One Has to Wonder ...

Interior Designers Not Credible?

How important is it for interior designers to follow the mainstream? In a country where celebrity and mass market trends are so revered, one has to wonder, do professional interior designers sacrifice credibility amongst their clientele by supporting independent artists and designers? Maybe few people even think about this sort of thing. I would bet though, I am not the only one. There are many, many individuals who traditionally require the “best” from their hired professionals. OK, no problem there, except that the definition of the “best” is oftentimes limited to high-end, well-known designers who put their names on the work of others. Please understand, I have the utmost respect for those who have paved the way and built empires through many years hard work. However, is it fair to consumers that society perpetuate this gross misrepresentation?

Sure, I am a little biased because I am an independent designer. But I certainly speak for thousands who know that when a designer or artist is the primary participant in each stage of design, from concept and sketch to production and packaging, the end result is sure to be one of painstaking perfection. As a trained Interior Designer, I have felt the pressure to place name brand items in clients’ homes when perhaps other pieces may have made a more cohesive space. Anyway, the point is, how can we as design professionals, in all capacities, re-educate the consumers so they see the beauty and craftsmanship that exists in independent art?

So then the question would be, “do professional interior designers sacrifice credibility by providing their clients exclusively mass market items?” Ahhhhh!

This editorial is not to suggest that any professional provides sub-standard service or less than impeccable attention to detail. It is merely a question on the list of checks and balances as we all try to be more aware of social responsibility, environmental causes and true economic stimulation.

Ever-wondering,

dana