Rocky Mountain Color & Design

As one of the Interior Design Students at San Diego Mesa College, Sharon Widdop designed and implemented this wall treatment in the "Pet Parlor" of the 2000 ASID Designer Showcase House.  The plum and gold harlequin pattern is accented using pet motif stamps on alternating diamonds.  A faux sky and clouds were painted on the upper walls and ceiling with the quote "No matter what you've done wrong, always make it look like the dog did it".

Ask an Expert- by Patricia Mues

Excerpts from "Working with a Professional Interior Designer Can Turn Any Old House into Your Beautiful Home"

...In today's real estate market, everyone is taking a closer look at their home. Those who are selling want to get the most profit; those who are buying want to make the best deal.  And those who are staying put want their homes to have modern appeal and lasting value.  From a cottage on the coast to a ranch in the hills to a condo downtown, good interior design can make all the difference.

For those buying a new place with a blank slate, interior designers can take the confusion out of customizing a home. "When you walk through a model, it can be hard to remember what comes standard and what's an upgrade," says Sharon Widdop, an allied member of ASID.  "I try to learn how my clients plan to live in the home, so that I can help them make good decisions.  For families with kids, that means selecting flooring that looks good, wears well and is easy to maintain.  If home entertainment is a top priority, I'll make sure we can create a media room that's both comfortable and functional. "Space planning is also paramount to successful design. "People tend to fall in love with a model, so it's my job to stay grounded," says Widdop. Can that dining room really seat eight comfortably? Is a garden tub or a big shower the better choice?  "When I'm familiar with a client's style, the furnishings they plan to keep and the life they want to live, I can help them create a home that will be relaxed, functional and beautiful."

Homeowners who are staying where they are can also find interior designers willing to work on a budget. "I love working with people who think they can't afford an interior designer. They're often surprised by how much a room changes when you put the right color on the walls. For Widdop, creating rooms that are nurturing and friendly are at the heart of her work. "When a client tells me they feel so happy to come home, I know I've captured the client's vision. That's the best feeling in the world."

Choosing an Interior Designer

Personal recommendation is the best way to find an interior designer. If you know someone who has worked with one, ask if they'd use him or her again. If they would, find out why. Were they confident without being pushy? Did they handle conflict well? Did they meet deadlines and stay within budget? You can also look for the work of local designers in magazines and newspapers and then search for their websites, which will likely have photos of their past projects. Home shows and designer showcases are another great way to get to know designers, who will be happy to talk with you about a potential project...Once you have found a designer with good accreditation, make sure he or she suits your personality. "You'll be spending a lot of time with this person, so make sure you choose someone who listens to you and shows they understand," says Widdop. "If you don't have a good feeling, thank them for their time and move on. True design professionals are not prima donnas."