​Finding our way through new and unfamiliar circumstances has all of us rethinking old assumptions, and considering how to revamp.  This new situation demands that we go back to the drawing board.  We may not yet know exactly how extensively we will have to modify our Interior space use, traffic patterns and procedures, but we definitely know it’s a must-do that will test our flexibility.
 
Interior design projects have very clear-cut situations that mandate or inspire change.  There’s the “wanna” factor and then there’s the must do circumstance!
 
Today’s new happenings are pretty much a combo of those two rationales – with a few more thrown in!  To begin with, we often surprise ourselves when forced to make sudden changes to our entrenched “norms!”   Often we discover – by default – better or more efficient ways to handle some things.

​There’s a very long list of awful Interior Design “surprises” you wouldn’t like – but let’s explore just a few!
 
One of my favorites (that I have experienced several times with equally surprised clients) happens when a client wants to refurbish – or restore – an old building.  It could be residential or commercial –but it’s true for both: the older the building the more the surprises and more expensive!    You can almost bet that behind those walls amazing features may be discovered.  In one situation, we discovered that two major support beams must have been “in the way” for some resident years ago; they just sawed them off, top and bottom, for a better furniture arrangement in their living room.  Luck must have been in their favor and that of subsequent residents.  The upper floors started to sag a little, but fortunately hadn’t yet collapsed.   Advice?  If you are interested in fixing up an old property, get your General Contractor to do a thorough inspection before you make changes!
 

The marriage of light and materials needs to be a good match!  You want your Interior Vision to match the reality! ​

We can all probably agree that it’s the accents, the focus elements and the unique twists that get our attention ‑ at first!   Color combinations you might not have guessed would go perfectly together, or the way a vintage component fits right in with a complementary contemporary design are signs of the professional touch: knowing how to accent without over-kill!
 
“Eye candy” is great when it does the job of introducing, accenting, balancing or coordinating appropriate Interior design that successfully represents the client’s vision.  In fact, those interesting accents are often the subtle glue that ties other elements together.  Tastefully selected and conservatively implemented, a special element, material or color can provide connection between various areas of a facility, home or professional practice.
 
Trouble happens with just too much of a good thing!  When it may get out of hand, and the eye candy becomes a distraction to the overall Interior design goals, rather than a subtle connector, it can be as much of a flop as good music played too loud or too much sugar spoiling a perfect cup of coffee.   You have to know when enough is enough!
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​Sometimes it seems as though the easiest and most economical way to approach your design project would be to purchase some consultation time from an expert, then move right into action on your own; no problem!
 
Well...  It would be great if it were that simple, and if steaming ahead on consultation input alone would cover the bases.  But, “consultation alone” has some pitfalls – and some disciplines.
 
Most of us have either observed or experienced the difference between knowing how and actually knowing how!   The former is intellectual; the latter is about implementation.

​Knowing what you don’t know is about as important as knowing what you do know!  Not knowing the difference can definitely be a troublesome trap.
 
Certainly one of the biggest misconceptions, when considering a do it yourself project, is that of assuming that “do-it-yourself” is automatically going to be cheaper, more efficient, and a lot of fun!  Okay.  Let’s take a good look at that.
 
Some do-it-yourselfers are quite skilled in many areas required for their project at hand.  The retired or side-jobbing builder, carpenter, plumber or other specifically knowledgeable individual, of course, is not the candidate we are discussing here.  Those individuals know quite well when it is time to reach outside their expertise and ask for what they need.
 
It is the excited and motivated hobbyist or generally creative, smart enthusiast we are bringing into this spotlight.  They would be the persons who truly believe they can handle it all, learn, research and discover everything they need, by themselves, to get the job done.    (Some can, will and do!)

​Let’s say you have a clear vision in mind concerning a commercial or residential design project. It could be completely new construction, a remodel, an addition or simply the refreshment of an existing environment with which you are satisfied.  You have consulted several trusted associates about feasibility and practicality, and are excited to get going.
 
You have speculated about how to move ahead, you have looked at financing, and you have even debated the degree of outside help you actually want, could afford, or need.  Could you manage it alone?  How would you start?  Do you know where to begin?
 
Learning exactly what is involved in becoming your own project coordinator is a very important consideration at this juncture.  The process of turning a dream into reality can be daunting; realizing in the middle of a project that you are in over your head can have serious ramifications.

​It is important to build a team that best fits the project needs.  Your professional designer will look at the project needs from several angles when selecting the specialists who will be bringing the job in, on time and as you envisioned it.
 
Of course, skill levels and experience are highest on the list of qualifications.  However, those features alone will not insure a place on a team.   That’s the key word: team.
 
When your Certified Interior Designer is also your Project Coordinator, he or she will be screening the future participants on your project for many other qualities and aspects of experience aside from their specific skill focus.  Individual characteristics, habits and reputation will be very important considerations.

For those who have a lot of experience envisioning, planning and executing design projects, the value of access to the relevant network of services is appreciated.   They know at the beginning what is needed and where to find it!
 
When it’s all new to you, and the design project you have in mind is all about breaking into new experiential ground, it is a challenge of an entirely different stripe.   Perhaps your smartest first action would be to speak with a professional in the field of interior site design who can help you get an overview of what lies ahead in your project path.
 
Consider beginning with a low-cost, in depth consultation wherein you describe your design vision, your desired timeline and your budget parameters to an appropriate design professional who will shed light on what you can expect – and what is needed.
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