interiordd.com Blog » Educate

Movin’ Trees.

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:09:30 +0000

Today we are expecting J.W., the tree mover guy, to help us relocate some of the larger items that we’d like to keep. He will be on site for one day, and we will move as many items as reasonable within one day. If possible, we’ll even have him spade some of the trees that we plan to relocate later. Because of all of the activity on one site, we have to carefully orchestrate removing the plants that are in the way but that we want to save. Then we have to find a safe place to keep them until we are ready to set them permanently in their new home. The biggest problem is finding a place to keep them safe.

Stay tuned and we’ll let you know how it goes.

Response to comment

Administrator — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:48:39 +0000

I hate to dissapoint you, but there is really no color pallete for 2009. The discussion was more about the potential trends, and the direction that analyst see colors taking. It does carry over into fashion, but as nothing is set in stone, there is no color chart or fan deck that has been released to my knowledge. I do appreciate your interest, however, and I hope you continue to check in from time to time.

Color Trends

Administrator — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:04:33 +0000

I recently attended a wonderful presentation provided by Benjamin Moore Paints. It was in regards to the color trends for 2009, and I thought that you might enjoy seeing how many of their “predictions” come true. Metallics will still be big, but mostly when paired with monochromatic themes. Cool grays paired with warm sand colors are predicted as an up and coming trend. Recycling and reusing existing items is impacting the future more and more as many surfaces are returning to their stripped down state. For instance, raw wood will be huge, and reusing existing dressers as possible living room side tables, etc. Greens will be very popular, but less of the avacado green and more of an emerald green. Also, expect to see a lot of simple patterns repeated to create a complex overall impact.

In addition to the 2009 color trends, Benjamin Moore is rolling out a new (to most of the country) Aura paint line that is completely low VOC (Volital Organic Componds) which makes it organically friendly. It has great coverage ability and no noticable odor. Unlike Ben Moore’s previous low VOC line, the new Aura line not only has a low VOC base, but it also has new low VOC tints. This means that you can paint the day before the guest arrive in any color (not just the pastel based colors) without worrying about the paint odor the next day.

In conjunction with this, Ben Moore released 144 new colors! How do they do it?!

Educate

Administrator — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:22:31 +0000

Through my years of practicing interior design and even while I was in school, I’ve come to realize that many people don’t understand the difference between interior designers and decorators. I would have to say that the line between the two is often not drawn clearly, and that designers often feel that it is beneath them to have to explain. I on the other hand, feel that it is our responsibility as designers to explain repeatedly until the line is not only clear, but indelible.

Initially it is very simple. Designers have been educated in various areas including art history, color studies, architectural history, building structure, drafting, presentational drawings, and more. Decorators can be anyone who might have a “knack” for putting together colors. In many states there are laws that regulate who can call themselves a designer based on the education they have received, but in many more there are no such laws. It is up to the client to do the research and determine who might best meet their needs.

It is entirely possible that you are looking for decorator. If you want advice on color selection and possibly furniture arrangement, then you might prefer to hire a decorator. Their cost should be less than that of an interior designer and the process should be fairly short term. On the other hand, if your project involves moving walls, plumbing, lighting, space planning, or construction you should look for more accreditation. This can be found a number of ways. These days most designers have websites (mine is under construction currently). Often you can find out if the designer is affiliated with any nationally recognized organizations that might speak on their behalf.

American Society of Interior Designers (commonly called ASID) is one of the most recognized organizations. There are three levels of practicing members. The first is the student level. The second is Allied Member ASID, and the third is simply noted as ASID. Student membership is limited to students who are currently attending a nationally recognized design school. The allied membership recognizes a level of professionalism, but full ASID membership is reserved for those who pursue it. To obtain full membership designers must take and pass a three part test that is given over a period of two days. It is the National Council for Interior Design Qualification commonly called the NCIDQ. I will provide more detail on the NCIDQ as well as other organizations in my next EDUCATE post.