Frequently asked interior decorating questions

Homeowners with little to no interior decorating experience often have a lot of questions for professional interior designers. Here is a look at three of the most frequently asked questions and the answers to them.

What’s the most cost effective project for the kitchen?

The kitchen is the most remodeled room in the home because it’s the heart of the home and the most important part when it comes time to sell. But kitchens are also the most expensive room to remodel and for people with a tight budget, they often want to know what they can do that will make the biggest impact but without spending a fortune. According to professional interior decorators, here are some of the best projects to do on a limited budget:

 

 

 

Quartz countertops. Marble and granite are the most popular countertop materials but they’re expensive. Since everyone loves the look of nice, new countertops, replace them with quartz. Quartz countertops can have the look like marble or granite but it’s less expensive and it’s also less porous so it doesn’t stain or etch as easily.

New paint. A fresh coat of paint covers a multitude of sins. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get new cabinetry custom-made for your kitchen. You can simply give your existing cabinets a new look by repainting them.

Cabinet hardware. A small investment of a few bucks at your local department store, a screwdriver, and a couple of hours of your time is all it will take to replace the drawer pulls or knobs on all your cupboards and drawers in the kitchen. Choose hardware that will go well with your newly repainted cabinets.

Backsplash. Tile backsplashes are a hot trend right now but they can be expensive. Go with the classic white subway tile because it’s reasonably priced and won’t go out of style. You can have a row of glass tiles to create some contrast.

New lighting. Get rid of the single fluorescent tube in the center of your kitchen and get some new pendant or track lighting. Some additional task lighting on the underside of the cabinets is also a good idea.

What’s the best way to hang artwork?

 

J-style hangers are ideal for hanging artwork because the protruding collar ensures that the nail holding it in place is perfectly angled to stay put. They can hold up to 100 lbs (just make sure the hangers are mounted onto a stud and not drywall). It’s a designer’s go-to choice to properly and safely hang artwork without severely damaging the walls.

How do interior designers charge for their services?

Professional designers will typically charge in one of two ways. The first is an hourly rate that can range from $75 to $250 per hour. The second is a flat rate which is usually a percentage of the overall decorating budget. A flat rate is probably the safer bet for a larger project while an hourly rate is sufficient for a smaller project. Homeowners should at least consider consulting with an interior decorator because the cost of interior decorating mistakes alone is going to be greater than what a professional interior designer would charge for a consultation.

Source: WZZM13

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