Beware of Online Design Promises and Myths!
We have all heard the old saying: If it looks too good to be true, it probably isn’t! If ever there was a shoe that fits that foot, it’s the one about how easy it is to transform your troubled environment into a prize-winning project, just like magic, in practically no time at all – and for pennies on the dollar!
It isn’t the fact that the problems may be easy to identify, or that “simple” and “obvious” solutions are possible. It is the deceptions about the real process that concern design professionals. Misleading and dishonest portrayals of the realities of design projects (of any size) are dangerous to perpetrate. Many trusting viewers and readers have jumped into situations that seemed just like what they saw on TV, only to find out the truth -- the hard way.
Even the smallest of interior design projects entails much more than the simplistic impressions conveyed by the many “how to” shows on television (and many of the “quick fix” articles in the home improvement print media). What you never see is the real back and forth of choices and decisions, the pragmatic considerations concerning quality versus cost, and the dozens of steps that take much more than one fast track hour (including commercials and station breaks!).
Trust me, these cautions are not about sour grapes! The facts are that professionals are often brought in and paid to remedy misled attempts. It isn’t about us losing work to do-it-yourselfers. It’s about getting to work with very upset people who resent having to pay twice -- for mistakes that didn’t need to happen in the first place.
A favorite serious example is that of homeowners unwittingly ripping out weight-bearing walls – because it looked so easy on the show; just get a sledge hammer, crowbar and a couple of friends, and before you know it the living room is bigger. (Unfortunately, the upstairs rooms are now unsafe, and not everyone has a contractor friend over for dinner who might notice the change and ask: Wasn’t that a weight-bearing wall?)
Simpler examples involve the correct use of new materials, the pros and cons of the myriad of available products, and the effects of weather, temperature and light on some components. The list goes on. It seems so easy in that one-hour show, with amazing transitions right before your eyes! Many even claim the cost for each step in unrealistic numbers.
A little guidance can go a long way towards preventing regrettable trouble. Today, most home improvement and building supply retailers also have qualified personnel in their departments who will inform and advise. Most professionals (designers, building contractors, painting, plumbing and electrical specialists) are willing to hear what you have in mind and give you their opinion about where to draw the line between do-it-yourself and the need for qualified, certified or licensed help.
Auditing such programs is part of the homework your professionals get to do in order to know what promises and myths are being put out there. Remember that the primary motivation is to sell the products. Your time, money and risk are seldom (if ever) realistically addressed.
There is no harm at all in getting ideas and motivation from the down-and-dirty-quick-fix guys and gals. But, when it comes to your actual decision to go forward, use your common sense and seek out preliminary guidance from the right sources – most of it’s free!
Photo Contributed by Robert Boccabella
Professionals know how natural and artificial light interact with each other, adjacent colors and textures. Details like that can make the world of difference between a result that’s right or a mistake. When in doubt – ask!
© 2015 Robert A. Boccabella, B.F.A., Certified Interior Designer
www.BusinessDesignServices.com rb@BusinessDesignServices.com
Collaboration & Writing: Ms. Zoe Tummillo
WritingService@earthlink.net
Robert Boccabella, B.F.A. is principal and founder of Business Design Services and a certified interior designer in private practice for over 30 years. Boccabella provides Designing to Fit the Vision© in collaboration with writingservice@earthlink.net. To contact him call 707-263-7073; email him at rb@BusinessDesignServices.com or visit www.BusinessDesignServices.com or on Face Book and Instagram at Business Design Services.