Have you ever wondered to yourself when looking at one of the project photos we have posted online, “What color is that”? Or, “I wish I had thought to design my area that way”!
Well, chances are, the colors or design used were courtesy of the skills and professional expertise of one of our local designers, Decor Designs.
You may think that working with a designer can be intimidating and a bit daunting. Or that the process can get expensive if you don’t know the best way to get the most bang for your buck.
But did you know that with accepted R&J Painting projects, we provide this consultation service at no cost to you?
Our team recently discussed with professional Jeff Rice, owner of Decor Designs Inc., what we thought were the most important things our clients need to know BEFORE they engage in a project so we could share it with you. We also asked Jeff about his design aesthetic and past project experiences.
As an interior designer, what questions do you ask the client?
Working with clients is a pretty intimate experience. After all, we’re touching their stuff and spending their money. Getting to know our clients and ensuring they trust us and our process is fundamental in delivering a look that is customized for each individual. No question is really off limits if it gives us more insight into our client’s vision for their space. At a minimum, however, we always ask about who uses and how they use the space, general likes & dislikes, possible inspirations, overall goals, and the budget for the project.
How would you describe your overall design aesthetic?
We get asked this a lot. Actually, as cliché as it might sound, our aesthetic is really the client’s aesthetic. Decorating for someone else is really about creating a look that is representative of that individual client’s style & taste, rather than our own, even if it means helping them figure out what that might actually be. The sky’s the limit.
Whether their style is traditional, transitional, modern, farmhouse, industrial or something else, we love to help our client’s discover the hidden potential in their existing decor as well as layer in new elements which help pull everything together.
What is your favorite space that you’ve designed?
As far as a specific space, there are many. However, a couple that stands out are two condominiums we’ve helped decorate in Lake Point Tower in Chicago. Working in a high rise can be a logistical nightmare. Yet, for all the frustrations, having wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city and Lake Michigan as our backdrop elevated our work and made those transformations even more memorable!
What’s your favorite space/room to decorate?
That’s a tough question. Every space presents its challenges and rewards. Rather than a specific room, I suppose our favorites are those spaces where the transformation is exceptional. Tackling a lackluster space and turning it into something our clients are thrilled to share and enjoy with others is the most rewarding, regardless of the room’s purpose.
What recent design trend do you use the most?
As much as we shy away from specific trends which can end up quickly dating a space, they really are unavoidable. They are dictated to us by the industry, based on the many factors that influence them. That said, we’ve loved the decorating trend where “less is more”. Cleaner lines and less clutter help simplify our overly busy lives. Larger accessories and fewer of them is more impactful than a busy room full of tiny knick knacks. Simplifying overdone and heavy window treatments is another favorite.
Here at R&J Painting, we are fortunate and honored to know such a talented and professional and Interior Designer, like Jeff. If you are looking for an incredible interior designer, we highly recommend Decor Designs Inc.
