Fine Tune Your Design in June

Fine Tuning....An expression we're all familiar with.....It crosses so many fields of thought and practice. Fine tuning means getting a process or poduct refined to the point of a well sharpened pencil. It also means dotting our "i's" and crossing our "t's" and finishing our sentences well enough to render the truest and most accurate communication in whatever we do. A tuner is a device that allows us to hear radio waves and play music with amazing sound. A fine tuner would be one that went beyond our expectations in good sound and clarity, giving us a wonderful listening experience.



To fine tune an interior design entails all these definitions also and to do so will render an excellent design journey and client experience. As a designer, I am always sharpening my pencil on the design, on the budget, on my resources and presentation skills. Dotting my "i's" and crossing my "t's" means I go the extra mile to find items that are difficult to locate, to evaluate products, select color schemes, style themes, review room function and traffic flow, space plan efficiently, and communicate this all back to my clients with visuals and paperwork they can understand. Meeting and going beyond even my client's expectation is "fine tuning" a project to its maximum.




OK, so all projects are not that comprehensive, so let's take a look at some smaller design tasks. Fine tuning could also mean researching those kitchen countertops thoroughly so you're aware of every surface available on the market today, and also the cost per linear foot of each option. The kitchen is the design hub of the home, and we all know that the dollar improvements we put into the kitchen and baths, along with fresh wall and trim paint, and good floor choices are your best design investments. Small steps work the best. Research the counter selections both in your local stores and online. You will find out everything you need to know about a surface's durability, color availability, and warranty on the internet. It is always best to visit and deal with your local vendors though. They are the experts at getting those countertops fabricated properly for your home, and will stand behind their labor work and also solve any defective material situations that may arise. A custom kitchen cabinetry shop is a good choice for your job, although the larger home improvement warehouses are excellent too. Expo Design Center was one of my favorites and I know they were missed by many when they closed their stores. They were mega showrooms displaying a vast array of home improvement products and design vignettes all under one roof. Consult your designer to find all the right showrooms to view products she/he has specified. Seeing a myriad of installed or well displayed tile and flooring products really helps to envision the concept in your own home.




Here are five good rules to follow when making your selections: 1) Keep the design simple and stunning 2) When in doubt, don't go for the hard to get items, 3) Go with the flow in color, shape and finish. 4) Select the best quality you can afford after reviewing your budget and 5) Add a unique memory point to your project. It can be a fabulous accessory, appliance, accent tile insert, or hanging light pendants over a bar top.




Speaking of lighting, treat your trips to the local lighting stores as journeys into galaxies of earthly lights. At a gallery, I am able to show a client a particular chandelier, outdoor sconce or recessed fixture's luminosity and light spread. Certain lampshades or glass shades will also affect the color appearance of the light. A large showroom of fixtures is a luxury these days, so if you find one, support them with your business. Your designer can guide you to the best locations.




So whatever your design project is this June, enjoy the process of fine tuning it to your liking. They say the journey is more fun than the end result....I have to agree....I have happily made a living out of the process now for over 30 years.

Designer 4 You 4 Ever,



Pamela
AVALLON DESIGN
www.avallondesign.com