decorating | Inspired Design

You can go into a store and buy a sofa. Or window treatments. In a good store, there may even be a “decorating” staff there to help you.

So why do you need a designer? You need a designer because…

A designer is there to consider the big picture, and help you see it, too. A designer knows what comes first. That a simple, cosmetic change can pick up a whole room – or just as easily put it out of balance. And you don’t want to do that.

A designer knows what to choose to create the right effect. When the lower cost choice will be just as good. And even more importantly, when it won’t.

A designer can take your ideas and inspiration…and turn them into a reality that is far better than you could have even imagined. Because a designer is able not only to imagine … but envision. She knows how it’s all going to look together, because she can see it. Even when you can’t.

When you hire a designer, you are working with someone whose primary interest is to create an environment that both suits and delights you. A designer is looking for your satisfaction – not her next sale. That makes a big difference in the recommendations you’re likely to get.

A designer is your insurance against shoddy workmanship. Unfortunate choices. Hours wasted looking for things you can’t find; and learning things you didn’t realize you needed to know.

When a designer says… “You should really think about that,” you should listen. Because, when it comes to creating a home you’ll love to live in, a designer knows what’s she’s talking about.

In short, a designer is part artist. Part educator. And part genie. And the reason why you should hire a designer is simple: because it’s a very good idea.

Iris Houlihan is the owner of Iris Interiors, a boutique interior design firm specializing in residential interior design, custom window treatments, and equestrian inspired design. We help our clients express their own unique story, one design at a time. Iris lives in Central NJ, near Princeton, with her husband, children, and pets.

Are you downsizing, updating your current home, or just purchased a new home? Call Iris at 908.265.7688 for a complimentary phone consultation.

Beloved pieces, whether an old family treasure, a favorite chair, or a beautiful vintage find, allow a space to tell the owner’s story. Design isn’t about tossing out existing belongings and replacing them with something shiny and new. Instead, allow your favorite pieces to play a central role in a room. Or, considering upcycling or repurposing items to give them a new function. Mixing the old with the new is a great way to go green and reduce the cost of redecorating. Here are some stunning examples of preserving a bit of history:

Photo via Houzz user SFGirlbybay.

An old farm table and copper fireplace are paired with modern chairs, a chalkboard, and clean, fresh white for an eclectic look. An Ikea shelving unit was outfitted with castors and turned on its side to create a low bookcase.

Photo via CWB Architects.

This sophisticated space incorporates the owner’s existing vintage table. New pieces, such as the sideboard, rug, and light fixture were added for an entirely new aesthetic.

Photo via Drew McGukin Interiors.

The horse painting, already owned by the clients, served as the inspiration piece. New elements play off the drama of the artwork.

Photo via Allison Jaffe Interior Design.

The client had been collecting the vintage artwork that graces the walls for years and the coffee table was already in the home as well. A coat of paint, funky pillows, accessories, a rug from the 1960’s, and a new couch with plush fabric tie the space together.

Photo via Elad Gonen & Zeev Beech. Project for Turkiz by architect Nina Doctor.

An old dresser was given a makeover. The designer added glass cabinets and an orange sink to create a one-of-a-kind vanity. The unique floor tiles with matching backsplash, blush walls, subway tiles, and an antique mirror create an elegant, vintage feel.

Jenkins Baer Associates.

If you can’t live without your chairs, have them reupholstered. These chairs were the clients and instead of opting for new ones, they were updated with textured fabric. The painted bookshelves, eclectic knickknacks, and neutral walls are perfect for a traditional space.

Photo via CWB Architects.

Mixing old and new can really make a space pop. The framed sea ferns were from the client’s own collection. The vintage chairs were covered in bright, bold fabric A few updates took the room from traditional to contemporary.

Via Andrea Schumacher. Photography by Emily Minton Redfield.

The cat seems right at home in this mix of global and vintage. The homeowner’s existing four poster bed was adorned with fabric and used as the centerpiece. Well chosen antiques, contemporary bedding, and an oriental rug make for a soothing bedtime retreat.

Emily Chalmers via Ryland Peters & Smalls | CICO Books.

This stunning vignette is a collection of modern and vintage pieces arranged just right. The collection includes items of varying heights, boasts a cohesive color scheme, and leaves enough space to avoid a cluttered look. (BTW I love the lamp!)

Via Kate Jackson Design.

The old wooden table serves as a fun, rustic twist, especially when paired with contrasting white chairs. The modern appliances, covered barstools, large island, and pendant lights shine in the sunny kitchen.

Via Loren Julia St. Andre’.

When designing a room for a child, tween, or teen, it’s important to mix in playful elements that suit their style with timeless pieces they can grow into. Add interest with accessories, fabric, and paint. This way, making alterations to adapt to their ever changing preferences will be affordable and simple. The vintage chair is upholstered in a tween-friendly fabric and the bright, cheerful color scheme ensures that the room is age-appropriate. Pieces, such as the desk, will last for years.

Via Maria Killam.

The open floor plan of this home creates a light, airy feeling. Contemporary touches, such as bold accents, and butterscotch and green walls, are tempered by the client’s existing dining room furniture and rich brown in the entryway and dining room. Substantial columns serve to create distinct spaces. While the home is new, the dark wood family table adds warmth and exhibits the homeowner’s personality.

Via Jason Ball Interiors, LLC.

While remodeling a home from the 1930’s, the designer wanted to retain a sense of the era, yet ensure that it was perfect for a young couple. Working with the existing, vintage dining table, Ball added texture to the wall with Moroccan-style wallpaper that complements the colorful chairs and mismatched host and hostess chairs. The vintage chandelier and gold wall decor infuse the room with a little glam. The result is a traditional, yet edgy, dining room.

Via Iris Interiors LLC (me).

The client’s antique French cupboard takes center stage. The table was crafted from reclaimed wood and new dining chairs were added to create this old world sensibility. The eclectic dining room was completed with luxe window treatments, a rustic chandelier, and heirloom china. The painted ceiling further creates drama without taking away from the history-soaked ambiance.

Do you have items that absolutely must stay? How do you work them into the room when you change decor?