I had the opportunity to shadow an actual interior designer for a bit since I am very passionate about this career. For people that think interior designers do nothing but pick out tiles and paint colors are very wrong.

Here are some of the key things I learned while shadowing:

• You do not need an actual degree or certification in interior design today – Yes I know this is mind blowing but it is true. You could identify yourself as the principal designer or work as a home decorator and still have your hands in the interior part. However, you still need to outsource your work or have a certified interior designer or architect in house to check your work. It is very important to have this so you can work with contractors and have a smooth working environment for yourself and your client.

• It takes more psychology and relationship skills than design 60% of the time – As I was shadowing, one of the clients were upset with a contractor and Michele, who I was shadowing, had to calm them down and come up with solutions vs dwelling on the negative. It takes people skills when you are working with clients. They are emotionally attached to the project and they should be, so always remember this. Michele really did a great job to steer the conversation into becoming actionable vs a complaining session. It took a lot of patience.

• Flat rates don’t work – meaning having a client pay a flat rate for your services will not benefit you in the end. In order for people to respect your time, charging hourly on extra consultations or time is needed. If not, clients will keep adding things they want to add or change and you will never be able to work on another project. That was extremely enlightening for me.

• Follow-up is everything – When you do full service interior design you are working with vendors, contractors, clients and much more. This means that the follow-up and communication is key. When you are dealing with construction and contractors at times they are not on top of things (from my own experience with renovation I get it) and you as the interior designer need to follow up at all times. Then the second part is to update your clients at all times, this shows reliability and trust. It goes such a long way.

• Neutral furniture can go a long way – If you buy pieces for your client that are neutral you can always update your space with a touch of colorful accessories and smaller pieces. I now live by that. Buying the bigger pieces in more subdue color palettes will make your furniture everlasting as you can use them for years to come. This is a great way to get a client to commit to something that is not over the top.
• Respect the vision & budget – If you have a client with a specific vision do your best to bring it to life through mood boards and mobile design. However, if the partnership is not working do not be offended. Let the client move on. Also, respect the budget and ask what the budget is from the beginning. You do not want any surprises at. all.

I have now just a new found respect for interior designers. It’s not easy and everyone cannot do it. What piece of advice really struck you?

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xoxo,

Jessi Morgan

As the home trends evolve we have also seen home trends go. Here are some of the most outdated trends right now. Let me know if you agree or no?

10. Glossy wooden floors – To be honest I haven’t seen anyone with those type of floors unless it’s in a mature mature older couple home 😂 so yes that does scream outdated lol. 

9. Heavy Drapes – Now I can completely agree with this one. Heavy dark beaded drapes make the room so dark!! Open up the floor by simple beautiful straight line drapes. Shop some great options. Click HERE

8. Raised bar counter – I honestly hate those too! They look old and just don’t make a lot of sense anymore. The bar counter is super high and you usually can’t touch the group when you sit. Little tough at times especially when you are short. 

7. Popcorn ceilings – I am guilty of this. I’m working to remove that stuff ASAP. It just collects dust and it makes you feel you are in a 1970s/1980s home for sure. 

6. Outdated paint colors in multi rooms – I am not a huge fan of a house having different color rooms unless there is a real hardcore theme or something in the room. But having a room being like green, another being yellow and the other room being pink. That multi room thing is out and so glad it is 😂 

5. Bed in a Bag – I used to love these. But let’s be clear here…I mean the bed in a bag where every thing is the same print: the 4 pillows, bed skirt, comforter etc is ALL printed green and yellow plaid😂 Too much right? Lol. Check out some nice bedding options below:

4. Word Art – I always found these super cute but I’m now not into it as much. Having a broad word just isn’t enough anymore. I feel like the lettering on walls was part of the modern farmhouse concept so it was everywhere. If you have lettering on the wall it has to flow and make sense. And no I’m not talking about framed quotes etc. Check out some of my favorite framed quotes below:

3. Frosted yellow lighting – aka especially the yellow lights or just frosted bulbs all together. I hate them. I can’t see with them. They need to go if you can afford it. My life is better without them. Also yellow lights outside attract many bugs especially termites so I’m not a fan. Yellow lighting reflecting off of dark wooden furniture I just hate 😝 Shop some of my favorite lighting

2. Big Glass Blocks – I just really don’t like this anymore. You know exactly when this was installed in your home if you have one…1970s or 1980s 😂 

1. Themed Decor – Now if it has memories and emotional attachment you can possibly get a pass. But if your house or a room is themed in fishing and your lamps are all fishing then yeah it might need to be retired lol. Or your kitchen is all cow themed it’s a bit dated. I’m not referring to a nursery. That’s where a themed decor is cool! But if you like birds and everything thing from lamps to couch has bird print…it’s time for a change. 

So do you agree? Share your favorite outdated home trends!

Xoxo,

Jessi Morgan

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As many of you may or may not know I enrolled in some interior design courses recently. I regret that I did not pursue this when I was in college, I have always been a creative person who visually comprehended things. Finally in my mid-30s I want to learn and apply my learnings in interior design and apply to my own home and help others possibly.

Some of the key things to start off my learnings has really made me think twice of my placement of furniture and items in a room from the start. Here is what I have learned so much:

Function

I have literally looked at every big piece of furniture and lighting in every room of my home now when it comes to function. Function is everything, I now look at the following:

• Where are the entrances to the room – this helps to understand where to place furniture and much more
• Where are the outlets and how many are there – this tells me what light fixtures we can have or how many we need.
• What does the flooring look like – Is it practical basically? Does it work for your lifestyle?
• What kind of furniture looks good and is functional in the space – if you like to read then you will probably want seating that is comfortable, by a light fixture/outlet and looks good.

Style/Mood

This is the area that people like to spend the most time in! The decorating and the styling part. When it comes to this area this is what I think about or look for:

• What style home do you like?
• What basic features in a space do you love?
• What elements of furniture speaks to you?
• This part will define the type of space you are looking for whether it is a traditional feel, cozy feel, minimal furniture feel, brightness, small furniture etc.

Harmony

I feel like since I have been in school this part has gained a lot of my attention. A good example that I can think of is buying a one of a kind pair of shoes and you have no outfits to go with it. No matter what you put with those shoes there is no harmony in your outfit. Ensure your interiors and space have some kind of harmony (color, style furniture, sameness). Some of the easiest ways to harmonize in interior design is the following:

• Color
• Texture
• Shape
• Form

I am excited to continue my studies and become an effective interior designer. Hope I can continue to share my journey with you all! Anything you want to see more of?

XOXO,

Jessi Morgan