Archive for category: Blog

Bringing the Natural World into Your Home Décor

In our increasingly fast-paced lives, finding moments of tranquility and a connection with nature can often feels like a bit of a luxury. But what if we could bring the soothing elements of the outdoors into our homes, creating spaces that evoke a sense of calm and rejuvenation? From lush greenery to organic textures and earthy hues, integrating nature-inspired design elements can transform any space into a serene sanctuary. Here are some tips from our talented designers to help you embrace the beauty of the outdoors within your own four walls!

Evoking Nature Through Texture and Color

Embrace Greenery
The easiest and most obvious way to bring the outdoors in is with plants. Whether you opt for a towering fiddle leaf fig or a collection of small succulents, incorporating plants into your decor adds a refreshing touch of green while also purifying the air. Consider placing them in decorative pots or hanging planters to add visual interest. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider some beautiful faux foliage. And check out our blog on how not to kill your house plants.

Focus on Natural Materials: From wood and stone to rattan and jute, incorporating natural materials into your furnishings adds warmth and texture to your home. Opt for furniture pieces crafted from reclaimed or sustainably sourced materials to minimize environmental impact while adding character to your space. Monochromatic spaces can also be evocative of the outdoors.

Color is a powerful (and easy) way to create the feeling of being surrounded by nature.

Earth Tones: Channel the serene beauty of nature by incorporating earthy tones such as warm browns, soft greens, and sandy neutrals into your color palette. These hues evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites relaxation.

Green as a Neutral: Green has emerged as a versatile and popular color choice in home decor, transcending its traditional role as an accent color to become almost a neutral in its own right. This trend towards embracing green is reflective of our collective desire to reconnect with nature and infuse our living spaces with a sense of serenity and vitality. From soft sage and muted olive to deep emerald and vibrant jungle hues, there’s a shade of green to suit every style and mood. Check out our recent post about bringing green into your home decor!

Textures and finishes offer nearly endless opportunities to bring the natural world indoors.

Nature-Inspired Wallpaper: Consider creating an accent wall with wallpaper featuring botanical motifs, leafy patterns, or serene landscapes. Nature-inspired wallpaper can instantly evoke the feeling of being outdoors, adding depth and visual interest to your space without overwhelming it. Whether you opt for a bold botanical print or a subtle grasscloth texture, incorporating wallpaper can seamlessly integrate the beauty of nature into your home décor. Best of all, today’s “peel and stick” papers let you easily create an accent wall without the commitment of traditional papers. We love this soft green and gold ginkgo leaf paper from Roommatesdecor.com. The touch of gold adds an elegant feel to an organic design.

Organic Textiles and Rugs: Soften hard surfaces and add warmth to your space with organic textiles and rugs inspired by the natural world. Look for rugs made from natural fibers such as wool, jute, or sisal, which not only add visual texture but also bring a tactile element reminiscent of the outdoors. Choose designs that mimic natural patterns like waves, branches, or pebbles to further enhance the connection to nature throughout your home. These rugs not only provide comfort underfoot but also serve as grounding elements that tie the entire room together in harmony with the surrounding environment. This affordable rug is an easy way to create a natural look in any room.



Nature-Inspired Artwork: Adorn your walls with artwork inspired by the natural world, whether it’s a landscape painting, botanical prints, or nature photography. Look for abstract art that evokes shapes, textures, and colors from nature, like this tryptic with a distinctly mid-century modern vibe in warm, earthy colors. These pieces not only add visual interest but also serve as focal points that bring the outdoors into your home.

Light Up Your Life


Let in Natural Light: Natural light not only brightens a room but also uplifts the mood. Maximize the amount of sunlight in your home by choosing sheer curtains or blinds that allow light to filter through. Positioning mirrors strategically can also help bounce light around the space, making it feel more expansive and airy.


Natural Lighting Fixtures: Choose lighting fixtures that mimic the warmth and brightness of natural light to enhance the outdoor ambiance within your home. Opt for fixtures with soft, diffused lighting to create a gentle glow that mimics sunlight filtering through leaves. Pendant lights with woven shades or fixtures crafted from natural materials like wood or bamboo can add an organic touch to your space while providing ambient illumination. This triple-pendant fixture checks all the boxes, merging a classic silhouette with natural materials.

Putting it All Together

It’s easy to create a space that not only looks beautiful but also nurtures your well-being. Whether you live in an urban loft, family home, or a cozy cottage, incorporating natural elements into your décor can help you feel more grounded, inspired, and connected to the world outside your door.

Our team of professional designers has been creating beautiful spaces for our clients for over a decade. Isn’t Spring the idea time to think about refreshing your surroundings? We’d love to help!

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Impact Interior Design Services on RAISING YOUR BEVERAGE GAME with a Home Bar

In recent years, the trend of bringing the bar experience into the home has gained immense popularity. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a mixology enthusiast, creating a dedicated space for your favorite beverages adds a touch of sophistication and comfort to your home. In this blog post, we’ll explore creative ideas for designing and crafting your own coffee or cocktail bar, with a focus on off-the-shelf options and solutions for small spaces.

Off-the-Shelf Solutions

One of the easiest ways to kickstart your home bar project is by exploring ready-made options. Many furniture and décor stores offer pre-designed bar carts, cabinets, and shelving units that cater to various styles and preferences. Look for materials that complement your home décor, such as wood, metal, or glass.

Consider bar carts with wheels for flexibility and easy mobility, especially if your space does double duty, i.e. a living room and dining area combo. You can even roll it outside for al fresco libations!

Small Space Solutions

Limited square footage doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or functionality, thanks to readily available space-saving furniture and clever storage solutions. Wall-mounted shelves, fold-down tables, and compact bar cabinets can make the most of every inch. Consider multi-functional furniture that can serve as both a storage and a serving area, ensuring your small home bar is practical and visually appealing. A corner cabinet can double as a bar anywhere you have an awkward corner to fill.

Caffeine Corner

For coffee enthusiasts, a dedicated coffee bar can transform your mornings. Choose a cozy corner in your kitchen or any living space (primary bedroom is a great choice) and set up a coffee station with your favorite brewing equipment. You can even tuck a 2.5 gallon water jug with a dispenser (available at most grocery stores) into the cabinet if you don’t have a handy water source nearby.

Display coffee beans in stylish containers, hang mugs on hooks, and personalize your space with artwork or signs that reflect your love of all things coffee.

Shaken or Stirred?

For those who enjoy a well-crafted libation, a dedicated cocktail bar can be a game-changer.

From niche-sized bars to fully-dedicated rooms, the sky (and your budget) is the limit.

This small space bar uses home-improvement store cabinetry and appliances accented with a mirrored backsplash to visually enlarge the space and display barware. This is a great option if you collect vintage barware, like we do!

If the bar is in a carpeted area, a pretty, washable throw rug will protect against spills and stains.

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And if you’re really serious about a home bar, well, we can dream, right?

Be the Toast of the Town!

Designing and creating a coffee or cocktail bar in your home is a rewarding project that allows you to showcase your personal style and elevate your entertaining experience. With off-the-shelf options, clever small space solutions, and a touch of creativity, you can transform any corner of your home into a stylish and functional oasis for enjoying your favorite beverages.

And if you’re craving something a little “extra”, our design team is always here to help you with custom solutions from basic to luxe. Whether you’re thinking of nook or an entire room worthy of a of a trendy craft cocktail venue, just give our design team a call!

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Green is the New Greige: How to Bring the Beauty of Green into Your Home Décor

Spring is the perfect time to infuse your home with the vibrant and refreshing color of green. Our designers share some ideas for bringing this beautiful color into your home. “Green has really become a new neutral,” says Lead Designer Ann Gilbert, “because it’s a versatile hue that can bring a sense of calm, balance, and rejuvenation to any space.” From subtle accents to bold statements, our design team shares some creative ways to incorporate the color green into your home décor.

Accent Walls

Painting an accent wall in a green shade can instantly transform a room’s look and feel. Whether you opt for a soft sage green or a bold emerald hue, an accent wall can serve as a focal point and add depth to your space.

Go subtle with a soft sage green or dramatic, with a saturated deep emerald, in this case, a “no commitment” peel and stick wallpaper from Wayfair! This deep green is a perfect backdrop for neutral furnishings and décor, and it allows the color to stand out without overwhelming the room.

Natural Elements

Introducing green through natural elements like plants is perhaps the easiest and most effective way to add a touch of green to your home. Not only do plants bring a pop of color, but they also purify the air and create a calming atmosphere.

Consider adding a variety of indoor plants such as ferns, succulents, or leafy palms to different rooms in your home to bring the outdoors in. (But first, see our recent blog about how not to murder your house plants!)

Textiles and Soft Furnishings

Incorporating green through textiles and soft furnishings is another easy way to infuse color into your home décor. Consider swapping out throw pillows, curtains, or area rugs in shades of green to add warmth and texture to your living spaces.

Mixing different shades and patterns of green textiles can create visual interest and elevate the overall design of your home. We love the touch of whimsy afforded by these adorable throw pillows, and this almost-neutral green would play well with so many other colors! 

Artwork and Accessories

Artwork and decorative accessories offer endless opportunities to incorporate green into your home decor. Whether it’s a vibrant green painting, a decorative vase filled with greenery, or a set of emerald green candles, these accents can add personality and charm to any room. Look for pieces that complement your existing color scheme and reflect your personal style.

Kitchen and Dining Room Accents

In the kitchen and dining area, green can be introduced through dinnerware, glassware, and small appliances.

How perfect is the green of this kitchen island? It definitely pops with the room’s white cabinets but would work equally well with most shades of wood. Pulling the color through with accessories ties it all together beautifully!

Photo credit: Franceso Lagnese

Upholstered Furniture

For those who are bold and adventurous, incorporating green furniture can make a striking statement in any room. Whether it’s a green velvet sofa, a set of green dining chairs, or a painted green dresser, green furniture adds personality and drama to your home décor.

Balance bold furniture pieces with neutral walls and accessories to create a cohesive and visually appealing space. This set of cheerful moss green chairs has classic lines and is super affordable. A lovely way to add some green to your décor!

Get Your Green On!

Incorporating shades of green into your home décor is not only a stylish choice but also a nod to the beauty of nature. Whether you prefer subtle accents or bold statements, there are countless ways add this versatile shade to your environment. So go ahead, embrace the green, and watch as your home comes to life with renewed energy and vitality. And if you’re loving the ideas here but not quite sure how to make them work for you, our design team is standing by to help!

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IMPACT Interior Design’s Guide to Aesthetic Yard Fencing

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, few elements make as significant an impact as fencing. Not only does fencing provide privacy and security, but it also serves as a prominent design feature that can elevate the overall look and feel of your yard.

With an array of materials and styles available, choosing the right type of fencing can transform your outdoor oasis into a stunning retreat. In this guide, we’ll explore various types of fencing tailored to maximize aesthetics while complementing your landscape design.

Create an Backyard Oasis with Fencing

Wood Fencing

Its warmth and natural beauty make it a timeless choice for those seeking a rustic or traditional aesthetic. Choose cedar, redwood, or treated pine for durability and resistance to decay. Horizontal slat designs offer a modern twist, while intricate lattice or picket patterns add charm and character. Consider staining or painting your wood fence to coordinate with your home’s exterior or surrounding landscape or let nature take its course for a naturally weathered look.

Vinyl Fencing

Get the classic look of wood without the maintenance hassles. With its smooth, clean lines and a variety of colors and textures available, vinyl fencing can complement any architectural style. Choose from styles such as privacy panels, picket fences, or decorative lattice designs to enhance your yard’s visual appeal. Vinyl fencing is also resistant to rot, fading, and pests, ensuring long-lasting beauty with minimal upkeep.

Metal Fencing

There are so many options in metal fencing. From simple and minimalist to ornate and artistic, aluminum and wrought iron offer strength and resilience against the elements.

Designs featuring intricate scrollwork or geometric patterns can add a touch of elegance to your yard, serving as a striking focal point and is an especially nice choice for smaller areas or around patios.

Additionally, metal fencing can be customized with various finishes, from classic black to vibrant hues, to complement your outdoor décor. We’re in love with this beautiful fence, a combination of brick and metalwork. Great example of something unique (and expensive!) But metal can be very affordable, too!

Composite Fencing

With the natural look of wood combined with the durability of recycled materials, composite offers a sustainable and low-maintenance fencing solution. Available in a range of colors and styles, composite fencing provides a contemporary look with minimal upkeep. Whether you prefer horizontal slats, vertical panels, or textured finishes, composite fencing offers versatility and longevity, ensuring your yard remains beautiful for years to come

Bamboo Fencing

If you want to infuse your yard with exotic charm and eco-friendly appeal, consider this natural alternative. Renowned for its sustainability and rapid growth, bamboo fencing offers a natural aesthetic that complements tropical or Asian-inspired landscapes. Choose from rolled bamboo panels or woven designs to create a serene and Zen-like ambiance in your outdoor space. Bamboo fencing is lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to rot and pests, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious homeowners.

Gabion Fencing

A distinctive choice for modern landscapes, Gabion combines industrial chic with rugged charm. Consisting of wire mesh baskets filled with stones or recycled materials, gabion fencing adds texture and visual interest to your yard while providing privacy and security. Whether used as a standalone feature or combined with other materials such as wood or metal, gabion fencing offers a unique and customizable aesthetic that sets your yard apart.

Choosing the right fencing for your yard goes beyond practicality; it’s an opportunity to enhance the beauty and ambiance of your outdoor space. Whether you prefer the timeless appeal of wood, the sleekness of metal, or the eco-friendly charm of bamboo, there’s a fencing option to suit your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle.

By selecting a fencing style that complements your landscape design and architectural style, you can create a cohesive and inviting outdoor oasis that reflects your personal taste and enhances your enjoyment of your home’s exterior.

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Impact Interior Design on Timeless Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

The last decade or so has seen a trend toward painted cabinets, as well as combinations of wood cabinets with colored accent cabinetry. (We love this look and don’t see it going away anytime soon.)

Cabinets are usually the most expensive purchase in a kitchen renovation, so whether you’re choosing new cabinets or considering refinishing the ones you have, it’s smart money to choose colors that will stand the test of time and work with any number of styles of backsplash and countertops, should you choose to change those at some point.

When looking for the right shade, consider one that works with a variety of design styles. That way, if you want to give your mid-century modern kitchen an English country vibe in the future, your cabinets will fit the look.

Timeless Hues

Greige

While we often make fun of the name (intended to be the “color love child” of gray and beige) it’s hard to argue with its appeal.

Greige is a versatile color that pairs with a variety of countertop and backsplash materials. Founder and President Darla Rowley says, “The color complements most metal finishes, so hardware, appliances, and fixtures can be changed without having to do a wholesale makeover. This way you could choose to make smaller changes to stay on trend rather than having to repaint your cabinets.”

Photo JOHN KEEBLE / GETTY IMAGES

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NAVY BLUE

Navy has been a timeless fashion color for centuries. As classic as black but far more interesting, it’s now having its moment in the kitchen! An excellent choice if you love the idea of dark cabinets but don’t want to invest in something trendy.

Like a navy blazer, this color complements so many styles, finishes and other colors, meaning it works in a wide range of kitchen styles. Blue also happens to be a popular shade for 2024 (a dark, rich blue with a hint of violet is Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year) so now’s the time to embrace something elegant and timeless.

IMAGE COURTESY OF BLOCK RENOVATION

WHITE

While all-white kitchens are becoming less popular you can be sure that white is a choice that will never go out of style. It words effortlessly in a variety of design aesthetics, from traditional to coastal grandmother, meaning your cabinets won’t be dated by a specific trend. Plus, the neutral hue allows you to get creative when it comes to metal finishes, décor, wall treatments and countertop materials.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOCK RENOVATION

SAGE GREEN

This shade is probably one of our favorite color trends of the last few years.. Hues from the natural world never go out of style, in part because they help us bring the outdoors into our interior spaces. Sage green is a great example. Reminiscent of the greenery around us but not so saturated as to be overpowering. This color works really well with natural wood, metal and pretty much any other materials. It’s the “natural” choice for a timeless kitchen. If you’re looking to transform your existing cabinets with paint, we love Benjamin Moore High Park.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

PALE GRAY

Similar to greige but without the warm undertones, pale gray is another timeless, neutral color that goes well with most countertop and backsplash materials. Lead designer Ann Gilbert says, “Pale gray creates a beautiful canvas for interesting hardware and fixtures in pretty much any material, and works with a nearly endless variety of backsplash and countertop treatments.”

PHOTO GETTY IMAGES

CREAM

For a color that’s as versatile as white but with a little more personality, consider cream. Warm and inviting, it is versatile and elegant in the kitchen, and creates a perfect canvas for pretty much endless options in backsplash, countertop, and hardware choices.

PHOTO: PRIZMAKER/GETTY IMAGES

More Color to Come!

We’ve just scratched the surface on the beautiful and varied hues that are making today’s kitchens inviting and memorable. Stay tuned to our blog for more!

And if it’s time to take a fresh look at color in your kitchen–or anywhere in your home–give us a call at today at 248-591-4290 or use the “contact us” button at the top of the page!

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INTERIOR DESIGN IS IN OUR DNA

Meet Our Director of Design, Ann Gilbert
 

Ann Gilbert has led our design team since 2022. With more than 20 years in the field of interior design , Ann excels in guiding clients through every phase of the design process and can provide design direction for homes of every size, style, and price range.  She is committed to helping homeowners realize the potential of any room…or an entire house.

Ann’s fundamental philosophy is simple: “I believe that every home should tell your story and every room should have a beautiful and comfortable place to sit. Function and form can and should go hand in hand in every room.” She elaborates, “It involves considered choices teamed with a sense of bravery and a careful understanding of scale, balance, and cohesion. Above all, your home should reflect your personal style in every room.” We couldn’t agree more.

Our clients will tell you that we are not the typical “snooty” design firm. Our goal is to give our clients a livable design that doesn’t break the bank.  We believe everyone deserves to love the home they live in. Just like our approach to Home Staging, we understand that every service we provide needs to offer value to those we serve, and Ann is grounded in these same principles.

Now is always the best time to get started on creating a beautiful space that is uniquely yours. Call our office 248.591.4290 to set up a consultation with Ann, or visit our services page for more information on our design package options.

Visit our Interior Design gallery for some examples of our work, and be sure to follow our blog for more features, tips, and trends curated by Ann and her team.

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Impact Interior Design: Trends for 2024

As we enter a new year, the world of interior design is brimming with creative concepts. At Impact Interior Design Services, we look forward to our annual review of industry publications and news, and we’ve curated a selection of our favorite trends for this year. We predict these are poised to make a significant “Impact!” in 2024.

The overall theme for 2024 is a welcome combination of coziness, wrapped in sophistication and modern allure. Anticipate a transformation in living spaces as these trends take center stage in the coming year.

TRENDING: Cozy Spaces

While open-plan living has been popular for a while, consumers and designers are discovering that walls aren’t necessarily evil and people do need their personal space. The result is a trend toward more intimate layouts in which to socialize, read and relax. 

For maximum coziness, we recommend deeper colors on the walls, drapery panels and bookshelves. In larger rooms, floating furniture away from walls creates smaller, more intimate seating areas that are conducive to cocktails, conversation and cuddling.  

TRENDING: Rich color (and blue!)

In with the bold! Rich hues are in and anything gray is out.  In 2024 you will see earthy browns, rich terracotta and deep oranges shades.  These saturated hues bring comfort and hominess to your spaces by creating a welcoming atmosphere.

In 2024, green is making way for blue. In shades ranging from sky to Robin’s egg to navy, blue is the “it” color on everyone’s “This Year’s Hottest” list.

Bold to serene and everything in between, you’ll see blue on walls, cabinets, and textiles this year. If you’re not ready to commit to an entirely blue room, a blue ceiling is evocative of the outdoors and can be a lovely touch in a bedroom or kitchen.

Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson / Styling: Colin King

TRENDING: Black Accent Walls

Soft black walls resonate in the design world because bolder, moodier colors make a dramatic yet sophisticated statement.  At once modern and timeless, it creates a stunning backdrop for art and furniture.

A matte finish is best here; dark walls with sheen tend to highlight imperfections in the plaster or sheetrock. Wallpaper is one option for this look; today’s peel and stick papers make it easy to do a wall like this one without worrying about painting over a dark color later.

It’s definitely a bold approach but it’s so elegant, and it’s showing up everywhere, in keeping with the coziness trends we’re seeing in 2024.  

TRENDING: Warm, Inviting Kitchens

White is out, wood is in. The trend is toward earthy color palettes and plenty of wood tones (yes, mixing woods is fine!). Simple backsplashes is a kitchen trend that we love; timeless is always a good choice for tile.

Integrated appliances and other European-style elements (range hoods!) are evident while cabinets and appliances continue to innovate with new features to elevate your culinary experience and better support a busy lifestyle.

Time for a new look?

We’ve just barely scratched the surface for 2024, so we’ll be updating our blog with more specific trends throughout the year. Watch for what’s happening in textiles, furniture, paint colors, even doors…coming soon!

Our design team is excited by this year’s outlook. Why not try one of these trends on for size? We can help you with anything from an update to your existing décor or a fresh start, in one room or an entire home!

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Impact Interior Design Services on Unleashing the Power of the Powder Room

With the holidays upon us and home entertaining in full swing, it’s easy to overlook the significance of a seemingly modest space—the powder room. This often-neglected corner of your home holds tremendous potential, as it’s the one room that everyone visits. Why not transform it into a spectacular and memorable part of your home?

Impact Interior Design’s team tapped into the talent and expertise of our lead designer, Ann Gilbert, for tips on leveraging the untapped possibilities of powder room decorating and to provide insights on making this little room a treat for both you and your guests.

A Canvas for Creativity

Powder rooms offer a unique opportunity to create something unexpected. Despite their small size and often windowless nature, these rooms can become a design treasure chest when you let your creativity run wild.

“In the field of kitchen and bath design, the powder room stands out as a canvas for creativity, where even the smallest details can make a big impact,” says Ann.

“It’s a jewel-box-sized canvas waiting to be adorned with unique features that captivate anyone who steps inside.”

Attention to Detail

While the standard elements of a bathroom—cabinetry, countertop, faucet, sink, and toilet—may seem mundane, they don’t have to be. Little details make big impact, and with a small space like the powder room, you can afford to invest in higher-end finishes.

Ann believes that “In the powder room, every detail matters. From the comfort height toilet to the choice of faucets, attention to detail elevates the space from ordinary to extraordinary.”

Making a Statement with Fixtures

One of the easiest ways to make a statement in your powder room is through the choice of fixtures. A well-designed and eye-catching light fixture can instantly transform the ambiance of the room. According to Ann, “I like to let the fixtures do the talking. A statement mirror or stunning light fixture with a dimmer switch can turn a functional space into a captivating experience.”

Materials that Wow

“Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to materials,” Ann suggests. The size of this space lets you be a little ‘extra’ without breaking the bank. You can get maximum impact at minimal cost. “Glass, porcelain, and wallpaper; think small amounts of material with big impact.” Turn your powder room into a visual delight with materials that leave a lasting impression.

Less is More

Remember the old adage, “less is more.” By focusing on quality over quantity, you allow the unique features of the room to shine without overwhelming the senses. “Simplicity is the ultimate in sophistication. In the powder room, invest in upgraded fixtures and let them be the stars of the show.”

Power Up Your Powder Room

With a touch of creativity, attention to detail, and the right fixtures and materials, you can transform this often-neglected space into a true gem within your home. Our design team can help elevate your powder room to a place of distinction—one that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who crosses its threshold.

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Design Consultations

Most services begin with a scheduled Design Consultation For new clients, this is an entry level consultation to ease clients into the design process.

A home consultation will include discussing and determining the scope of your project with one of our Designers. Our discussion may include paint color ideas, furniture placement, décor editing, material selection ideas (where applicable), solving general design dilemmas and more!

Prior to the consultation we’ll give you some homework to prepare for the meeting. (It’s fun homework, we promise.) We’ll ask you to think about and capture ideas you would like to incorporate into the project. We usually begin the discussion about a singular décor problem that needs to be solved quickly… often times we can begin to execute a solution during this meeting/consultation!

Then we get to work in determining the scope of what you want, exchange ideas and determine what should stay or go in your current décor. Upon completion, we have a vision for styling, color, storage and lifestyle-enhancing necessities. Pricing: $249

REQUEST NOW
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Tips From a Designer You Should Know

Ann Gilbert, Interior Designer of Impact Interior Design shares some not so obvious tips before working with a designer. Time is Money! And she wants to make sure you get your money’s worth when working with Impact. Having these tips in the back of your mind will help you achieve the best results possible.

Tip #1: DO Ask Questions (And We Will Too!)

We are never quite sure what we are going to walk into at that first visit. 

Back in my earlier years, I took any and all clients that I could get. Over the years I’ve learned that there are some red flags that I make myself aware of at this first, very important consult.  I’ve learned to approach the clients with lots of questions to see if we are going to be a good fit.  This is true not only for the designer but also for the homeowner. Maybe you won’t like my design style or approach to decorating.  It’s important to ask the questions. This is your space, and you need the right person for the job.

Tip #2: DON’T SWALLOW THE ELEPHANT

During my first visit here is what always happens:  You want everything done and you don’t know where to begin.  When I go to any new appointment, I will tell you that 90% of my clients call me to their home for one room but I end up going through the entire house with them.  The frustrations of failed attempts at within the home quickly take us off track.

Best advice I can give to you is to tackle one room at a time.  Don’t swallow the elephant! Even though other spaces need attention, focusing on one room is best.  Inevitably, nothing will get done and certainly not the spaces that need it the most.  While we are focusing our attention on one room, any good designer is keeping the other rooms in mind even if they’re not going to be redesigned now.

Image from Today.com

Tip #3: DON’T Go into This Thinking You Want the Magazine Photo as Is

Because even though we do our very best to bring you that look you will certainly want to bring in your own pieces. We’ve all walked into those perfectly decorated model homes where everything is in its place with perfect symmetry and perfection.  What we don’t see our personal photos, personal belongings, dads favorite chair – faded and all.  We don’t see the family heirlooms like moms old dining table that we just can’t part with and the family dog photo that MUST be displayed. We are designers.  Our job is to make your home beautiful and a place you want to be in.  We can work with just about any clients’ items.

Tip #4: DO Know Your Budget

Be realistic but add fluff – usually 20%.  As much as we want to stay in that budget when furnishing your spaces, there is with every client that sofa they sat in and has to have!  Or that piece of art that just speaks to you!

When we ask what you’ve set aside for this budget, give us a number.  I need to know if I’m shopping for furniture at Target or Gormans.

WE KNOW WHAT THINGS COST!  We deal with it every day.  Trust what we tell you.  If it can be done, we will make it happen.  Our reputation and referrals depend on it.  I can replace the kitchen cabinets, get you the 42” cooktop, but we are painting your table and chairs.  Get it?

Tip #4:  STAY IN YOUR LANE – FIND YOUR STYLE

Find your style.  Everybody has one.  Sometimes it takes some research, and I can help with that…but find it. Many clients simply don’t know what they like, or they say they don’t so I pick what I think will work best, usually to start them off, and they begin to reveal their likes and dislikes and eventually we can find out who they are.  It can actually be a fun process, but it takes some strategy, and plenty of open-mindedness.  A good designer can work with anything and will help you reveal your style. Now we can work this style throughout the home.

Tip #5: Home Decor Should Flow

What did I say about Don’t Swallow the Elephant? When doing any one space I am always keeping the other spaces in the back of my mind.  The whole house should have a natural flow to it.  And each room should speak to the next.   A main color in one room can be a secondary color in the next while an accent color or pattern can be brought in 3 different rooms in 3 different ways.  Count on your designer to create this for you.  It’s what we do!

Bottom Line

I want you to be happy with your experience. I want you to be over the moon with the space created. It is your home and at the end of the day, you are the ones that are going to be enjoying it! Ask your questions, have a budget, have fun, be realistic, and find your own unique style. It is our job as designers to help you create a space that is personal to you, and your lifestyle. Keeping these tips in mind will allow you to stretch your dollar and get the most out of our services and get great results. I look forward to working with you on your next space!

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Contact

Impact – Interior Design Services

(248) 591-4290

Contact

Impact – Interior Design Services

(248) 591-4290