topic Re: Giving a decorator a free hand in Home

Giving a decorator a free hand

caroln242 — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:19:00 GMT

So often I see programs on TV where the homeowner gives a decorator $80,000 + and leaves the home during renovation. The decorator picks out colors, countertops, flooring, even exterior house color. I couldn't do that. I would be a "helicopter" client, overseeing every little thing. Probably would make the decorator wonder why I hired anyone to begin with. Would you give a decorator carte blanche when deciding how your home looks? Or is it just being a control freak?

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

pinkcrystal — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:23:14 GMT

Maybe they are so well off they can redo it if they don't like it? I could not do it for sure, I'd need to check off what they wanted to do. But I'll never have 80,000 dollars to redecorate anyway LOL

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

AuntG — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:37:06 GMT

My thought is many of them want to sell their homes so this is a way to improve them using current trends.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

jeanlake — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 16:41:07 GMT

For some who have the money, don't want the hassle and want something nice I guess this works. Agree with poster - it would make me anxious to walk away with ideas and not know what to find.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

Carmie — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:01:14 GMT

It's probably fake like everything else. The homeowner IMO, already knows ahead of time what is being done and they know what materials are going in there.

You can't believe everything you see on Reality TV.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

millieshops — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:07:41 GMT

I think some of that freedom is given because to get the final effect they get could well cost even more in the area where they live.

I also think there is more consultation on some shows but it's behind the scenes because just like they show in 5 minutes the demolition that can take hours and hours and hours, it makes sense to me that they limit those consultations - listening to someone dither over which shade of white paint works best isn't interesting after the first ten seconds -- unless it's my house.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

mspatmac — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:45:45 GMT

If I had an extra $80,000 and wanted a home refresh I doubt I could turn it over to a designer 100%. I would love to work with Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent as they, at least on their show, seem to listen to their clients and involve them in decisions. Color choices are extreamly important to me and if I came home to green, brown (expect for flooring or tables) or yellow I would be most unhappy.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

Sooner — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:48:36 GMT

@Carmie wrote:
It's probably fake like everything else. The homeowner IMO, already knows ahead of time what is being done and they know what materials are going in there.

You can't believe everything you see on Reality TV.

@Carmie I will guarantee you that you are right about that. I am sure they are given a selection to ok, maybe not THE final materials and colors, but a selection to approve.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

Bridgegal — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:58:28 GMT

No, never. I'm far too picky.

After we moved in to the house we'd built in PA , I went in to a small shop and bought a pretty display cabinet from Indonesia. With the purchase came a free hour for consultation with a local decorator.

She came out and after we went through the house, she said everything was beautifully done and asked what decorator I'd used and said she might know her/him. I told her I'd hadn't used a decorator. She was surprised and said she really didn't have much to suggest except that I could get a small glass top table and lamp to put at the end of the sofa. I walked into the sun room and moved a table and lamp to the spot , she laughed and said 'perfect'.

So, no decorator for me.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

sometimesQVCaddict — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 21:11:02 GMT

Never would happen, even if I were a trillionaire! I appreciate input on what goes where and in my kitchen redesign I certainly relied on expert advise I do not posess, but I alone chose colors and materials. I like that mix.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

CelticCrafter — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 21:36:50 GMT

I wouldn't care if it was $800, no way is someone going to spend my money without me knowing what they were buying with it.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

Foxxee — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 22:52:21 GMT

I want everything done exactly how I want it, so unless I am unable to do it, I do it myself.

Have been through numerous house cleaners, landscapers, carpet cleaners, you name it.

I don't believe anyone can read our minds despite being explicit as to what we want, so absolutely not to interior decorators.

If I felt so handicapped, I'd take an interior design course, look at magazines and the internet for ideas.

I can't build a house or install a new furnace, but I'd be there watching like a hawk.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

ALRATIBA — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 23:00:17 GMT

Absolutely positively NEVER!

I'm rather stubborn.

I have my own peculiar taste - I don't want anyone's suggestions or advice

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

caroln242 — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 23:00:45 GMT

@Foxxee wrote:
I want everything done exactly how I want it, so unless I am unable to do it, I do it myself.

Have been through numerous house cleaners, landscapers, carpet cleaners, you name it.

I don't believe anyone can read our minds despite being explicit as to what we want, so absolutely not to interior decorators.

If I felt so handicapped, I'd take an interior design course, look at magazines and the internet for ideas.

I can't build a house or install a new furnace, but I'd be there watching like a hawk.

Yeah, me too. Especially if they're moving walls or doors or making any kind of major construction changes.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

Mary Bailey — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 23:00:54 GMT

I would want to see & hear their ideas. No. I could not keep my voice silent, not a chance.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

spiderw — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 00:17:23 GMT

I would definitely have to be involved in the process. Only if the person knew exactly what I want would I allow he or she to have a free hand. Design is taste and I have my own ideas of what I love in furnishings and decor.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

wagirl — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:38:16 GMT

No I would not give a decorator that power---I would love to have their opinion but would definitely say yes or no to what she/he picked out. those shows do that to stage it and the stuff is usually for sale to the owner---most of it I would say no to. and if I ever were in that remodel situation, I would insist on them using the pieces I have first or tell them don't want that included in the re model budget.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

stevieb — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 16:49:46 GMT

It's rare for a decorator to be given carte blanche... Many claim they dream of it and of not being bothered with the need to include the client in decision making, but without some guidelines and at least occasional client meetings, it seems to me that no matter how well you might think you know a client's tastes, it could be a recipe for disaster.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

faeriemoon — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:42:36 GMT

@Carmie wrote:
It's probably fake like everything else. The homeowner IMO, already knows ahead of time what is being done and they know what materials are going in there.

You can't believe everything you see on Reality TV.

I totally agree.

Re: Giving a decorator a free hand

wilma — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 18:30:43 GMT

I would never give a remodeler or decorator freedom to do whatever they wanted. When we had professionals do the kitchen & bath, we listened to input & suggestions, and then we made the final decisions. It’s our home so it needs to fit our lifestyle & we need to like it.