Alexa Hampton What Interior Design Language Speaks To You ?

I am now the proud owner of Alexa Hampton's book ,Alexa Hampton The Language of Interior Design..A big thanks to Sheri @ Make It Pop! Some how I managed to win this book and so glad I did! Alexa Hampton is considered to be  one of the most sought after designers right now. She is  the daughter of the  Legendary and late  designer,Mark Hampton.

Weather it is French Provincial or Coastal Cottage style Alexa's designs are awe inspiring. She describes her style as being, logical, clean and eclectic .As president and head designer of  the Madison Ave Design firm founded  by her father in the 1970's, she also she has a fabric line with Kravet and and a line of furniture through Hickory Chair.Here are some beautiful examples of her work.What interior design language  speaks to you?

Please visit Sheri at Make It Pop. Like myself , Sheri is new to blogging.Show some love and support and visit her blog. I think you will be glad you did.Thank you Sheri!

How To Select An Interior Designer Part 2

 Look at the designers' portfolio carefully.
This in fact helps a designer secure a job, and are going to showcase the best work he or she has done.You almost certainly will not like everything you see in that individuals portfolio.

Remember that the work that designer's show you reflects not only their taste, but to some extent the various tastes of their clients as well.But, if you don't like most of what you have seen, move on.

How eclectic is the selection of furniture and accessories in the designs they are showing you?In at least some of their work do you see antique or vintage looks fitting with a contemporary or even avaunt-Gard look? If not and everything seems to match they may have trouble finding effective ways to use many of the things you already own. Here are a few examples. of mixing styles.



This old farmhouse table looks lovely with the more contemporary slip covered chairs



The combination of the contemporary sofa, the traditional side chairs and the cottage style wicker chairs all flow so nicely together, the fresh bright fabrics on the chairs and sofa really help ground the room

This room has it all!Tradition blended with the contemporary  looks fabulous with the animal print rug.

Finally.... Do  YOUR homework. Ask for references. Designer's will supply references upon request. Did the designer deliver what he or she promised? Did they come in on budget, easy to work with? Depending on the kind of job you want done, check credentials. Is he or she ASID certified,capable of working with contractors ,if you are going to be gutting a room. ? If you aren't going to be knocking down walls than this shouldn't be an issue.

I hope you have found this helpful if you are in need of an interior designer.

How To Select An Interior Designer Part 1

First and foremost, hire someone you like.

Designing a home (or even just rooms) interiors requires an open, honest and lasting relationship between client and designer. If you don't feel the chemistry is right from the very 1st meeting,do yourself and the designer both a favor: Find someone else.

Some designer's "recommedations" are dogmatic and inflexible. Other's ideas are presented as suggestions for discussion, a starting point to further adjustments to better fit the client's own taste and comfort level.Decide what you want from your designer:guidance or gospel.

Be honest about your budget.......

If you have a limit on how much you want to spend on the entire project, including the designer's fee's, don't be embarrassed to say so up front. Most designer's are used to working within a budget. An honest  designer will tell you if they can do the job with the money available. You want to be sure you spend your time together discussing design not dollars.



I hope you find this helpful when you are choosing a designer. I will share part 2 with you tomorrow.