My Client's A Bitch!

** The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the designers and do not
necessarily reflect Homely Design Studios company.

Not every design job goes smoothly, but you can protect yourself.

In all the four dot dot dot years that I’ve been in the business, I’ve never let a client take over a job - But that recently changed. A new client that I’ve been working with, moved into a newly built home and she wants a complete design package. Wants a modern rustic sophisticated vibe and as always seemed very eager to get started and oh, not to mention that she has been through multiple designers (plural)  and who's overly obsessed with HGTV. Well, things went OK for months but quickly realized she was starting to talk to the contractor directly, changing things without discussing with me, going out and shopping stuff and completely taking over the job and became a real loose canon. It's like a stampede of people in the arena– with her changing things.

The result?  It has been time-consuming and everything is taking twice as long to complete.

My lesson? I’ve learned the most important rule when considering a new client is to trust your gut and always exercise caution.  We can all agree on the basics here that you don't want to work with someone who doesn't value your expertise and creativity.

My tip? The best thing we can do as a creative entrepreneur is to value our vision and services, really!

Always research the personalities of the people that you're meant to serve, and then incorporate that knowledge into how you run your business.

Bottom line. Learning is a never ending process. We’ll learn what feels right and wrong for us. We’ll be burned more than once. I still get burned now and then. I still make my own mistakes all the time. No client or designer is perfect and  but we can learn from the burns and remember them for next time and this  for sure we never want to repeat again.

Has this ever happened to you? Let me know on the comment section below.

10 Inspiring Quotes from Top Interior Designers

Homely Design Studios Quotes from Top Interior Designers

Welcome to the Homely Design Studios interior design blog. Homely Design Studios is an online interior design collective that creates beautiful, well-designed interiors for our clients. Today we share the best success quotes collection by famous authors and experts with motivational and inspirational quotations on success, goals, achievement. Read on to find out more.

1. "The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what's in or what's out. This is not an easy job." - ALBERT HADLEY 
2. "Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style." - BILLY BALDWIN
3. "The details are not the details. They make the design." CHARLES EAMES
4. "There are two things that make a room timeless: a sense of history and a piece of the future." CHARLOTTE MOSS
5. "The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them." DAVID HICKS
6. "Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness." FRANK GEHRY
7. "Form follows function—that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union." FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT
8. "A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place. It should smile at you and create fantasy." Michael Stillwell" JUAN MONTOYA 
9. "Real comfort, visual and physical, is vital to every room." MARK HAMPTON
10. "Innovation is often the ability to reach into the past and bring back what is good, what is beautiful, what is useful, what is lasting." SISTER PARISH

Inspired by these quotes?

Help inspire others by sharing this post on your favorite social media networks!​

Homely Design Studios is an online interior edesign company that provides a beautiful, affordable and personal design to its clients. Contact Homely Design Studios today to discuss your interior decorating project. Our friendly & creative team are always ready to help you. Like the official Homely Design Studios facebook page here and keep up to date on the latest interior design trends. Show your support online by following Homely Design Studios instagram page here.

Stylish Ways to Decorate With Mirrors

Homely Design Studios on Decorating with Mirrors

**We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Homely may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.  

Welcome to the unofficial Homely Design Studios Blog. Homely Design Studios bring your vision to life. In today’s blog, we talk about ways to decorate with mirrors. Read on to find out more.

Mirrors have a way to add unique visual interest and making space feel more spacious. And while you can’t go wrong with using mirrors in your home, there are several ways to maximize their function and fashion.

Statement mirror. A statement mirror is a natural choice for a stylish entrance hall. Homely Design Studios founder and principal designer Matthew Jalac said adding a statement mirror definitely will help lend polish and visual interest to space.

Source:

Christopher Knight Home Dylan Hanging Wall Mirror 

Oversized Floor Mirrors. Another way you can open up a room and add drama is by introducing a full-size mirror. A tall mirror leaned against the wall is very transformative in every room, ranging from the entryway to the living room, and can make an overlooked corner more interesting. 

Source: 

65"x22" Full-Length Floor Mirror Standing Hanging

A Hall of Mirrors. This hallway expands on the mirror gallery wall concept to cover an entire entryway. Mirrors are always a good idea in any small space, and using a gallery wall adds an artistic twist to a traditional design adage.

Source: 

NOVICA Black and Silver Reverse Painted Glass Frame Square Wall Mirror, Majestic'

Mirror Pendants
Mirrors are very functional pieces to have in your home. But it doesn't have to end there. This trio of hanging pendant mirrors makes a beautiful hanging wall statement that is way more fashion than function.

Mirrored furniture. Mirrored furniture is a relatively new trend that is sweeping the world off its feet. These pieces can instantly inject character and style into your home and make it feel more glamorous. While larger mirrored furniture pieces, such as a dresser, are usually costly, you can go with a side table. Either way, you will end up with an instant interior pick-me-up.

Source

Silver Mirror, Brushed Silver

Mirrored Kitchen Backsplash
A mirrored backsplash is an amazing way to give your kitchen a whole new level of bling. You can easily purchase a mirrored tile backsplash or with a little DIY handiwork, you can recreate a distinctive look.

• 6x12 Wide Beveled Subway Mirror Tile Backsplashes Walls
• 
  

Mirrored Bar Cart. Mirrors aren't just for your walls. There's any number of other places where a surprise mirror can give your decor the extra boost it needs. In this gorgeous bar cart, all it takes it a few strategically placed mirrors to create a classic effect with a luxurious feel.

Simply Classic
Of course, at the end of the day, there's absolutely nothing wrong with keeping with the classics.A large, round mirror is a beautiful addition to an understated room with an abundance of style and charm.

Source

 Round Vanity Mirror

There you have it, a few tricks of the trade that will transform the look of your home by using nothing else than mirrors and your imagination.

Bring your vision to life with Homely Design Studios. Our professional and creative team has been designing the spaces that are most important to you. See services Homely Design Studios currently offer here. Show your support online by following the official Homely Design Studios Instagram page here. Read the Homely Design Studios blog here.

You can also watch Homely Design Studios video here

Early Warning Signs of a Bad Client

Homely Design Studios on Signs That You Could be Designing for the Wrong Type of Client

Welcome to the unofficial Homely Design Studios blog. Today, we share things a client may say that are common signals of more trouble to come once the project is yours. If you hear any of these red flags, it certainly doesn't mean you should automatically end the relationship. It simply means that you should exercise caution. Use your judgment and look at the situation as a whole before making a decision.

Nightmare interior design clients can be a fact of life for some of us (We’ve all been there)

These people are everywhere but just because they may be a nightmare for you doesn't mean they won't be a dream client for someone else.

If you’re an interior designer like me, you spend most of your days focused on your clients: thinking about what they would want, anticipating their reactions, and talking to them directly. In fact, the job requires so much one-on-one communication and is so personal that choosing the wrong type of person to work for can become a big problem for the business.

If you hear any of these red flags, use your judgment and look at the situation as a whole before making a decision.

• If you have bad chemistry after the first meeting, don’t ignore your gut feeling. If you don’t click personality wise, the process will be stressful from start to finish.
• Watch out for the potential clients who are only looking for a bargain.

via GIPHY

• Watch out for the flakey! Postponing meetings or showing up late is completely unacceptable. Your time is precious. 
•  If a potential client heavily questions your rates, look out.

via GIPHY

• Slow or unresponsiveness with communication is dangerous.
• If a potential client seems overly conservative or unrealistic about budget and timelines, you will never be able to meet their outlandish expectations.

via GIPHY

• If a potential client shows hesitation in paying for the initial consultation, that’s a clear indicator that there will be a trouble throughout the project.
• A complete lack of trust after the first few meetings and the need for constant reassurance about the process caused unnecessary anxiety which can lead to a lack of creativity and motivation.

via GIPHY

• If the potential client mentions they’ve been through multiple designers (plural), that’s a bad sign and they’re probably a pain to deal with.

Has this ever happened to you? Let me know on the comment section below.

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Bring your vision to life with Homely Design Studios because you deserve a home that is functional and stylish, today. See services Homely Design Studios currently offer here. Show your support online by following the official Homely Design Studios Instagram page here. Read the Homely Design Studios  blog here to get design inspiration and custom solutions to spice up or refresh a room here.

Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer

Homely Design Studios Explains Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer

Welcome to the unofficial blog of Homely Design Studios. Homely Design Studios is an online interior design company who believes that Interior Design is more than just pieces of furniture, It's about the client's style and needs because everyone deserves to live in an incredible space that brings comfort and joy. Read on as we share the reasons why you should hire an interior designer. 

It takes someone with an eye for composition and style to make a space aesthetically pleasing and it’s something to think about if you haven’t already done so. Unfortunately, many people get confused or intimidated by the idea of hiring a professional interior designer. You might be concerned about the process of working with a designer as well as the costs of doing so. At Homely Design Studios we totally understand these fears and have done our best to alleviate them. Thus, consider getting an interior designer if you’re planning to design or remodel your house, as they can help your home look good.

Knowledge. Interior designers are professionals who can give you expert advice on designing your house and you get an immediate plan of action for your space. Professional interior designers went to school and had several apprenticeships to do what they do. A trained pair of eyes will see things you’re guaranteed to miss. Interior design is a delicate balance of art and science, and good interior designers have studied both, so they know how to put them together.

Save Money. Most homeowners are making mistakes in purchasing unwanted products and services. A professional designer will provide advice on how to purchase quality items that are worth the investment.

Wide Network. Most of the interior designers are connected with effective workers such as contractors, electricians, or plumbers. With these resources, an interior designer will create a space for you that looks collected and unique (instead of the big box retailer stuff everyone has in their home).

Time-Saving. Designing your home on your own can be stressful sometimes ( we know for sure). interior designers are trained to think creatively and spatially and learn to see an overall picture that clients often cannot. Thinking outside of the box is what designers do on the regular.

Do you need interior design help? 

Leave all the designing and decorating work up to a professional interior designer, especially when you do not know the first thing about interior design. However, you need to do your research on prospective designers first before hiring one to get the most out of their artistic eye and expertise.

Homely Design Studio offers a full interior design service that’ll provide you with everything discussed above. We make great spaces that are carefully explored, planned, and curated. 

Contact Homely Design Studios today to discuss your interior decorating project, we are always ready to help you. Show your support online by following the official Homely Design Studios Instagram here.

Watch Homely Design Studios video here:

The Importance of Mood Boards

Homely Design Studios Explains the Purpose of Moodboards

Welcome to the Homely Design Studios blog. Homely Design Studios is an online interior design company who enjoys bringing a bold, layered and tailored design to every client needs. Here we share with you the many reasons why mood boards are worth the extra time and why it is a tried and tested timesaving creative tool. Read on to find out more.

It has happened to everyone. You spend countless hours producing a beautiful, pixel-perfect design only to have it rejected by the client because it isn’t what they were envisioning in their mind’s eye. It’s the dreaded “we know it when we see it” curse.

As designers, we often think we have all the answers. But even if you are talented and your work is top-notch it's easy to misread client expectations. Words fail miserably when trying to translate design concepts. Remember,  what one person calls “edgy” another might see as chaotic. Visuals communicate things that words cannot. A picture is worth a thousand words, and mood boards are a great tool to create that picture for your client.

What exactly is a mood board? Mood boards or inspiration boards are used in a variety of disciplines. You’ve no doubt seen them used for Interior Design. They are also used frequently in Fashion, web design, etc. In essence, they are a compilation of inspirational elements used by every designer to flesh out ideas at the beginning of a design project. Think of it as rapid visual prototyping.

How do I create one?

The first thing you should do is evaluate the project. The direction you choose will be based on the time allotted, personal work habits and most importantly your client’s personality.


What are the benefits?

Faster production. With a visual guide created and a clear vision of where you’re headed it’s much easier to jump right into the visual process. There is no blank-canvas syndrome to deal with and no more time wasting on a concept they might not like. Best of all, there are no big surprises!

Smoother client buy-in. Additionally, mood boards make it clear that you are listening to them and considering their input. They can also gain insight into the thinking behind your decisions, dispelling the all-too-common notion that designers choose everything on a whim.

Less frustration, more fun (yay). Mood boards are so much fun, they hardly feel like work. They also keep revision cycles to a minimum, something every designer can appreciate.

Examples

Now that you know why they’re useful, it’s time to make them a part of your process. Not quite ready to jump in? Check out a few examples we've made to get your creative juices flowing.

 a black & white patio mood board for a fabulous
client who adores monochromatic schemes so much.

Here we wanted to create that luxe feels while
blending in both rustic and modern design style.

Our take on masculine glam. The client wants  luxury aesthetics creating
"awe" feeling when entering the reception area.

Try using mood boards in your next project. They’re a fun, efficient and effective way to communicate big design ideas.

Have you used mood boards or are you considering them? Please share your comments below.

Homely Design Studio believes that design improves a person's quality of life and happiness. It is more than just pieces of furniture, finishing, and colors. It's curating a space that is specially tailored to the client's style, needs, and personality. Contact Homely Design Studios today to discuss your interior decorating project. Our friendly & creative team are always ready to help you. Like the official Homely Design Studios page for more mood board ideas of all kinds. Show your support online and follow Homely Design Studios design journey on Instagram here.

You can also watch Homely Design Studios video here:

Masculine Glam Interior Design

Homely Design Studios Masculine Glam

Welcome to the Homely Design Studio blog. Homely Design Studio an online interior design collective that creates beautiful, well-designed interiors for our clients. Read on to find out more about our post on masculine glam tips and how we make our client happy.

Today we begin our post on masculine glam and our first stop: the boudoir!

The clichéd masculine room is usually either a dark, messy man cave with sports posters, minimalist and ultramodern space with chrome fixtures and bare windows that speaks more ‘gallery’ than actual living quarters. Now, it’s time to break out of those tired notions and embrace the sophistication and versatility that intrinsically masculine design elements can offer to any space. A well-designed masculine room can be classy, strong, understated and warm, while effectively conveying the personality of its occupant.


The client had to hide some ducting so we decided to build out a faux wall and class it with wallpaper! Double headboard anyone? We think it really elevated the space! She wanted a masculine and glam look all at the same time! Did we make this husband and wife happy? I think so!

While lightweight, curvy and delicate objects look naturally feminine, heavier, sturdier-looking objects with straight lines and square corners exude a more masculine appearance.

Material. There are certain qualities and materials that pertains to a masculine design, items such as leather, flannel, metal, dark wood, glass and wool tend to evoke a more manly vibe are our favorite choices.

The Essentials. To achieve a dramatic impact, adding a darker saturated color as an accent will create an atmosphere that is both masculine and elegant. As to the rest of the walls, it would be nice to preserve your existing color as it will coordinate with the rest of the first level and tie everything together. Use an eggshell finish paint which has a very light touch of shine (similar texture to an eggshell as implied by its name). This finish is very often used for walls and is more durable and easier to clean than matte finish. Now, who says the masculine bedroom can’t be playful?

The Accessories. Speaking of keeping it interesting, masculine space celebrates eclectic style with eye-catching artwork, geometric lighting, and a slew of traditional details like a headboard with nailhead trim. Also, reflective surfaces and shimmering textiles aren’t exclusively feminine concepts. Here are some handpicked accessories that are both dramatic and substantial.

Veronese African Kudu Antelope Skull 

Table Lamp Chrome Metal X-Shaped Base 

Antique Camera Photo black and white photography

What do you think?  Would you try Masculine Glam in your own home? Let us know in the comment section.

Bring your vision to life with Homely Design Studios. Our professional and creative team has been designing the spaces that are most important to you. See services Homely Design Studios currently offer here. Show your support online by following the official Homely Design Studios Instagram page here. Read the Homely Design Studios news here.

Watch Homely Design Studios video here: