Lookiloos interviewed interior decorator Kathi Fanelli Mann about her style, her challenges, her advice.

Q.  How would you describe your style?
A.  When I begin with a new project, it is important to my process to identify the Client’s style. I enjoy working with in all styles; from modern to the traditional,…

…appropriately applying good design principals to the given project what counts!  Any home, space or vignette with the appropriate scale, proportions, textures and color can be considered good design and should always reflect the personality of the people who live there.

Listening and asking the right  questions is essential to determining the scope and style of a project. What are the functional requirements of the space or home?  For example, by asking the Client to think outside of a room "designated" function, perhaps a dining room that gets used twice a year would be used more often if it also functioned as a library.   Another example could be to add a interior French doors to a formal living room to create a music room or artist’s studio.

What are their aesthetic preferences?  This refers to the Clients’ likes and dislikes.  I find that creating an idea book of magazine photos is a great way to convey looks that appeal to the Client that also can be very helpful to the Designer.

Q. What is the biggest mistake people make when making decorating decisions?
A. The biggest mistake is not having a master plan.  Once the design concept, palette,  sizes and finishes  are determined, the Client may then proceed at a pace that is comfortable to their budget and time.

Q. How should people choose a decorator?
A.  Ask around and interview…I call the first meeting a "mutual interview".  The client/designer relationship is just that, a relationship.  But more than just a relationship, there should be collaboration. The Client will want to choose a Designer they feel they can work well with. This way, the collaboration may clearly define the budget and expectations from the beginning of the project. This is so important for both parties.   If a project requires an Architect, and or Contractors, the Client should consider how those individuals will work together as a team.

Contact Kathi Fanelli Mann Interior Design at kathi@netmagic.net or 408-278-1878.

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 13th, 2008 at 10:28 pm and is filed under Q & A, Q and A. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.