Our store is working on our super fabulous booths for the upcoming Red Deer home show and it has been an amazing, collaborative effort from our staff.
We have had several meetings regarding the overall look for the booths and every person in our store has taken on an area of responsibility in seeing the concept come to life for the show.
There were several tasks that were taken by my co-workers which made me breathe a sigh of relief because I didn’t have to take on that challenge! It is very satisfying when you can pull together as a team and weave a plan using each person’s unique strengths.
As a designer, I have my favorites – tile and colour top the list while lighting and outdoor design would be in the bottom of things I love to do. We all have our strengths and our weaknesses even in areas of our life that we may excel at.
I have clients who are not skilled at choosing colours and others who can pick the perfect paint tones but may need help deciding which walls to apply the colour. Some people have a gift for spatial planning and can make house plans their own while some do not have an eye for traffic flow or aesthetic properties – you see what I mean.
The realization of our strengths and weaknesses can help alleviate frustration during the design process if we are willing to bring someone alongside to help us ‘fill in the blanks’.
The team of designers where I work are frequently trading ideas back and forth and the culmination of thoughts and experience often results in a spectacular finish. Find a trusted friend (one with good taste of course) or a professional designer, landscape artist, architect or creative soul who can work with you on your project and fill in those areas where you may struggle.
I am producing banners for our booth which use the spectacular photography of Chris, one of our office gals. These banners are put together by me but could not be possible without the photography – symbiosis at its finest.
To design a house or even a room requires a plan, while you are making the plan you will discover some elements of the process that you love and some that you loathe. You may enjoy shopping for furniture yet find choosing hardwood and cabinets a nightmare; this is when you reach out for help!
The joint effort will expand your field of vision and will help you create an interior beyond what you may have imagined. Sometimes asking for help is the most difficult part of the process but it can be vital in achieving the home of your dreams.
Just like when I am faced with a large lighting contract I lean on my lighting expert, so you should request the help of friends and professionals to assist you in finishing your project.
So don’t hesitate to ask for help, it is bound to surprise you with the results you will achieve. Working alongside someone will help fill in your spaces and even deficiencies or dislikes about your project, you will use your partner’s abilities to fill in your spaces.
The highest compliment paid to me by a client are the words ‘I would have NEVER thought of that!’ This is music to my ears.
Kim Lewis is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre. Feel free to contact her at 403-343-7711 ext 227 or email her at klewis@carpetcolourcentre.com.
