Interior designers in Seattle have very different work styles, as diverse as the spaces they work on.  To charge for their work, they normally use a combination of methods, depending on the extent of the services they will provide:

1.    The initial consultation
The first meeting is for the interior designer to evaluate the project, show her work portfolio, talk about terms and conditions, see if the project fits her capacity and services, and most importantly, if it inspires her.  It is a good time to give important suggestions based on the first impressions, so that the client can evaluate the designer and see if he or she feels comfortable working with her.  The interior designer may or may not charge for the initial consultation, it depends on her experience, workload, the firm’s policies, or the distance to the place where the project is to be conducted.  You have to consider that a free initial consultation may not tell you all you need to know.  The interior designer may wait until you make a decision to tell you what she thinks.

2.    Retainer fees
Very often, the designer will ask for a retainer fee in advance, as soon as an agreement has been reached.  The fee amount will cover what the professional believes will pay for her time and her employees’ time to plan the project.

3.    A fee based price
The designer will check the project in detail to establish the range of services necessary and will set a price based on the hours of work or square footage, among other methods.  This price may be paid in increments while the project is active, as items are received and delivered, or as services are provided.  As a rule, to get the most advantageous deal for you, discard the lowest and higher estimates and choose from the ones in between.

4.    A square foot based price
In this case, the price depends on the square footage of the space.  This method, as well as the one above, is hard for interior designers to employ, because they have nothing to do with the client.  Between two clients whose houses are near and similar, for example, one may need more services or may be more demanding, and this poses a risk for the designer.

5.    By the hour based price
This applies when the designer is helping you on an hourly basis.  The professional is only called as she is needed, to offer her opinion about the work being done.  The fees vary according to expertise, region, and demand.

6.    Cost-plus
The interior designer is in charge of the design process and is paid to purchase items on a cost-plus basis.  These normally include gains on every charge, including freight and delivery.

7.    Hourly + Cost-plus
Here, the professional charges by the hour when meeting the client, preparing specifications and budgeting, however, she manages the purchase of items through the cost-plus system.

8.    Retail or commission
This means designers earn a commission based on the volume of products sold and offered by certain manufacturers.  The commissions are included in the price of the items.

A professional interior designer in Seattle is worth her experience. She will help you improve your choices and avoid expensive mistakes.  She leads you to the best options and works to blend you choices into a meaningful and practical space.

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Modern minimalist décor is very powerful when it is handled correctly.  Contrary to what many think, this interior design style is not about leaving spaces empty, but about creating a room where everything has a function.  Modern minimalist décor is, then, for people looking for organization amid the chaotic surroundings of life and modern society.

In order to be clear, let’s define ‘modern’ and ‘minimalist’.

‘Modern’ is not ‘contemporary’.  ‘Contemporary’ is a time period, and ‘modern’ is a lifestyle.  It is an attitude that cherishes technology and social contact; it simplifies life. It is sincere and eliminates the things that have no true meaning for you.

‘Minimalist’ can apply to ‘modern’ or other decoration styles.  The minimalist movement in design started after WWII as a back-to-the-basics approach that considered simple living a more relaxed and comfortable way of existence.

When applied to ‘modern’, the minimalist approach works when it shows someone’s favorite colors and shapes in a dynamic and fun way.  When interior designers in Seattle decorate in a modern minimalist style, she is creating a space to fit the owner’s way of life.  Every single item will have a specific purpose and place.  The designer will create a warm, practical and extremely welcoming atmosphere by using, or leaving out, color and texture.

Drama in modern minimalist décor is not achieved through strong color.  Big elements like walls, furniture and floors will show white and neutral colors.  The light is used to challenge the soft white walls, and the architectural characteristics of the space are exhibited.

In the same way, forget about heavy textures for this style.  The basis for a hit modern minimalist décor is soft fabrics, leather furniture, shiny cabinets and floors, and linear and invisible moldings.

With clarity on the client’s needs, a professional designer will create a living and enchanting minimalist space.  She will help the owner feel accomplished and relaxed in his or her life by getting rid of things that are not needed.  The modern minimalist décor is a style that rejoices in clean lines and an open space.  It is certainly a style that lets a person rebel against the dominating and rampant consumerism that has taken control over the world.

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Amely Wurmbrand is renowned nationally for Seattle interior design work. Design is about innovation, perspective, quality, and functionality. Interior design is meant to be both attractive and comfortable, since it is intended to be present in your everyday life. Good designers are empathetic and will work with you to decorate your interiors in such a way that they will add personality and functionality to your house.

Interior designs, therefore, reflect the customers’ personalities and taste, with the additional touch of a professional that can guide them towards what is best and more practical when it comes to organization and decoration. If you are planning to decorate your house you might want to investigate more on interior design, what works better on different environments and what makes good design. Let’s take a look at some basic principles of interior design:

1. Balance. This is true for many aspects of life. Equilibrium, equality, balance, are fundamental for attractive design. It is created not only through shape, but also through textures, colors, space, and pattern. Balance, however, does not always mean symmetry; this is just the traditional way, also called formal, of achieving equilibrium. If everything is balanced this way, it can have boring results. There are also other forms of balance, like asymmetrical or radial balance. This latter involves an object that is surrounded by others, like a round table.
2. Rhythm. Just like in a musical composition, rhythm is essential to design. The use of patterns and repetitions creates attractive visual environments and generates interest. The viewer will recognize these patterns without thinking about them, and will seem familiar and enjoyable, non intrusive. He/she will feel compelled to look around the room, attracted by a flowing continuum of objects.
3. Points of Interest. Also called anchors, these are spots within a room or environment that you want special attention to be paid. This emphasis on certain items and areas is intended to avoid the dullness and boredom a homogeneous scenery can create. Spots such as fireplaces, windows or places with big objects can be perfect anchors.
4. Harmony. Also comparable to a musical piece, harmony represents cohesion, elements put together to signify, transmit something: a message, an emotion, a statement. Harmony works hand in hand with rhythm. While the latter conveys excitement, the former transmits serenity and composure. Harmony can be achieved by the use of a single color or its chromatic scale, even when using different forms or shapes.
5. Proportion. The Golden Section, created by the ancient Greek, is one great example of how important proportion is to design in general. Actually, the golden section or ratio, also denoted by the letter phi, is present in nature, human beings, and many artistic creations.
6. Scale. In addition to proportion, scale needs to be thoroughly considered. It represents the size of an object in relation to another or to the space in which it is located. A large piano on a small living room, for instance, will be out of scale. It is important to consider scale as a whole, and plan the position and size of objects taking into account the space they will be placed into.