooden flooring (or engineered) the flooring is delivered to site to rest and acclimatise to the specific area before it is installed. Furniture manufacturers at the coast are usually aware of the nature of wood and will order their timber in advance for this reason and only manufacture once the timber has settled.
The above mentioned are just a few points to take into consideration when delving into this subject, but it is essential to do research and planning beforehand. There are many items made from suitable materials that are weather resistant and easily maintainable; such as poly-wicker outdoor woven furniture with a range of mold, soil and water repellent fabrics used for the cushions, as well as ranges of contemporary concrete furniture.
Maintenance:
Is by far the most important factor that contributes to the life of any product or finish on the cast (and in general), no matter how good the quality of the product if it is not maintained properly it will not last. Examples of this are cleaning of all metals with a surface cleaner – leaving a protective layer that will protect the product, or having curtains washed or dry cleaned regularly, or airing out and putting humidity removers in apartments that are only used for holidays.
Dale Dennis (B-Tech Interior Design, TUT)
Interior Design Trends
International design trends are moving away from mass produced and cataloged items, and a love for one of a kind, personalized products have emerged. Quality is expected by the consumer, if the recent recession brought along one good thing, it was to encourage the retailer to step it up and make sure their product or service is up to standard. A new pride in supplying a well designed product has been established, it is more important than advertising thousands of “machine moulded” items for the sake of selling.
The new design trend for the future is most definitely going local, by supporting your local markets or antique shops that “special piece” can be found to personalize your space.
Recycle and re-use is the taking the design world by storm. Leading fabric houses are now supplying “green” fabrics, by using recycled plastic bottles and car tires, wonderful upholstery fabrics and outdoor rugs are now being used. Re-using furniture pieces is quite common, by re-upholstering or re-spraying key pieces a new look can easily be achieved. It is always a good idea to keep your big furniture pieces neutral, not just for economical reasons, but it is easier to follow the latest trends that way. Splashes of colour can be incorporated by using scatter cushions, accessories and art, your look and feel can change drastically by changing these smaller items frequently.
Colour will always be “current” in our country, with all the cultural diversity and South African landscape as influences, one cannot go wrong. Coral colours are used often these days with no rule as to what goes with what. The only trick is to use your colours in the same tones. Whites and neutrals are used to balance your spaces and allow it to breathe. Keep an eye on fashion trends, colours and prints for interiors are mostly influenced by “what’s on the runway”. For a timeless look, especially at the coast, blues and greens can be used in abundance; we don’t see these colour ways ever dating, whites and neutrals can again be introduced, if you want to give it that modern twist, different shades of grey can be used in wall & floor colours.
Prints are so hot right now… they are being combined with no limitations. Geometric designs are seen all over from fabrics to wallpapers, stripes will always have their place; and botanical prints are still being used in different styles to achieve desired affects. Typography has been around for a while and is not going anywhere soon. It’s again being used in all interior media, it is easily achievable, if you were to look for alternative ways (other than fabrics and wallpapers), by simply playing around on your computer you can create interesting prints by combining different fonts and sizes. These days one can print on almost anything, so you can create your own lamp shade or art canvas.
When it comes to designing or redoing a space, think outside the box, don’t be scared and make it an enjoyable experience. As we always advise our clients: “no one else lives in the space, but you” so whatever you feel comfortable with, goes!!!
Top tips:
- Local is best
- Recycle and re use
- Go green (optimize natural light, rain water harvesting & insulation can go a long way)
- Combine textures, colours and prints
- Retro and industrial elements are a must
- Use of old and new
- Flow of exterior and interior spaces
- Don’t settle for sub standard productsGet informed
- Take your time
Dale Dennis (B-Tech Interior Design, TUT)
Interior Design 101
With the ever increasing stress load people are experiencing at work and in general day to day life, a person’s home has become their sanctuary.
In some instances as a form of relief, mostly retail therapy, an individual enjoys going through transforming their homes themselves, however when one doesn't know how or where to start additional stress can be placed on their shoulders.
This is where an expert in the field can be brought in to make your dream a reality, but who do you get in? An Architect? An Interior designer or a decorator? And what is the difference?
Architecture:
Architecture is practice of designing and constructing buildings, and other large structures. Some students enroll in a 4-year Bachelor's degree program, and then remain in school an extra 2- or 3- years for a Master's degree in architecture. Other students enroll in a 5-year program that leads directly to a Master's in architecture, In addition to your education; all jurisdictions will require you to get practical experience, usually in the form of an internship, before they will issue a license. So you would use an architect do design any new building or addition to a building, generally that requires submission to council and residential estates bodies.
Interior Design:
Interior design is a profession that requires specific schooling and formal training. The work involved usually includes studying color and fabric, CAD training, space planning, furniture design and construction. Usually designers apprentice with a registered and established interior designer.
Designers can help design and renovate interiors, right from drawing up the initial floor plans (such as removing a wall, moving plumbing around, electrical and lighting layouts) to placing the last decorative accent. They don't just enhance the look; they enhance the function of a room.
Interior designers often work closely with architects and contractors to help achieve the look the client desires, whether it’s a residential home, an office, a hotel, or any other interior space.
Interior Decorating:
Interior decorators don't need to have formal training or schooling because decorators focus primarily on aesthetics. Decorators don't generally take part in renovations or structural planning. They come in after that part is complete and focus on the look of the space.
Decorators don't generally work with any contractors or architects since structural work is usually complete beforehand.
Who you should hire depends on your individual needs.
The most important decision one can make, is using a professional, reputable person that is qualified in the specific field, rather than somebody who says they have “flair”. When hiring a designer ask for proof of qualification, portfolio and references, the idea of getting a professional in is to make the process seamless and less costly than it would be doing it yourself, usually there is a lot of money involved – make sure it gets used correctly ensuring your project comes in on time, within budget, and the desired look is achieved.
Dale Dennis (B-Tech Interior Design, TUT)
Information references: www.about.com; www.wikipedia.com; www.oxforddictionaries.com; www.inscape.co.za
