Each Monday on the DesignQuotient™ blog, DesignCoach™ Los Angeles interior designer James Swan answers readers’ questions. Post your design dilemma. DesignCoach™ can help you find the solution.

This week on the DesignCoach: Doing It For Myself; Where Does A Girl Start?

Q. : I’m 35 years old with a solid (thank god!) professional career. I’ve bought my first home; a small townhouse in a fun hip neighborhood. It requires no construction but needs wonderful surface “things” to make it beautiful I have saved money to decorate with and I’ve got a lot of furniture, rugs, lamps…etc. given to me by my family (some is good, some not so good). I have decided to tackle decorating my home on my own. I have a strong idea of what I want and now just need to know where to start? Can you help?

.....Work in Progress

A. : I am always excited to hear that someone is tackling a decorating project on their own. The domain of good taste, chic ideas and beautiful objects is never limited to those of use to do this for a living. Feed your inner-decorator by exposing yourself to beauty when and where you find it. Maybe it’s a local decorating show, an antique show or a museum or gallery. Find resources that will feed your eye and spirit. Then go make something beautiful.

To be a bit more practical with an answer; yes, there are three important “to do” items I will share with you while I wish you which will assist you in decorating your new home:

1. You need to develop a rolodex (an antiquated tool used to store business contacts…..I find its use very retro-charming) of vendors and suppliers who will be vital to your success. You indicated that there is no structural work to be done so I’m viewing this as an “old fashioned decorating project”. Start talking to friends, making phone calls and asking local retailers for referrals. You will need painters, carpenters, electricians, wall paper hangers, carpet installers, upholsterers, drapery workrooms, bedding manufacturers, antique repair and restoration folks, shade makers, electricians for rewiring lamps and the occasional chandelier, fabric sources, trim vendors, carpet and flooring dealers, hardwood floor repair and restoration folks, piano tuners, pillow makers, linen suppliers…..etc. You start to get the idea. Every referral is worth it’s weight in gold (ask the referral source if they have used the vendor and would they use them again!) You will be surpised by the volume and range of team members you will require to make your vision a reality.

2. Know your limitations. While I am all for those who wish to tackle their decorating projects on their own I also strongly encourage a continued internal dialogue (possibly propped up by a close friend’s opinion or two) about how you are meeting the challenges. Everyone who has ever gone down this path eventually acknowledges just how much work there is to pulling together a room that “sings”! You will be juggling your schedule plus the schedules of workmen, craftsmen, artisans and technicians. Be kind to yourself; allow yourself to enjoy the process and when you are in over your head, never be afraid to ask for help.

3. Which leads to the last consideration. Develop friends in the industry. Go to local design events and meet some of the local cast of characters. Seek nothing from them but their company. Be clear that you are doing something on your own and that you are not shopping for ideas (people try to pick our brains, for free, far too often). Knowing that you are not “one of those” will allow the pleasantries of friendship to flourish. Then when you are ready to jump from the highest window from an idea that has gone shockingly wrong you do have the support of friends you can call upon. I’ve been taken to lunch many times and have held many a hand through a challenging decorating delimma. Some designers will want to be compensated for this type of consultation. Do not begrudge them this request. Ideas are their livelihood and you are asking for their professional help. Some of us, when approached by friends or at least by those with whom we feel friendly can be bought will the price of a good lunch. You don’t know until you ask. So develop relationships with pro’s who, should you need the help, you feel comfortable asking…then let them offer you a helping hand. Take lots of notes; ask lots of questions and always say a big THANK YOU.

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