In my many years in the interior design industry, one thing I have to have is a great workroom. I am nothing without a brilliant upholstery man, and the artful hands of the seamstress that will make my window treatments.
I am going to give 'my opinion'in this post, and that is just what it is. An opinion.
They are suggestions from someone who has worked very hard in this business for over 28 years. Sometimes in entry level design positions, in other words; ' paying my dues.'
But I always did anything & EVERYTHING I needed to do to get the job done,to my ( some might say, ridiculously) high standards.
So, I think....
Your window treatments and all your custom upholstery should lack for nothing. If you want a room to be a show-stopper, this is not an area of design to EVER cut corners in. Have you ever had a window-treatment installed and been filled with shame and embarrassment ? I have, just once !!!
From that day forward I always demanded the very best workroom in my area.
If it cost more than every other workroom………oh well. ( think of it as insurance)
The personal pain, if it comes out ' WRONG' , is too great for me ,"thank you very much !"
I don’t mind paying more for a workroom if I get this in return;- Workmanship, Workmanship, Workmanship = QUALITY.
This includes top of the line hardware that is securely installed, you do not need it falling down on your client because of a installer who is rushing. - When it is installed it is perfect, the length and mounted at the proper height ,etc.
- If it is not, it is taken back and returned /installed within 5 business days, without any conversation or ' who is to blame.’
- The workroom always measures everything, and determines yardage, trim, and hardware of all materials needed for the job. If this little rule is followed, you will never be blamed for any screw-ups. (Unless you ordered the wrong fabric or trim, and that is too scary to discuss) So,Guess Who will not be eating the fabric, trim, and labor costs for lunch ? ..........You !
- Remember, paying a higher fee for an excellent workroom is exactly like having insurance on your design and manufacturing process.
I am hoping that I didn't sound like a ' know it all.' I am not. The older I get, the more I realize how little I do know.
I only KNOW about 10 things for sure....and workrooms fall into ' the 10 things I know' category.
Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her BLOG.....
Interior Design, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Window Treatments, Custom Design, Paint, Color Coordination, Online Interior Design
