Normally I would promote a local business with a post like this. Some place like the Seattle Design Center would be a start or http://www.interiordesignnetwork.com/ would be appropriate.
This time let’s talk generalities. There are trends to everything. Interior Design is no different. There is always new stuff and the people who have to have it. Some things are timeless, they are always in style. For those things you need to have a space to put them in that is appropriate. A side board buffet is a good example of classic style that requires a large dining room. The three piece bedroom set may be too large for a 10 x 10 bedroom.
Most important is the style of home you own. Your furnishings need to match what you have. The colors can change, room size is more difficult. Your first thing to do is to find out the style of your home, then the square footage of each space. The lay out in relation to windows, and doors, heat registers, or cabinets defines those spaces.
When of the things we see a lot is people move into a new home and start buying stuff to fill it. We recommend you live in a house for a year before you get too carried away. OK, that’s another stretch, but at least measure out the house, get a good lay out, then measure the furniture you are putting in place. You may want to paint first.
Get only the pieces you have to have, like the couch, some chairs, beds, and dressers. We would still encourage you to wait, or buy some cheap stuff to get by. In any event get a feel for how you live with the house, and what’s comfortable. Buy what you can afford, and what is appropriate for the family. If you have two out of control dogs, or your kids are active, make the home comfortable for them.
If you are serious about some design work a consultation is worth the price. Be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars. Get an idea about what will work, will be a good value, and most important what you will be proud of.
