Inspiration in the Studio

Yesterday I received the digital copy of the ASID Carolinas Eye on Design Newsletter. This is the newsletter for our local Carolinas Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Guess who is featured in the Designer Spotlight? Me, Vicky Serany….seriously? I am always humbled to find my hard work in the studio recognized by my peers.

I was asked to describe my involvement with ASID Carolinas over the past several years. For so many of us, we become so involved with our daily lives that we never think we have time for involvement in volunteer work. I am so glad I took the leap and became involved in our professional organization….the many rewards have made all of the effort worthwhile!  Click here to read the full article (sorry, you’ll need to scroll to Page 10, but you can see the inside workings of our chapter along the way).

In case you’re wondering who’s on the cover of the newsletter, it is our Chapter’s most recent member of the ASID College of Fellows. Calvin Hefner has been an outstanding designer and volunteer for years!  I have had the pleasure of meeting Calvin and admire his work and experience. Now, that’s an achievement!

I could go on….but there’s still work to be done before the weekend begins! Happy Friday!

Last week, an article in the New York Times titled Interior Designers Help Homeowners Discover Styles, focused on the benefit of hiring an interior designer. It made me realize how confusing our industry can be. No wonder people have a hard time figuring it out! This article had some great tips for working with a designer.

The American Society of Interior Designers requires its members to meet strict education and work experience requirements. There is a great section on the website that explains the benefits of working with an interior designer.  It says, “When you hire an interior designer, you get the benefit of an experienced professional who can solve problems, help you avoid costly mistakes and, most importantly, create an attractive, affordable space designed specifically to meet your lifestyle needs.”

Last year, I documented the interior design process when I participated in the ASID Carolinas Showhouse.  When I started the project, it was an empty space with rough-ins for plumbing and electrical.

There were so many decisions to be made very quickly, including cabinetry layout and design, appliances, countertops, lighting, plumbing fixtures, tile design, wall finishes, furnishings, accessories….oh, and did I mention the budget? Great design is all in the details, so I began putting together the plan.

After a few months of diligent effort, here’s the end result (which hopefully demonstrates how a professional interior designer can contribute expertise and experience to a project).

I absolutely love what I do every day. How many people are so fortunate? But, I’m constantly challenging myself to push the limits of design, manage budgets creatively, and help clients meet their unique lifestyle needs. I create beautiful homes every day, but I always try to remember that my clients only have one chance to get their project right!