Not everyone is blessed having the aesthetic sense of doing up their homes in style, but everyone wants a home, warm and inviting. Homemakers these days spend a lot of time, money and energy trying to re-do, refurbish and renovate the nooks and crannies of their dwelling. Some even look online and speak to experts for help, tips and advice. Theses experts are known as interior designers or decorators; professionals who know just exactly how to place what and where, and how to bring about a fairy tale design to manifestation. If you too would want to join the bandwagon and learn how to be an interior décor expert, here are a few tips which would come in handy. Hence, please read on and be well-informed for the same.
The ‘need’ and ‘want’
In most cases, homemakers would hire you because they know squats about the finest nuances of interior décor. Clients would have a set budget in mind, but would desire or want the universe in their homes. As an interior decorator, you have to know how to say ‘NO’ and put forth realism without hurting the feelings of the client.
Let’s Talk
Sit with the client and chalk out a blue-print, understand their ‘needs’, which would tell you more about the lifestyle they lead and how different it is not having such functions around. It is here, where you as a professional would need to talk money and the functionalities of the renovation too. Ask them questions “Do you really need to replace the countertop”? “What about changing the bathroom tiles to a lighter color” and more. Show them ways to satiate their needs and wants, keeping their budget in mind and also making them aware of cheap yet sturdy home décor trends doing the rounds.
Create a Portfolio
Let’s face facts here, we wouldn’t shop for clothes from one source online or one brick and mortar store, would we? The same goes for clients as well; clients would shop around collecting ideas and quotes, and only then would they choose an interior decorator that fits their ‘needs’ and ‘plans’. As an interior decorator who wants to make waves, a portfolio is a must. It should have a versatile range of ideas, right from the luxurious touches worked on up to the budgeted homes and lower. With a profile and portfolio shown to the client, references of your work would be made easily available. Clients would check with previous clients to know the credibility of the person they engage, and a portfolio makes things professional and easier too.
Study the market
Learn about new interior décor trends which most clients look for, these days. Upgrade your talents and skills, host a website or a blog online and offer free information, resources and opinions too. Join social networking sites and interact with the finest of the lot, learn from them and share ideas as well. Connecting with the world and networking with interior designers can bring in ideas and business, news which you can use.
Planning on a project should be done with care, as though it is your own home to dress. It is only when you as a professional would understand what the client wants, will then word of mouth travel to make you well-known.
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