Design Versus Decoration - this is a debate of long standing and still continuing. It was the theme of one of my first posts here in this blog in October 2005. So much time has passed and it seems that the profession of interior designer needs still to be explained.
"In my experience the profession of “interior designer” is all too frequently misunderstood or misinterpreted and often confused with interior decoration. “Oh, you must come and help me choose my curtains!”"The quotes are from a great article, written by a fellow colleague Paromita Sanatani, BA Hons Three Dimensional (Interior) Design, which describes perfectly in Nuts and bolts (The portal for expats and foreigners living in Bulgaria) all the problems and difficulties we meet as interior designers:
"Interior design is a service profession. It revolves around the client and his requirements, not the designer and his creations (only few ever reach that status!)."
"The thought of creating a space that is a practical and aesthetically pleasing environment, enhancing the quality of life of those that use the space, is as valid today as then, for my reasons to become an interior designer. Not all designers are necessarily motivated by the same aims and, unfortunately, one is not always given the option to choose the type of project to work on. Once in a niche it is hard to move on as employers want you for your experience in that niche.
In many ways the profession continues to suffer a confused identity. Often presented as over the top, shrill, loud and extrovertly camp (in the case of men) they seem preoccupied with creating monuments to themselves, which may look spectacular in the glossy magazine pages, but are completely impractical for moving around and living in.
I will never forget how shocked I was, when I was introduced to someone for the first time and they enquired as to my profession. “Oh, I think interior designers are a load of rubbish” came the convinced reply. Needless to say this person was in no doubt that anything a designer could do – he could do better!
From the chairman’s wife to a senior accounting partner, everyone thinks they know better than an interior designer. Why, because they have decorated their own home to their own satisfaction?
I can’t quite help but wonder why I spent three years studying at college to get my degree? Oh yes, ergonomics, structures, materials, history of architecture, space planning are just a few of the topics that come to mind…
Even our closest colleagues, the architects, can often be dismissive of our existence although most of my professional career was spent working hand in hand on large scale projects such as corporate offices, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, cruise liners and so on. Designers are essential on these projects as they can focus on spaces in greater detail and propose a generic approach to the ultimate selection of colours and finishes.
She gives a look at what interior designers really can do for you:
"a designer will not only be able to come up with practical and creative solutions but will also have a good knowledge of the local market i.e. availability of furniture and finishes, sourcing of craftsmen and materials. He/ she can take the headache out of the process. It’s a bit like getting an accountant to do your tax return or doing it yourself – without the creative bit if you get what I mean!"I will only add: a designer can save you both - time and money for correcting badly planned spaces, bad choices of colors and materials or construction mistakes that untrained eye can miss to notice.
It is really satisfying when a professional recommends you. Thank you, Paromita, for recommending my services!
Paromita Sanatani currently applies her creative talents as publisher and editor-in-chief of
Sofia - the insider's guide - the leading English-language companion for foreign visitors to Bulgaria's capital since Spring 2003.
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