This week I found the perfect spot for the colour course I’m scheduling here in May (dates coming soon) and I am renting the space from an instructor who has her own school.
It’s not this house (below) but wouldn’t that be fabulous?
She mentioned a popular national shelter magazine and said she has banned it from her design resources (for inspiration) because of their annual “Do-it-Yourself/Decorating on a budget/how to get the look for less” issue.
But do you know what I think? It’s probably one of their best sellers. Not everyone can afford to hire a designer to decorate their home from top to bottom but a large percentage of the population certainly want to live in a home that has the feeling that a designer has been there.
It’s also the reason some of the most popular blogs (see this blog ranking site to view) are about budget decorating, thrifty shopping, etc.
Why do designers get cranky about a ‘How to get a designer look for less’ magazine issue?
I guess the same reason some designers get exasperated with Home & Garden Television that show spaces that get transformed for almost nothing and the viewer has no idea the huge team and operation behind producing that kind of result!
I’ve heard designers in the industry say that it distorts the actual time, money and effort it takes to really have a beautifully designed room. We show up and price out custom drapery and well, it’s not $20 a panel is it?
10 years ago the statistic I heard was that 6% of the population will hire a designer; however I would not be surprised if the decorating shows on TV have increased that number with more people getting educated about living in a beautiful space!
Just some gorgeous photography by Matthew Millman for your enjoyment while I muse about blogging!
So if you are in the process of decorating or designing your own home on a budget and you have design talent? Start up a blog to document what you are doing, and who knows, you might end up on the first page of the rankings very soon!
So here’s the question, Do you think DIY magazines and TV diminish the necessity of a designer?
If you would like to transform the way you see colour, become a True Colour Expert.
Related posts:
10 Things Every Blogger should know
10 Tips that will take your Home Design blog to the Next Level
Is hiring a Designer a Luxury or Necessity?
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I can only speak for myself, but DIY magazines and HGTV have shown me the difference a home can have with a designer. It took only one room of "oh, I can make my home look awesome myself!" to see the error of my ways. That was several years ago, and I was younger and stupider then.
Good post. I am a professional designer who is also a DIY'er. I do think that HGTV distorts the reality of what goes into design and do-it-yourself projects as well. Just like Biggest Loser. Not real world at all. I think many people can do things themselves, but television is there to sell products and often misleads the public. And yes, I get ticked when people believe the hype and want professional results for twenty bucks.
We have DIY'ed a good portion of our home renovation… pictures on my blog!
Especially living in this unstable economy, I feel everyone is more cautious. Wonderful post!!
There are a couple of designers on TV like Candace Olson and Sarah Richardson who do stunning design work on their shows. “Sarah’s House” even tells us how much products and services cost! Like you, Maria, these designers educate and dazzle us with their talents. The DIY shows and publications might give us ideas for small projects but they are not taking away actual design business.
Most of the DIY shows actually use a designer to facilitate the DIY project or room makeover. So in reality, although they show the homeowners doing some of the work, most of it is done by a team of professionals. This does give a distorted view of what really goes into most of the things we see on TV. Even most DIY magazines show projects that are mostly created by design professionals.
DIY is my middle name! You know, I'll bet that those TV shows have empowered some people who normally would not have thought they could do it themself. But I also think that more people THINK about home decor because of these shows, and that they become more sensitized to their environment and they may end up hiring some help when before they may have lived with that hideous wall paper (or whatever) for years!
Well, I definitely think that the designer who bans the shelter mag for one annual issue on DIY & Budget decor is being a little too sensitive. But, I also do think that the 1 weekend for $1000 dollar complete makeover with hidden workers is harmful to the biz. Not everyone is going to hire a decorator and many people are fully capable of doing a great job on their own homes. It doesn't make them qualified to decorate someone elses home however.
Even shows like Divine Design skew people's perception because while the end results are wonderful, you don't see how many off screen workers there are, how long the project took and you never hear what the budget is. So, while most people are smart enough to understand those projects aren't cheap, they likely have no idea that in real dollars, with paid contractors (because likely the show pays Candace and friends, not the homeowners) those single room makeovers could at least $50K and more, due to all the custom work. I'd love it if they shared the real budget at the end of the show.
There are good design shows and bad ones. I think every homeowner has different levels of competency. Maybe they can paint their living room but they don't know how to pick the right color. They could go to the local fabric store and pick out a fabric but have no idea how to fabricate what they see in a magazine.
For me "DIY" is fun and I enjoy it but if there is something I can't do I have no problem hiring an expert. That's why my blog is about 50/50 of things I do for myself and things I do professionally for my clients.
I am one of those designers who worked for HGTV creating those rooms on a budget that gave false hope to viewers. And I am also an educated interior designer who was trying to run a high end design business at the same time. I can tell you first hand that it absolutely made my clients (outside of tv)look at me differently.
They were excited to have a "tv designer" working for them, but the minute you present them with the REAL cost for their project they want to know why you can't do it for $2000 like you do on tv.
Well, just like you said, there is a whole crew of people (in our case approximately 15) working behind the scenes to make these jobs happen. There are production assistants sitting on the phones securing donations for the project because the $2000 you try to make everyone believe you're targeting is NOT going to go very far. Then, if between the $2000 you throw in and the donations you get, you still aren't able to pull the project to the homeowner's satisfaction, then the homeowner is 'given the opportunity' to put in some of their own funds.
Depending on what the job is, the homeowner may be required to secure any needed permits at their own expense, before the crew shows up. Production assistants are sent in to help the owners clean out the area being made over. The homeowner is left with a list of what must be completed at their expense before filming begins.
Being a designer for HGTV actually hurt my business for about a year. I won't go into the details of that, but it was due to the public perception that what I was doing on tv I could do for them at the same cost, in the same amount of time, and it just isn't possible.
As part of my design business I had a professional drapery workroom. When I wanted my tv clients to have nice drapery, I had to pay my girls for their time to make them, and the client was always given everything at cost as far as supplies go. I never recouped what I paid my own employees because I knew it would tear into my budget too much. I just ate that part every time so that the homeowner could have what I thought would make the room successful.
So your question as to whether we think TV and magazines distort the perception of how much time, labor, and funds go into a makeover project, my answer is YES, I know it does. Been there, done that, so to speak.
In one job that my show stated had a $2000 budget, when it was all said and done, between our money, our donations, and the homeowners money, and donated labor, it would've cost over $11,000. I don't feel that it's fair for TV to misrepresent the projects the way they do, and said so on many occassions while under contract.
It makes designers everywhere look like they are overpricing their worth and the value of their supplies and labor. Being one of those designers, this was a very serious issue for me. I had spent over 10 years building a successful design business only to be reduced to a "do it on a budget" decorator in the eyes of the public. Let me tell ya, that's hard to come back from.
Sorry for the length, but some things just need to be said. lol
Oops. In rereading my comment I realize I forgot to address the DIY issue. My comment was more in relation to the perception of the pricing of a project and what goes into it.
I am defintely a DIYer. No doubt about it. I think like one of the posters above said, that DIY shows have empowered people to do things for themselves that they may otherwise not have done previously.
Some shows have good DIY projects, others do not. In blog land, we see the same thing, some good, some not. But overall, I see confidence all across blog land that I didn't see even 2 years ago.
Something good can be found in everything. I see many great ideas in the DIY magazines, many that I bookmark to try for later. For anyone at any income level, there is always some part of your decor that can benefit from DIY projects.
I hope my comment prior to this one did not sound like I was against DIY. My own blog wouldn't survive if I didn't talk about there. And if you look in blog ranking sites, you'll see that at least 85% of the top 25 are comprised of heavy DIY content.
I think people that watch those shows are quite surprised when they attempt to "do it themselves" and find they can't achieve what they thought within the budget or time frame and everything gets all messed up. It's then, that they call in an expert to fix up the problems. So in some cases these shows and magazine issues can actually work in our favour.
I think DIY magazines and design shows have made consumers more educated about design and more sophisticated in their tastes. However, watching a show and then actually coming up with a design plan for your own home are two different things. Some people can be inspired, do some research and successfully renovate or decorate their home. Others know that hiring a designer can save them time and money and end with beautiful results. So, I agree with what you alluded to and that is that these shows can only increase the demand for designers.
For our last project, we hired a designer who designed the plan,and helped source the products, but we were also participating by doing painting and installation of flooring, etc., ourselves..so I believe it was the best of both worlds. I feel that it is very beneficial to use designers,who can actually save us money in the long run by avoiding errors, and sometimes suggesting less costly alternatives.
I think tv and mags (to a certain extent) are not honest about actual end cost. But you'd have to be naive to think half of the work is done for the low cost they purport. You have to get quotes and start from there. As for design etc, I think as designers/advisors (eg. colour) become more accessible (affordable) they will be hired more often. Aussies are renowned for not striving for a beautiful home, only a practical one. So interior Design is actually not that big a trend over here.
I think overall it means more work for designers in Aus, because more people are striving for better looking homes than they did 30yrs ago. imo anyway!
I don't think the DIY shows have deminished the need for professional designers. I think they have mislead many viewers. I think viewers might attempt to pull their own designs, but they quickly learn how much experiance and skill and MONEY goes into these design on a dime programs.
Thanks for the post you have started a very good discusion
Firoozeh
Like many have already said, it takes but one room for the average person (me) to realize that it isn't as easy as it looks like on TV. I know where my gifts lay, and it isn't with design.
The ones who continue to DIY and stick with their results (good or bad) either have a knack for it or probably wouldn't have paid for a designer anyway.
Actually, I love working with clients who know their way around design (having coveted these magazines for years); it means that we can develop a dialogue quickly and the project actually benefits from this.
And anyway, beautiful homes should not just be available to the wealthy (and design savy). If you start out with an air of abundance – generous with information, people will look to you as a source of information and that cannot be bad for business.
Great post.
As a "creative" individual, I am always incredibly impressed with so many people who "DIY" and then again, I value those that have been educated or trained as a professional.
I do think in this economy, it is shifting, we have "more" things, "less" time and perhaps hiring a professional is an investment. Mistakes can be costly if you lack the DIY skill and the time.
I must say I am totally blown away with so many bloggers who are amazing DIY doers!
pve
Absolutely not!
As a designer, I love helping those who can't afford big designer fees–empowering them to help themselves. Yes, it's a business, but designers don't own the right to beauty just because God gave us "a good eye" and we learned how to develop it.
The funny thing is, my business grew beyond anything I could ever have imagined when I decided to help others surround themselves in beauty.
As a consumer, I have the highest respect for professional Interior Designers however regardless of their credentials/portfolio, I would be more apt to invest in one who is also a DYIer.
For example, as a hobby Sewer I have learned what is involved in the construction of lets say … custom made window coverings. In this respect; with onhands experience (DYI) I am probably moreso educated than many Interior Designers.
In summary, "Polly" (@MakeMineBeautiful) has quite nicely said it all.
I don't think DIY and design are mutually exclusive. The DIY mags are reader driven…as are the shows. People are looking for this.Particularly in this economy. I imagine some may be inspired and more design saavy due to the shows/mags. Like another commenter pointed out. There are good projects…and some not so good. Good designers….and others not so good.
It is a great big tapestry out there…certainly room for both.
This is a hot topic with many variables. In general, I feel shows such as those on HGTV absolutely skew reality for folks. Magazines are a whole other animal. In my humble opinion I think they are less "damaging" to people's perceptions and offer more practical inspiration than a TV show.
Although my design business is still fairly young, my experience has shown me that it all depends on the market you target. I started out targeting the everyday folks with the idea that everyone deserves a well-designed space regardless of budget. I have to be honest and share that this has been more frustrating than rewarding due to a large part in people not understanding that what they see on TV does not translate to real life. I also do a lot of real estate staging and the same rings true with that as well. So now I will only do staging consultations as most every client, agents included, feel they can do it all themselves. So I consult, give them my recommendations and let them go to town on them – or not.
As I re-design my own design biz, I am going to target a higher end market who already know they want and will pay for a professional. There will be much less "gray area" from the get-go (although I do love the color gray,lol).
Interesting but I'll echo many of the other commenters. Designers can certainly be a complement to DIY. As a person/couple's design aesthetics evolve, they can similarly evolve from DIY to hiring a designer (I see this with us). Magazines and shows have certainly opened more people's eyes to design and given them a much larger appreciation for designers.
Oops that shud have read "I am probably moreso educated than many CONSUMERS". (LOL) -Brenda-
I truly believe that the DIY magazine is there for a purpose and I don't believe it's for diminishing the interest of using a designer or a decorator. There is a small percentage of people I would consider Do It Yourselfer's and they usually have a good eye for things and already know how to maximize there budget whether it's decorating or not ….but here's what I do feel is the average person needs the help of a second party ie decorator or designer to give them the direction they need… so my answer is keep those DIY magazines coming I love them where would be if there wasn't someone out there willing to help the person who is on a budget especially these days.
I love the idea of a DIY magazine issue because it can give everyone (EVEN designers!) great ideas & tips & tricks.
The shows annoy me a bit because like many ppl have mentioned, they don't calculate labor costs of designers & contractors. I think I'd be happy if they just said "This is what it cost us to do it: $1000" but if you were to factor in labor, design fees, time, etc… "It would cost $30,000."
ANd honestly, I am more impressed when a designer or homeowner has made a beautiful space on a smaller budget… Of course I'm dying for bigger bugets, but there's something to be said for ingenuity & creativity on a budget.
I've gotten better at being upfront with people about those shows & mag issues… "Yes, I can find you fabic for $4/ yard and have it turned into curtains but it will take me hours & hours of searching which will cost you $X per hour for my time so in the end it's not worth it to you."
great post maria. I've been reading but not commenting because I usually have a kid on me! 😉
xoxoxo
You bring up an interesting point…I have a similar experience, I have been a professional wedding photographer since 1994, back when film was the only medium. When someone comes to me and asks why my hourly rate is "so high", I simply say that "uncle Bub" can shoot your wedding for free, but will he guarantee any of his work? Will he show up on time, regardless of whether you do or not? Does he have training? Will he find those special moments…that only a detached shooter can?
Nope.
A professional is just that….and if you want a professional look, you must hire a professional.
Period.
HGTV, magazines and blogs are great for the everyday look, but if you are going to invest a substantial amount of money into your decor, well….I personally would want to hire a trained professional designer. I have an "eye", but not the knowledge of products. I could make huge mistakes. I don't make enough to waste money.
Thank you!
smiles.
The type of person that would have hired a designer before is still gong to hire a designer. The one that couldn't afford it before still can't afford it. The difference is, perhaps, that now designers can chose to stick with the monied crowd only or can branch out and help those who can't pay someone else for all of it.
Ann
I do think the DIY shows give a false impression of how easy it is to decorate a room. I also think they have highlighted the role of the designer and, in my opinion, people would be more, not less, likely to hire one to help them get the look they are going for.
That being said, I doubt I would hire someone as a huge part of the pleasure of decorating our house is the fun and challenge of doing it myself. Since it takes me a long time to get around to doing things (due to time and money constraints) I have plenty of time to ponder the options and come up with good solutions, or at least ones that work for us and make me happy. Nothing thrills me more than when someone compliments us on our home as then I know it was my ideas, and my (sometimes our) energy that went into making it.
I am admittedly not a good DIYer but I do insane things to complete client projects within a budget. Often sacrificing my bottom line. And while part of that is because of HGTV type shows the flip-side is that I have a large number of clients that would have never sought the services of a designer if they thought it was only for people interested in "high end" design and that "budget" was a bad word. Access to DIY and HGTV makes managing the clients expectations difficult but I've learned it's the most important part of the job…
I kept waiting for the details about the color course?! Can't wait to learn more!
Marija
mmm..good question… I feel that lack of money would be one of the main factors for someone who would like to hire a professional…. If the economy was MUCH better, I think the design industry would see more activity… I myself would LOVE to be able to have a designer come and help me with my master bedroom and bath and my guest room… I enjoy coming to visit all the fabulous blogs out there and get so much inspiration and so many great ideas!!! Happy Sunday!
I agree wholeheartedly with what Anonymous Ann said, "The type of person that would have hired a designer before is still gong to hire a designer. The one that couldn't afford it before still can't afford it."
Not all HGTV viewers are stupid and if you have spent any time DIYing, you know that every little bit adds up. That goes for time and cost.
What those shows have done for me personally, is empower me. They have also raised my respect levels for just how much a designer actually does. I remember thinking that a designer just got to play with fabric samples and pretty colors all day when I was young. Having an educated eye and playing with colors is just a small percentage of what they, and therefore you Maria, do. There is the coordinating, the seeing of the big picture, yet knowing everything down to the buttons on a particular pillow, etc.
My hat is off to designers and HGTV hasn't lessened your worth unless you are going for the wrong market.
My reality hasn't changed, I still can't afford a designer. I enjoy DIYing my home in small doses because it makes me happy. Truth be told, even if I could afford it, I probably wouldn't because of that enjoyment. Do I respect your profession and feel that you should be paid well? Heck yes.
This debate is reminding me of the recent book wars with Amazon et all. As a writer, do I worry that my work is being devalued? Sure, but there isn't a lot I can do about it. The best thing for me to do is to keep turning out the best work I can and let that speak for itself.
No, I do not think HGTV and magazines diminish the necessity of a designer.
Great design is about talent. You either have it or you don't. HGTV may expose Suzy in Iowa to ideas she hadn't considered before, but it's not going to give her the talent to make them turn out.
People who want and appreciate great design know whether they have this talent. If they don't have it or the time, those are the ones who hire designers. I'd argue that those are the same people who've always hired designers.
Answer to the question Yes…
Oh my gosh… Love your blog.. your work and everything here!!
This post is impressive.. I've got lots to learn from here. I'm just a little design enthusiast & am passionate about colours.. and anything colourful.. Love homes, decor, interiors, architecture.. and anything to do with making things look beautiful.. Do visit my blog.. and let me know what you think..
Love this post, Maria. And the comments it prompted. I agree with much of what's already been said about home design shows. They are VERY misleading. But in my (limited) experience, it has been those same shows that prompted clients to call me. They saw something that made them think their spaces could look a lot better but had no desire to learn new skills or spend hours and hours shopping at the limited resources they were aware of. People who have never picked up a shelter mag, have seen all kinds of home makeovers on tv. I think that's actually good for my business. As a DIYer myself, I love the mags and shows that explain how to do something. If it's not a project I'd do for myself, maybe it's "just the thing" for a client job.
you know Maria, you raised a very pertinent question which bothered me for long time. not any longer though.
yes, i think these mags and tv diminish the necessity of a designer because everything looks so easy, perfect and bearable.
i don't think they educate people on how important is to commission one of us, it actually gives them more "arguments" to think they can do it (although they can't). i've had so many clients comparing my work with what they saw or read, telling me what and how i should do, not to mention a designer always charges so much, they think! in the end of the day there are two types of clients: the ones who respect our work and know they're in good hands; and the ones who trust no one but still commission us for some reason they have in mind, and will try to sabotage what we've decided. oh my god, there's so much to discuss on this subject and i am sure all of us had experiences like these!
the key is, if we have one of these last we better make the rules and if they try to step on we better step out, if you know what i mean. in the beginning i used to try to "educate" the "designers alike", but i've learned we can't, because it's their nature, that's why i step out more easily now as my work will never be enough for them 🙂
D.I.y. will never look the same as a professional. Period. However design shows give the d.i.y. really good ideas for decorating their home. The more you watch those shows the better your ideas for your home. I also agree that those shows misrepresent how much it really costs top decorate a room. The actual cost of labour is never factored in.
Maria,
I really love and appreciate how you always get us to think and understand topics…one brilliant post after another! Please move to the states! 🙂
We have done our share of DIY and after going through an almost 5 year renovation I will be posting pictures of each room come spring. But, much of the renovations were accomplished at the hands of very talented trades. I don't mind the DIY magazines and I believe we can all learn from such sources.
I think one important point to note is that a good DIYer is NOT necessarily a good designer and vice-versa. You need to know your assets and limitations.
The extremely misleading television shows are another story! I used to watch some of the HGTV shows and like many of the top design personalities, but rarely watch now for many of the reasons already stated. Holmes on Homes is good when available, for the educational factor. I am also a fan of This Old House…but again, there is much left out due to time slot limitations. I think Polly's comments above are truly worth reading AND understanding for anyone not in the business.
Shelter magazines, books and now blogs continue to provide inspiration for designers and design enthusiast alike. I think clients who can afford to hire a designer do so because they understand the value of getting professional advice that will in the end save them time, money and so much stress in all the decisions that need to be addressed to execute their vision.
I think people have talent or they don't. Magazines can't change that. I look at magazines for inspiration and then I do it myself because there is no way my husband would ever consider paying for a designer. I think it would be so much fun, for me the cost would be about the process as well as the result. Anyhow, I think I have a good eye for colour. I can see the undertones and can put colours together. I don't arrange things well though. Edit? Not much. I have to confess I don't want a designer look-I want a fabulous looking home that looks like it evolved out of who I am not one that instantly appeared. Anything I decorate with has to have meaning-I would never go to a store and buy a wall decoration. That doesn't mean a good designer couldn't work with me to achieve this. I 'm quite sure my home could be tweaked. I need help with window treatments big time. I don't buy a magazine and copy the do it yourself stuff. I look at the pictures of homes that have been featured and look for inspiration. I learn what works because I notice what is done over and over, I learn the rules and I learn how the rules are broken. I choose a shelter magazine based on how many photos of rooms in a style I like the magazine is featuring. If it has lots of DIY I don't buy it. If it is all white and glittery and pink. I don't buy it. I really dislike most faux finishes ie most Debbie Travis stuff:) I am probably not typical.
To your question: I think it depends. Some people have a natural taste for form, function, color, etc. Who can be inspired, but most people need help. Most people know more about what they don't like than what they do like. I good designer can get to know the client well enough to translate the things they can't necessarily say and make things more cohesive and finished. I've seen many designers who make everyone's home look the same (many of the whole "Southern/Atlanta" types).
It is very true that those shows are very distorted of reality as far as time and skill.
Hi Maria,
Grrrrrreat question and one I have often discussed with colleagues but which has never actually come up with clients directly, although I am sure that they are thinking it (why can't we do it for $xx, it didn't take that long on tv, etc.). I am also sure that the jobs I don't get, even though everything looked so positive, are due in part to the incredible misconceptions that are created about design fees and all other labour fees, product costs (donations, wholesale, etc.).
Like Polly, Lauren, etc. I WISH design shows would at least make the comment "not including design and labour fees", "thank you for this donation", etc. I think it is horrendously irresponsible and wonder why they don't HAVE TO be more honest. (I would love to chat with you Polly!!)
I think there is a time and place in everyone's life for Ikea and for custom furniture. Just like I think there's room for HGTV and DIY (which I love for the tricks others come across on cost cutters that I can then use) for different people or parts of projects or times in one's life. DIY is never as good as having professional help. For a talented few it can be pretty great, but those are rare…sorry.
The good I see that has come from those shows, etc…..I think…..is the awareness people get from seeing what a professional can contribute ("I never would have thought of THAT!!"). I think it also MAY explain why I do so many small, almost strictly consulting jobs for clients who never would have hired me before. I give them the entire "PLAN" of what should be done and they do the work. That's great and a lot of fun.
I certainly agree that there are 2 kinds of people out there…those that respect what you (and other professionals) do and those who do not. That's just the way it is. What is difficult is working on a long project with the latter. Pure, pure, pure hell, especially when it comes to invoicing time. Sometimes you just don't have the choice. Sadly, I think those people are really proud of themselves and never feel any different, with you or anyone.
What a lot of comments on this topic!!!
No and I don't think that is the intent. Because of the vision of the designers and the expertise of the production/construction teams, the renovations are possible. The value to viewers like me is that the renovations occur in very mainstream, average houses and they pay very close attention to maximizing impact for the investment dollar.
wow, what a great dialogue here!
In a glass-half-full kind of day I say all this activity is great for the design business because the more good design people see the more they will want to improve their own surroundings. More exposure to good design raises awareness.
And I'd like to think the public is not so stupid as to think *anything* they see on TV is reality.
Several of my best clients have come to me after years of trying to do it themselves. They learned what they wanted and sought help when they realized their goals exceeded their skills.
The more we talk about design. The better for the business as a whole. Both are needed. But I must say that I am so happy that people are focuing more and more on DYI projects. We can't keep on over consuming. We have to be much more aware. I hope that more and more designers start focusing on that themselves. Design with conscious. Great conversation topic, fabulous Maria! Happy week! Monika
I agree with you. It's a free world, and DYI is the American way. Using a Designer is not for everyone, but we know that right.
for me …I feel that my exposure to design on blogs and magazines has helped to broaden my view of all of the design possibilities out there . The more I read and see; the more I am able to really see what I like and don't like. I love to do some DIY, however I usually consult with a designer first…. because even just an hour or two with a designer can make all the difference in the world in a DIY project. I thank the shelter magazines and design blogs for leading me to that realization.
I don't think the DIY mags or show hurt the design industry. Most of the DIYs wouldn't hire a designer in the first place. I do agree that some of the 24 hour home makeovers makes it tough. Clients have short timelines and high expectations out of the gate.
Great post my dear!
xo,
cristin
Yet another opinion, which basically agrees with so many comments posted already. Kudos to you for bringing this up and get the responses that you have.
DIY is great, "if" you have the talent to make it happen…..and I agree with, most that are good at it, probably aren't the type that would be hiring a designer anyway.
Without question, the TV shows are misleading in a BIG way.
Magazines, a different story.
As always, great post!
XO
Hi Maria, I just came across your blog and am very much inspired. I just started blogging about a month ago. My blog is a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Your blog is very successful!~ How does one do that, can you give me some tips and tricks? Do you ever have a newbie featured or interview? Just wondering…….I am adding myself as a follower so I can come over and get more inspiration….any tips and tricks would be appreciated!~ We are snowed in here in SC so not much for me to do today….but BLOG:)
I HATE those shows for the same reason I hate all 'reality' shows – because they absolutely distort reality.
As for DIY and me, though… There is no way I can afford to hire a designer. Not now, maybe not ever. And I don't see myself living in the kind of house/home that NEEDS a designer. But I think every house would benefit from one! I'm with the general theme of the comments – I think people who try to DIY and who think about their homes and the feel they want, will know the value of a designer.
I'm decorating my new home, and chosing colours is HARD. Let alone everything else. And it's going to be a long process – but even if I hired a designer, I feel that blogs and magazines like this have helped me think about and refine what I like, and why.
DIY blogs – and blogs like this one – are really helpful in my renovations, but I am always aware that they aren't a replacement for professional help, and that what I will end up with is not a professional look – there will always be things that don't work quite right or that are completely wrong!