Interior Design

DEAR TIM: I am in a quandary. Recently I inherited some money from a dear aunt. I purchased an out-of-date home on a gorgeous lot. The entire inside of the house needs to be redone. Money is not really an object yet I don't want to waste nor make planning mistakes. What is the best way to design a perfect interior that will take advantage of the delightful exterior? Robin R. Sunbury, PA

DEAR ROBIN: Uh, let's see, have you given any thought to adopting a brother? You know, one that has extensive building and remodeling experience? Just kidding! I am sorry to hear about your aunt, but I am quite sure she knew you would invest the money wisely. The first thing to do is take a deep breath and relax. Intelligent planning will allow you to achieve exactly what you want.

To accomplish this project you are going to need to assemble three additional teammates around yourself: an interior designer, a seasoned residential architect, and the remodeling contractor who will put the finished plan into action. All three team members will need to work together towards your goal.

Early in the game the interior designer is probably the most valuable player. You need to draft a designer who is accredited by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Many of these professionals have college degrees in interior design. They have been tested and trained to focus on how a room or series of rooms will be used. The designer will work closely with you to develop the best overall floor plan. After the function issues are addressed, they will address the feel and look of each room.

Before the designer gets to work you need to consult with the architect. This professional can quickly tell you what interior walls are the toughest to modify or move. Even though money is not an object, moving bearing walls can be costly and time consuming. Should it become necessary, bearing walls can often be replaced by large overhead or hidden beams. Have the architect draft a preliminary plan showing what walls are load bearing and those that are not. The interior designer will find this plan most useful.

You can assist the interior designer early in the process. Take photographs of any furniture that you currently own that you know you want to use. Begin to look at magazines and books that contain photos of things that you want. Assemble these and tell the designer what you like in each photograph. The designer may be able to detect a theme or color scheme based upon your photo gallery. Feel free to visit furniture stores as well. Fabrics, colors and textures in a simulated setting may trigger a desire in your mind.

Create a priority list. Put the things that are absolute needs at the top and the things that are lavish treats at the bottom. Eventually your budget will shake out what you will finally get.

Using all of your data, the interior designer should be able to draw up a preliminary floor plan. This illustration should be shared with the architect as soon as it is done. The architect will probably make helpful comments or suggestions that will keep the project pointed in the right direction. Once everyone agrees with the preliminary plan, the architect can begin to transform these ideas into working blueprints and specifications.

Once the plans and specifications are complete, the architect and designer can help you locate a reputable contractor. Architects and designers work with solid, knowledgeable contractors on a routine basis. They know the limitations of each contractor. Interview three contractors and ask for references. Go visit jobs that are at least one to two years old. Ask the homeowners about their contracting experience. Ask what they would do differently. If you do your homework, you will quickly spot the right contractor.

Say you can't afford an interior designer or you want to get some great ideas for decorating this may be a great way to start. Better Homes and Gardens' The New Decorating Book picks up where most large decorating books leave off. The illustrations and photos in this book are just fabulous. This 400 plus page book has nearly 500 glossy color photos of everything from whole houses to such details as picture arrangements and tabletop accessories that turn basic spaces into warm personal ones. Special features include, a quick-read format, house tours showing decorating solutions in action, room makeovers and much, much more. To purchase it, just click the photo of the book.