Recently I was interviewed by a local reader who was thinking about opening her own design firm and she asked me a really good question. ‘What is the scariest part of your job?’ My response was “In the beginning, everything you do (if you haven’t worked in a design firm to get your experience) you are doing for the first time. So you lose sleep worrying about every single furniture and drapery installation.”
Image via Cote de TexasSpecifying colour was equally as scary for me in the beginning. Until you see a lot of colour and start to become more confident that your advice is right, it is very stressful. As most of you know, I now offer a workshop in Atlanta and Vancouver for those who would like to learn everything that took me 10 years to learn (through a pile of mistakes). Colour confidence comes from understanding undertones and learning to See Colour like a Pro!
Managing Client Expectations is also a huge part of our job as designers. Every job is different so it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the business. Most of your advice is based on experience and training but most importantly, your own design aesthetic. This post outlined what I learned about silk drapery this year.
Image from Cote de TexasMy next lesson was about Exterior Colour. I had helped a client choose colours on-line and then neglected to explain how to test the colours accurately (especially on her house because it was already a dark, muddy colour) resulting in a very unhappy client and prompted this article I wrote on: How to test Exterior Colour – 3 Steps to get it Right.
Source
Photo by Maria Killam
Interior Design by Maria Killam If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk in, contact me.
Related posts:
5 Ways to know if you should Quit your Day Job to become a Designer
The first Mistake a New Colour Consultant will make Every Time
Should you Pay for a Room to be Re-painted if You chose the Colour?
10 Ways to Save money now by Creating a Focal Point
Effect of Natural Light Exposures on Colour
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Amazing post honey! I'm following you on Twitter now too! Kori xoxo
You make me realize I've not posted about the order to put in a landscape design.
A good landscape design, phased in over time, in the improper order will create a garden without winter interest, hardscapes that break,plants that need moving & etc…..
Another reason to hire a professional.
Have you made that post yet, about the order to put things in?
Thank you for all you share Maria.
Happy New Year…….
You know what I think is fabulous about you? That you are honest with yourself and your readers (besides other things, of course 🙂
It takes a confident professional to admit to the very human condition of always being on the learning curve, no matter how experienced and talented said professional is (that would be you!). As long as we are in this creative business of design, we will always make mistakes, whether true or perceived by the client, simply as this is such a subjective business. What you have shared is valuable to the rest of us. Thanks, Maria. And Happy New Year!
I just discovered your blog the other day from another blog I love, Velvet & Linen.
Your blog is amazing with all of your great advice and knowledge in decorating a home. Thanks so much for sharing.
Patti
I am learning everyday. I try not to lose much sleep either. I still need to work on my pricing.
You are amazing, Maria. I adore you … and I need to learn to not lose sleep!
Of course, everyone should know that I highly recommend your course!!!
Maria you are so great and so spot on!! Thanks for sharing so much valuable inf0rmation with us!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I enjoy the year end process of reflection and appreciate your list of lessons learned. I love to keep learning. And I always learn great things from reading your blog, Maria.
Fondly,
Glenda
A great post Maria. Your honesty is an important professional characteristic and one I seek out in a consultant. Where would any of us be if we didn't learn form our mistakes? Many of your posts get me thinking about my own take on the topics you write about.
I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog and look forward to more commentary in 2011.
You can't put a value on experience, well other than maybe a trillion dollars!. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
The Ladies at The Loft.
Good for you. I still lose sleep. People's expectations worry me to death even when I know for sure I'm right. I love your blog and all the tried and true advice. Thanks for all the hard work you put in to every post. Happy New Year. Mona
Wow..the room you designed is just gorgeous by the way! I love the colors and the pillows. Beautiful!
I, too, learn from every job and lose sleep over every job. Decorating is a subjective, imperfect science but with the expectation of perfect results. You have to learn to take the mistakes in stride and learn from them. I have more than my share of furniture "stored" away. Another great post!
Again, you inspire me, you confirm and affirm what I think we all experience and feel, and I love your candid honestly. I got a distress text from a client a couple of days ago who came home to a new house color they didn't like (too warm they said) and I had nightmares about it before I could drive out to see. I drove up and it was VERY warm … yellow in fact and all I could see was $ out of my pocket. Turned out it was tinted primer … light yellow instead of a beautiful tan that was supposed to be. The final coat – beautiful so it all worked out … but it is stressful! We want to please and things do go wrong, we aren't perfect and I agree with you … that is what I love about this business; it is challenging, always changing, and when you get it right … the most rewarding feeling in the world!
I find the stress often comes from those things we can't control, like suppliers who drop the ball or deliveries that go astray. And I agree — its wonderful when it all goes according to plan. Thanks for your honesty Maria – you always say it like it is!
Maria,
The love of a challenge, changes and no two days alike keep many of us striving in the design industry. It's a great balancer in the design world. Things happen and we all try to remedy the situation as best we can.
All to often some people take personal pleasure in seeing others "jump" as a form of control. I have found that if you stay "centered in confidence" even while the fire alarm is coming through your iPhone or ringing on your brain.
You'll do your best and the best is what we know.
So as we take our experiences into the new year I wish you a great 2011 and enjoy following you both here and on twitter.
Happy New Year!
Bette
Maria thanks for a year full of exciting design posts. You are such a dedicated and hard worker. I am a huge fan and never miss a post, just letting you know I am here and appriciate every one of them and I am so happy for your success, you deserve it. Have a great celebration tonight and I'm certain you will have even more success in 2011!
Excellent post. A coach is a wonderful thing. I did that 2 years ago, and that is what gave me the courage to get into this business. Your post inspired me to get back to my goals and focus. I love the idea of naming the year…
Also, check out website, 212 or Give More Media…good motivational stuff.
212 is that extra degree that it takes to power a train. Check the video clip http://www.212movie.com/