Design of Royal Mail Yearbook 2011 by Magpie Studio

Nov 19, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Design Firms

The Royal Mail Yearbook, which features 14 stamp issues of the year 2011 along with their explanations, has been designed by Magpie Studio design firm.

Olympics Gymnastics Stamps, designed by Studio David Hillman

Magpie Studio started designing 2011 yearbook sometime in the year 2010 after presenting a creative pitch. They have previously vacationed with Royal Mail to create presentation packs and design different stamps, or related projects.

Dumbledore stamp from the Magical Realms range, designed by So Design Consultants

According to the Magpie Studio creative director, Ben Christie, ‘The challenge is to get something completely different each year and to also appeal to the collectors.  There’s such a wide range of subject matters so we wanted an approach that adds interest on every page, not just the same idea throughout.’

Me and My Girl stamp from the Musicals range, designed by Webb and Webb

Along with the Royal Wedding supplement, hardback book presentation box includes special issue stamps such as the Thunderbirds range; Olympic and Paralympic stamps; classic locomotives of England; musicals; WWF animals and the Morris & Co range in the package.

Royal Wedding stamps, designed by Atelier Works

Each chapter was designed by different illustrators who were commissioned to create an exclusive imagery with a unique feel and look, illustration typography and style. A different letter was used from every chapter to carve out “Royal Mail” on the cover of 2011 yearbook.

Thomas the Tank Engine stamp, designed by Elmwood

‘Being able to use different typefaces adds uniqueness to each page. Royal Mail staff has got a really good creative eye and really worked with us to make the design work while still giving us free reign’, stated Christie!

People’s Choice Design Award Winner; Design Matters

Nov 4, 2011 by admin    2 Comments    Posted under: Design Firms, Graphic Design Tips

The People’s Choice Design Award was announced by Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum at its annual gala on Thursday, October 20, 2011. Debbie Millman from Design Observer’s, and the originator of the popular Design Matters was the winner of this promising award.

Debbie Millman was behind over 100 shows on Voice America between years 2008-2009 before moving onto Design Observer in August of 2009 and has produced over 33 design podcast interviews. Ever since Curtis Fox started producing the Design Matters show, interviews have been recorded at the School of Visual Arts studio.

According to me Debbie Millman, Design Matters was unveiled in the month of February of 2005 with a basic concept and a telephone. She thought that it would be an awesome way to find out about design tips and know more about the brilliance of designers all over the world.

Design Observer is an exclusive publisher of the show; Design Matters and all podcasts are available for free on iTunes. The current producer is Curtis Fox of Curtis Fox Productions and show is backed by the School of Visual Arts and Sterling Brands. Technical support is endowed by Rainy Orteca and data research by Jennifer Simon.

Make a Statement With Spotless Graphic Designs; Cristiano Siqueira

Aug 26, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Design Firms, Designer Interviews, Graphic Design Tips

We know it’s been a while since we last interviewed a professional graphic designer for you, however, we do think the wait was worth this one. Today we are bringing to you Cristiano Siqueira from Brazil, a graphic design artist  and illustrator who has had the pleasure of associating with brand-names like Microsoft, Nike, Gillette etc etc.

Continue reading below for some amazing design tips and a detailed interview session.

DesigningTips.com – Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from and how did you end up being a freelance graphic designer?

Cristiano Siqueira – I’m an illustrator working from my home office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I’m 31 years old… Well, it’s really hard to talk about myself; I don’t think I have anything interesting to say about myself!

Okay let’s try this one time: I like football, I like to go out with friends to drink beer and talk useless things, however at times I also talk about some other things, like career, life, Oh and I’m married I don’t have kids, pets, plants, just a small apartment a Wacom tablet and a Mac.

I took some time to realize that I could work as a graphic designer. My educational pattern was a technical course of communication design, based in traditional art, painting, drawing, sculpture and I had some talent in that field. So, I thought I could be a painter or another sort of artist in the future, after further studies, of course. During that time (1996) a “Designer”, for me, was more like an architect or a professional with years and years of experience. Nowadays, people learn Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and call themselves a “Graphic Designer”. I wish that it was so easy to be one 15 years ago, but it wasn’t. So, with acknowledgment I got in school, the only job I found was of an assistant of another assistant in a small graphic design studio. I got accepted there because I was good in drawing and the employees wanted me to draw few things at the studio, like hand drawn lay-outs, sketches of characters, logotypes, etc.

Once I started at the design studio, daily routines turned out to be quite different than planned. I didn’t make any drawing, as I’d thought and seated in front of a computer with the Adobe Illustrator 7 and asked to redraw scanned logotypes to be applied in books and other stuff. So that’s how I first came in contact with Illustrator. Days and days of redrawing logos made me good with pen tool I think… (Laugh out loud) and that’s how I got promoted to another section, to cut background images from a picture in Adobe Photoshop.

Of course I had problems performing simple tasks, since I didn’t know anything about Photoshop and Illustrator, but I think I have an obsessive (and maybe morbid?) quality for perfection and I took this task as a challenge, studied Photoshop and Illustrator every day, trying to use something more than pen tool. Someone at the design studio suggested me to start colorizing my own hand drawn works in Photoshop and I did it, getting some of the unexpected and out of the world results. With these great outcomes, the directors of the design firm realized that I could do a lot more than cutting off images and that’s how I got to work on my first design project. And this is how, following step by step, with many success and failures, I ended up being a “Graphic Designer”.

Almost 6 years later, after working as a designer for books, CD covers, packaging, etc… I finally started my career as an Illustrator artist. Initially, working for children books and packaging design (with the partners I had from the graphic design jobs), later for magazines and advertisements. The first year as freelance illustrator was really bad, very few projects and that too well underpaid. I had a good experience in graphic design industry however I didn’t know how an illustrator could work like that; the first year was much more of a learning curve.

I found a lot of information on internet blogs, different web-forums, and while interacting with experienced design professionals. I found the SIB (Brazilian illustrators association) and while networking with graphic artists on board, I learned more on how the illustration industry worked, with the knowledge about quotations and contracts. The second year was way better, a lot more design projects and much better payments. I also started sharing my work on different design portals like DeviantArt and of course on my own website. Since then, the ball kept rolling and I kept myself working on new projects and upgrading day by day.

DesigningTips.com – Is it necessary to go to design school to learn how to be a good graphic designer or is it enough to “attend the school of hard knocks?”

Cristiano Siqueira – In my opinion, yes! It’s good to study, to become a graphic designer and even after starting out. The designer needs to keep taking lessons because a lot of new things related to design industry keeps coming around and the creative artist needs to stay up-to-date. For basic development, I think it’s essential.

To be a good designer, one needs to know the basics of his work for example; Composition, color theory, typography, illustration, photography, gestalt, semiotics.

According to me, good designer is a professional who is able to manipulate the graphical language to transmit ideas and concepts. You can only be successful at this, if you study design basics and learn from the past experiences of other design professionals and researchers. All of these things can be learned at a good design school.

DesigningTips.com – What are the key elements of a good design?

Cristiano Siqueira – Key basics of a high-quality design are; good and clear communication, the efficient use of graphical elements to support the communication, high technical level of execution and creativity.

DesigningTips.com – Is good graphic design a function of creativity … of sound experience … or both?

Cristiano Siqueira – I think good design is a realistic portrait of a communicative intention. I mean, the design is good when it can translate an idea, concept or message from an image that can be successfully received by targeted audience. To be precise, when people can actually understand what you really want to say!

DesigningTips.com – Is there any real difference between graphic designing (brochure/pamphlet/logo), a room (office space/bedroom) and clothing for a beautiful woman?

Cristiano Siqueira – Sure, each request has its own language, common codes and references. While using the key elements of a good design I just stated above, you need to use the right basics to be efficient in your communication, and the right elements can be found by studying the language of the different uses, however they all are quite relevant or similar works.

DesigningTips.com – How do you work on your graphic design projects? I mean, what design software, applications and design tools do you use the most for your projects?

Cristiano Siqueira – Primarily, I like to draw some simple sketches on a sketchbook which is always lying next to me. This is just to clarify ideas and concepts. I get on to the computer only when I have something more understandable in mind. So I draw more sketches on computer, even by using my Wireless Wacom tablet and Photoshop or Illustrator (for vectors). From start to finish, the process is drawing, painting and getting references to actually draw what I really don’t know to depict. Sometimes these references are photos, and at times are 3D renders. So, basically my tools are: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, wireless Wacom tablet, Poser, and digital camera to take high-quality reference pictures.

DesigningTips.com – Are there ever times when design changes are radical?

Cristiano Siqueira – In my designs you mean? Well, of course… either by client request, or at times by my creative self. My objective is to get a good design work to my client, and in order to get the best results, I can change or modify everything from the start. I think it’s better to change everything while you are working and are in the process rather than at the end.

DesigningTips.com – Can you tell us about your graphic design portfolio and clientele (people you have worked with & for)?

Cristiano Siqueira – Sure, I can tell you everything about my illustration portfolio since this is the field I’m good at… I had the pleasure to work for: Microsoft, Nike, Gillette, BBDO NY, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.

I’ve been working with the major publishers here in Brazil, such as: Globo and Abril, along with companies such as MasterCard Brasil, Azaléia, etc.

You can always get to know more about my design portfolio from my website here.

DesigningTips.com – Any graphic design tips you would like to share with freshers just starting out in the design industry?

Cristiano Siqueira – Just keep studying and taking care of the excellent work. Clients come and go, but your creativity should stay. Try to make a statement with your neat and spotless graphic designs.

Top 10 Print Design Tips

Jul 30, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Design Firms, Design Tutorials, Graphic Design Tips

Top 10 Print Design Tips; Each of which will turn you into a Top-Notch Graphic Designer

There are countless print designers and art directors working in every part of the United States. They’re all professionals, skilled in their craft, but they don’t necessarily exhibit the same talent or skill level to be a top-notch graphic designer.

If you’re a print design professional, there are things you can do – on every assignment – to separate yourself from the pack … to become an exceptional art director, someone who commands respect and is highly sought after by potential clients.

The “path to greatness” is covered in the following  top 10 print design tips. Here is what you need to do …

• Print Design Tip #1 … Always remember to “bleed” the page you’re working on (that means leave room around the edges of the page to allow for changes, if necessary, by the printer.
• Print Design Tip #2 … Use “overprint” techniques to “create additional colors when budget constraints make it impossible to actually use three, four or more colors. “Overprinting” creates the appearance of additional colors.
• Print Design Tip #3 … Think “outside the paper.” That means that you need to be creative. Example: use oversize type in a headline so that it “runs off the page” and creates visual interest and draws attention to your advertising.
• Print Design Tip #4 … Use “unusual” paper sizes. It’s easy to work with standard paper sizes, but it’s much more creative to create designs with rarely-used paper sizes. Plus, when you do that, you make your work stand out and get noticed.
• Print Design Tip #5 … use interesting type-faces … because the text that appears in your work is every bit as important as the illustrations you use … or the photography. If your work has a specific theme, there will be text that matches that theme graphically.
• Print Design Tip #6 … When it comes to content, the amount of type you use – keep this thought in mind: “less is more.” Effective print graphics utilize lots of white space because it’s visually appealing … makes the text look as if it will be easier to read … and it always draws reader interest.
• Print Design Tip #7 … use grids when developing your page layouts. The grids will help you produce a layout that is effective … easy to look at … and attractive.
• Print Design Tip #8 … the typography you select matters … a lot. Typefaces are part of your print design. So … choose wisely.
• Print Design Tip #9 … Create real impact by “inverting.” That means turn your headlines “inside out” – use reverse type to create a dynamic and compelling look to your print design.
• Print Design Tip #10 … Choose photography carefully. Photos add tremendous impact to print designs. So, here’s sound advice: whether you employ the use of original photography or stock photos, make sure your selections are first-rate, the best you can find. They will dramatically improve your print design.

Follow these simple top 10 print design tips and you will be well on your way to becoming a well-known and always-working print designer … a top-notch professional graphic designer that people want to hire.

Top 10 Home Design Tips

Jul 29, 2011 by admin    1 Comment     Posted under: Design Firms, Design Tutorials, Graphic Design Tips

Top 10 Home Design Tips … That will make your House Beautiful

Most people have very definite ideas about home design and believe they can turn every room in the house or apartment they live in … into an individual showplace.

It’s all about creativity … having an open mind … and preparation. While some folks prefer to spend big money to hire professional interior decorators and design firms, it’s really not necessary if you have a belief in yourself … and your ability to make each room in your home a “thing of beauty.”

Here are top 10 home design tips to help you achieve the results you want …

• Set Reachable Goals … this should be your very first step – the establishment of goals that are sensible and that you can accomplish. That means you should not be thinking about major renovation, but, instead, purchasing items you can afford that will transform your home.
• Set a Sensible Budget … you’d probably like to spend endlessly to get “the very best” furnishings, art and more to create “your personal palace.” But, if that’s going to cost too much, it’s obviously not realistic. Create a spending plan you can afford … and stick to it.
• Get “Samples” and Bring them home …Visit home design stores and ask for small samples and swatches of fabrics, patterns and colors, even window treatments, rug samples and more so that you can return home with them and judge them more accurately in the room where you want them. It will be easier to determine if a pattern or color is right when you hold it up in the room in your home where you want to use it.
• Use a Design Board … Employed by professional interior designers, it will help you to figure out if all the colors, patterns and fabrics you’ve acquired work well together.
• Sketch a simple floor plan … this is a critically important step because it will help you determine – in advance – if the furniture you want to buy will fit in the room where you want to use it.
• Update or improve your lighting … here’s another important step. If you’re going to “revitalize” the rooms in your home, effective, modern lighting will highlight the design changes you make. So, follow this Home Design Tip – remove your old lamps and replace them with new, stylish lamps and clever overhead lighting.
• Be aware of the square footage available to you … make sure you know the actual size of the room you’re working on before you spend money on furniture. It would be an awful financial loss if the couch you purchased didn’t fit in your living room.
• Use the 60-30-10- rule …this is another great home design tip. The “rule” says that you should use the “dominant” color in any room you’re designing up to 60% in all the furniture and furnishings you add. 30% of the colors you use should be for the secondary color … and the remaining 10% can be “spent” on adding a matching accent color.
• Mix and match with style … this is yet another very sound home design tip. When you mix and match colors and patterns, the result is a relaxed, eclectic “feel”. Does it work? Yes … and that’s why professional designers use the same formula.
• Develop a Specific Point of Interest … it is how to make your room noticeable when people visit. You can, for example, use a large piece of art on a dominant or primary wall … place an over-sized rug in the middle of the room … “build” a conversation pit with a couch and chairs – the choice is yours.

Follow these top 10 home design tips and you’re sure to create an environment that will impress people and become “the talk of the neighborhood.” Best of all, you can do it on a budget.

Graphic Design Tips; They start with your own Creative Instincts

Jul 23, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Design Firms, Design Tutorials, Graphic Design Tips

There was a time, not really that long ago, when graphic designers learned their craft (graphic design) in “art school” … honed it slowly in a small ad agency, design firm or design studio … and, after the passage of a year, perhaps two years, blossomed into solid and reliable professionals. In this article, we will be discussing graphic design tips in detail.

Graphic design has always been an integral part of all advertising and marketing. Every company and corporation, large or small, uses graphic design in its printed materials because, when executed effectively graphic design “brings life” to all printed messages.

Older graphic designers who are still actively engaged in their craft learned how to create graphic design “by hand.” Yes … they were – and are – in effect commercial artists. But progress has changed the graphic arts landscape – dramatically.

Young graphic designers may actually have no art skills. That means they probably can’t draw or sketch anything. And yet, they are likely to be successful in their chosen profession. Why …

Today’s graphic designers have been “schooled” in the use of “art software” that allows them to create images … use countless different type faces in different fonts – to develop their very own “commercial masterpieces” … graphic designs that bring words to life … and draw viewer or reader interest.

Interestingly, whether you are an old-timer with actual art skills or a young designer who has learned his/her craft on a modern computer, the graphic design tips you need to know remain essentially the same.

That’s because “good art” — quality commercial art – never changes. So, if you can’t draw a circle, but have a “good eye” for design and layout, you are surely making waves right now … getting noticed … and building a reputation as a quality and capable graphic designer.

Are there are graphic design tips that can help you excel? The answer is yes, but the second part to that answer is that you probably learned all about these graphic design tips when you were being taught to be a graphic designer.

Nevertheless, it’s worth going over a few graphic design tips just as a reminder to you. To begin:

• Graphic Design Tip #1 … graphic design is really commercial art. You need to be able to create a layout that draws interest in your design and the words that accompany that design. One thing you need to know is that all people tend to read from “top right to bottom left.” So … make sure that your most important headline, photo or illustration appears somewhere in the primary position I’ve already mentioned – upper right.
• Graphic Design Tip #2 … always use different type faces – and sizes – as a way to help your readers look at the page and “see” what you want them to see. Avoid “block copy” because copy density is intimidating and hard to read. And … use lots of what space … as much as possible. That makes your graphic design “reader-friendly.”
• Graphic Design Tip #3 … put your creative instincts to work to “wed copy and illustrations or photos so that they work well together … invite viewing … and attract prospects.

Remember: graphic art is not fine art. Your goal is not to become a great artist … it is to become a successful commercial artist … someone who regularly helps his or her employer or client to succeed.

The effective use of photos/illustrations and easy-to-read type-faces will enable you to reach the top of your profession.

Logo Design Tips; It is all about Creative Flair and a Superb Imagination

Jul 21, 2011 by admin    1 Comment     Posted under: Design Firms, Design Tutorials, Graphic Design Tips

Logos are often very simple-looking designs that, at first glance, appear to have taken an art director or designer no more than a few minutes to “think up” and develop. The truth is something very much different … almost the exact opposite.

Logos are how companies, corporations and businesses identify themselves graphically. They are critically important to every business because prospects and potential customers tend to buy products and services from companies that have logos they recognize.

In fact, when potential customers recognize a corporate logo, it generally inspires confidence in the company that has the logo … “tells” or implies to the potential customer that this is a company he/she can trust.

That’s why most companies and corporations are willing to allocate huge sums of money to advertising agencies and/or marketing companies that specialize in logo design. Yes … it’s that important.

And, as you might expect, “the simple logo” you recognize for companies like Coca Cola, for example, require long hours of “brainstorming,” market research and more before a design is presented and approved.

The truth is that the simple design which you look at and take for granted is the result of lots and lots of hard work. Here are some simple tips to consider if you’re thinking of creating a logo for your company … whether it is large or small.

• Tip #1 … Make sure that your logo graphically represents what your company is all about. Assume, for a moment, that your firm is very modern and “cutting edge.” If so, your logo should have a “high-tech” 21^st century look … nothing ornate or old-fashioned because that would not be an appropriate representation of your firm … and, as a result, you would not attract the people who are likely to be real prospects.
• Tip #2 … K.I.S.S. — Keep It Simple Stupid! Your logo doesn’t have to be so clever that people looking at it have no idea what your company does. Keep in mind that consumers don’t pause and study your designs. They look at them for a brief moment and then focus their attention elsewhere. Your logo needs to impart relevant information about your company “at a glance.”
• Tip #3 … Make your logo memorable. Some logos have, over time, become iconic – completely unforgettable… and dominant. These “iconic” logos actually become representative of a particular product or service, completely overwhelming all other logos for companies offering a competitive product or service. If you can reach that level of recognition, you will enjoy unparalleled success.

There are probably other tips you can pay attention to – or use – to help you get a logo that “speaks volumes” about your company and becomes instantly recognizable to consumers, too. One such tip is this: Go online in search of an advertising firm that specializes in logo design. Check their record … and their fee structure.

If you like what you learn about them – and you’re comfortable with the fee they plan to charge — hire them and “turn them loose.”

Your logo is critically important to the long-term success of your company. Put your faith in an advertising or marketing firm that can help you achieve the lofty goals you’ve set for your company.

Home Decorating; You have the Talent to get it done

Jul 15, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Design Firms, Design Tutorials, Graphic Design Tips

Mention something like room design, interior decorating or home decorating and the average home owner or apartment dweller becomes a bundle of nerves and, in some cases, actually starts to shake. Why … he or she immediately believes the creativity needed to successfully home decorate just isn’t available.

If you feel that way, this is the time to “change your attitude.” You don’t have to be a professional room designer … a skilled interior decorator …or a gifted amateur to create “looks” that would actually make a professional proud.

All you really need to do – at any time – is trust your creative instincts and your judgment … they both exist and they are always available to you. It is simply a matter of accessing the creative intellect that rests inside you. And that takes confidence … a belief that you can do it.

And … you can do it, even if you currently don’t realize it. In truth, you can look at an empty room and imagine it filled with furniture and furnishings … with walls painted in colors that are vibrant and inviting … with floor and table lamps that bring elements of interest and warmth with them – you can think like an interior decorator.

That is not to say, of course, that you possess the skills and the experience of a professional decorator who gets paid for his or her services … nothing of the sort. But, you are creative, certainly to the point where you can “dress up” each room in your home and make it look great. And, unlike a professional interior decorator, you’ll be able to “carry out this magic” without busting your personal budget.

That’s because, as you will quickly discover, you not only possess decorating ability, you also know how to “shop and save.” And that gives you a “leg up” on the high-priced professional talent.

So, if you’re thinking of decorating a room – or several rooms – in your single family home, your townhouse or your condo – trust yourself to get the job done in great fashion.

Remember even before you start: you know what looks good … you know how to shop … you know how to fit all the elements of room design together, including color … and you should know that you can do it all in spectacular fashion.

This is your time to prove to yourself and to those close to you that you have skills and abilities that have long been dormant, skills and abilities you’re ready to show off.

Take the next step as soon as possible. If you’ve just purchased a home and are waiting to move in – plan each room out carefully. Then begin shopping for the items you know are needed. If you already are living in a home and simply want to redecorate a room or two, employ the same strategy.

You may not be able to get hired and work as an interior designer, but you’re good enough to employ the skills you have for yourself. Get started with home decorating. And have fun.

Design Styles; You’re limited only by your own Imagination

Jul 4, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Design Firms, Design Tutorials, Graphic Design Tips

When it comes to creating design styles for your home, or even for your office – the sky is the limit. There are many design styles that you can choose, all of which you can study in design tutorials and retail store showrooms.

The design style you choose for your home is, of course, a personal decision … totally up to you. What design styles are available to you? There is really a laundry list of ideas from which you can choose – modern … ultra-modern … contemporary … antique … colonial … rustic … “ranch-style” … Mediterranean … “funky” … eclectic – the list is virtually limitless.

Importantly, you can, if you feel adventurous, use different design styles in different rooms. You would not be the first homeowner to do that and you would probably not be the last. And how would that work out?

Well … you can turn your large kitchen area into a warm and inviting “country” kitchen with a large wood breakfast table and cabinets that sport a “rough, unfinished, but nevertheless, charming look. Do it correctly and you’ll love the “feel.” Your friends and neighbors will sing your praises, as well.

Stay with the eclectic idea and turn your family room into a “rustic” haven with wood beams below the ceiling, a roaring fireplace or, better yet, a pot belly stove, an entertainment center with an “old-fashioned” look … wood floors covered by throw rugs – you get the idea.

So … what will you do about the living room? Well, since you’re being eclectic, how about fitting this room with a comfortable contemporary look – a plush, inviting sofa … attractive floor lamps … some handsome artwork on the walls … beautiful end tables …. And anything else that appeals to you.

As far as your bedrooms are concerned, if you have kids, why not create an enduring theme for each of their bedrooms? Turn your son’s room into a “sports palace” … your daughter’s room into a feminine hideaway … and as for the Master Bedroom – fit it with a stunning four-poster bed , rich, dark wood end tables and dressers … a full length mirror … more. When you’ve finished, your Master Bedroom will offer a “can’t refuse” respite from the pressures of the day.

Finally, turn your bathrooms into “private pleasure palaces” where you can go to enjoy a soothing and relaxing bath or an invigorating shower.  The “look” of each bathroom can be whatever you want it to be … as long as it is inviting and irresistible.

Of course, you don’t have to furnish your home in an eclectic manner. You can rely on a design firms, specific theme or one or two design styles to turn your home into a showplace that draws rave reviews from anyone who visits.

If you like a contemporary look, use it all over the house … ultra-modern, make that your choice, prefer antiques – they can give a room a feel of real warmth and look great, as well.

The fact is that there are no limits to the design styles you can use to decorate your house and turn it into a true home. The lonely limitation is, of course, your imagination. Don’t let it stop you.

The Whole Truth about Interior Design Firms

Jun 23, 2011 by admin    No Comments    Posted under: Design Firms

There is a commonly-held perception that only the wealthiest among us utilize the services of Interior Design Firms for help in home decorating. But, as I said a moment ago, it is perception … not necessarily reality.

What is the reality? Simply stated, it is that most homeowners, even those of relatively modest means, can hire Interior Design Firms to turn their homes into “private palaces.”

Is it expensive? It certainly can be because the best Interior Design Firms charge significant fees for their services and then go out and spend “gobs of your money” buying furniture and furnishings for your home.

That’s “top-of-the-line,” the kind of Interior Design Firms you see in theatrical productions where the celebrity homeowner, with deep, deep pockets, is willing to “spend a small fortune” using the upscale and skillful services of a well-known and highly-regarded Interior Design Firm for the purpose of ending up with a home that looks like a showplace.

Interior Design Firms that cater to the wealthiest Americans tend to charge thousands and thousands of dollars for their highly creative services … tens of thousands of dollars more for the exquisite furniture that is destined to grace the home they’re designing. Call such Interior Design Firms “the top of the food chain.” They’re priced beyond the means of most average Americans.

But, does that mean you can’t utilize the services of an Interior Design Firm for your somewhat more modest home? Of course not, because there are countless firms – in every big and small city and suburb in America – that are willing to provide services on your budget.

Let me repeat that. If you’re an average American family of modest means, not poor, of course, but not rich, either, you can still hire a great Interior Design Firm that will help create the beautiful home you covet – at a price you can afford.

Perhaps you were unaware of this intriguing possibility. Well, you need to know that it exists. In fact, Interior Design Firms that cater to the “wants and needs” of people like you are generally staffed by young, up-and-coming Interior Designers anxious to build their own, personal reputations. As such, they are often delighted to take on projects with limited budgets.

And, because these young designers are generally every bit as skillful as Interior Designers that charge “big bucks,” you can get the breathtaking home you want.

Yes … you can make your dreams come true – enjoy a home that looks like a “designer showcase” everywhere … in the living room … the den … the bedrooms … the kitchen and dining room … even in the bathrooms.

Best of all, you can get a beautiful home – with help from an affordable Interior Design Firm – because, if you’ve chosen carefully, the designer that works with you will know how to purchase furniture and furnishings that are 100% budget-friendly.

There is no need to spend a small fortune to make your home look magnificent … unless the person buying the furniture and furnishings is too lazy to shop for and find bargains. It can happen – easily.

So … if you’re dreaming of a home that makes friends and family look … and look again – because it is so beautiful – it’s within your reach. Search the web …

Find the Interior Design Firm in your area that can make your dreams come true … without busting your budget.