DIY Challenges: Whose opinion counts?

I've been known to squeal with delight when my new copy of Elle Decor arrives in the mail. I know that within its covers there will be beautiful pictures of rooms, all the latest (and historic) pieces of art, furnishings, and products designed to inspire anyone who has an interest in turning our dreams into reality within the spaces we live and work.

The Jan/Feb 2018 issue did not fail to impress me. I have to admit I don't usually read all (or many) of the articles. The pictures alone are wonderful. This time I did read a bit about a few iconic designers and their opinions about desks and chairs. I loved some remarks made by Susan Ferrier, especially her comment about a Secretello Desk by Michele De Lucchi for Molteni&C. She said "It's interesting. It would look really good if you caught fireflies in it at night."

Why am I bringing you down this path? Stay with me as I continue a bit more down my armchair journey. As I got further into the magazine, I began to ask questions like who would want to live in a room with concrete walls and uncomfortable looking chair? Yes, I said the singular 'chair' as there was barely any furnishings in the room. I turned the page and found the opposite. Why would someone want to live with so much clutter in furnishings and pattern in every room of the home? Then there was a glorious picture of the Metropolitan Opera interior with so much red, I felt the fire referenced by Robert Rufino, Elle Decor's interiors editor as he stated "The madness of all that red. Its like burning in hell."

I started asking myself, "Who am I to have such strong reactions to someone else's designs?" Then I realized these are (of course) designs for someone who wanted to achieve a look that pleased them, not me! What I'm getting at is this: We all have our opinions as individuals and as designers. When we design we are influenced by so many before us and by the visions we can imagine. HOWEVER, if we are designing for someone other than ourselves, as designers, we must get into our clients mindset and provide them with what they want, not what we want. We might push a boundary or two and provide advice when we feel that something a client says they want will end up ruining the very look we know they want to achieve, but that's okay. That is why you hire a designer. They have the experience, education, and resources to provide the result that will delight you in the end.

You will need to trust that your designer has your vision in mind while going through a remodel or redecorating project. There are so many layers that make up a style - color, textures, patterns, furnishings, fixtures, lighting, etc. In the end, it is you and your style that will shine in the space your designer creates. Don't be afraid to show pictures, mention interiors of well known buildings, or express that you want your room to feel like the last trip you took abroad. Your designer will know how to interpret your input and provide you with a space in which you can live comfortably and proudly while knowing it reflects you in the best light.

Finding your style with a designer is a process that should be fun and rewarding, so along with a big Happy Holidays to you, I also wish you Happy Decorating throughout the years to come.

YOUR opinion counts!
Here are a few holiday fireplaces for your opinion.