Archive for category: Blog

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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Principles of Design that make an Impact

In this Article, our Interior Designer will be sharing her very own 7 must-have principles in creating the perfect design for your home.

With over 20 years in the field of Interior Design, Ann is bringing her talents and vision to Impact Interior Design Services. Ann has been using her professional talent through Metro-Detroit by guiding clients through every phase of the design process.

Ann’s fundamental philosophy is: “I believe that every home should be tell your story and every room should have a great place to sit. I believe that function AND form can go hand in hand and every room should possess both. It involves considered choices teamed with a sense of bravery and a careful understanding of scale, balance, and cohesion. Most of all, your home and every room should reflect your style.”

“I believe that every home should tell your story and every room should have a great place to sit. I believe that function AND form can go hand in hand, and every room should possess both.  It involves considered choices teamed with a sense of bravery and a careful understanding of scale, balance, and cohesion. Most of all, your home and every room should reflect your style.”

Ann Gilbert, Impact Interior Design Services

Ann understands many of our clients want good design without breaking the bank. Using her uniquely creative approach she can start with what our clients already own, or she can create more dramatic results by starting from scratch.

At Impact, we are excited about the heightened level of professionalism and creativity that Ann brings to our design team. Below are her 7 rules she wants to share with you when she is creating just that.

 Balance. Scale. Contrast. Pattern. Movement. Rhythm. Reflection 

Sounds like a lot to remember but all hold their own place in Interior Design and are equally important. Most of the time I’m not thinking about it but all of the time I know when a space needs one of these.  Call it experience, call it creativity…  Call it whatever you like. It is what designers use and its how we do what we do. Sometimes it comes naturally and other times it poses more of a challenge.  Although, EVERY time you know when you’ve got it right. And so, the room feels complete.  

The real definition:  The principles of design are a set of rules that designers can follow when creating a composition to create visually pleasing work. The purpose of these rules is to deliver a message in the most organized and functional way. 

You can read endless articles on how to define the above but I’m going to simplify it for you and give you my “7 Principles Of Design” – MY rules and tips. We will use a typical living room as our example.   

Ann’s Rules:

  • Find your focal point.  Fireplace, window, TV.  Pick one. Work your whole arrangement around that. Balance 
  • Take the largest piece of furniture and place it along your largest wall.  Doesn’t mean its flush, it might need to float away from it depending on its space. Scale
  • Stay neutral for walls and large furniture pieces and add from there.  If you’re someone who is not sure what they like.  It is easier to add secondary and accent colors to a neutral wall color or sofa. Adding your secondary and accent colors for interest.  Contrast
  • Some may argue this but it is my tried and true rule. And when working patterns within a space there should be a large scale, medium scale and small scale print. You can use one or all but never two of the same.  Pattern
  • Keep in mind conversation areas and places to set a drink or a plate.  Every seat should have one.  Movement
  • The 3 color rule:  One main color – usually the largest piece; Secondary Color is its compliment and usually is in the chairs or ottoman; Accent color – dotted sparing throughout the space.  Rhythm 
  • Lighting and mirrors.  Your lighting is your jewelry.  It can never be too big.  So play it up!  Every room needs it. Your mirrors bring in light and if placed properly, bounce that light around a room.  Reflection 
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Which 2022 Interior Design Trends Inspire You?

Several key design publications and influencers have focused on the interior design trends that will lead into next year.  We see big changes coming in interior treatments already.  Better Homes and Gardens focused on the 8 that we think are most prevalent (link to their article here) but focus on our favorites below.

Which trend inspires you to give your home an update for 2022?  Let us know in the comments. We love to hear your thoughts!

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CUSTOM Made Furniture In-Stock NOW! Made in the USA!

By Darla Rowley, Founder and CEO

Though we offer a wide variety of Interior Design Services for Metro Detroiters and Ann Arbor residents, we are excited to introduce our (drum roll, please)…

Custom “Room-To-Go” furniture packages!!

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Why Hire an Interior Designer (and What To Expect When you Do!)

Thanks mostly to Hollywood, most of us conjure up images of extravagant processes, dramatic individuals and huge budgets when we think of interior designers.  Though in some cases that may be true, it is certainly not always the case. In fact, a part of the reason we established Impact Interior Design was to assure greater flexibility, ease and options for those who desire help in creating their dream home interior. 

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Contact

Impact – Interior Design Services

(248) 591-4290

Contact

Impact – Interior Design Services

(248) 591-4290