Very few rooms will be, can be, or need to be REPLICATED, no matter how much you covet the result in a photo. You're still missing the point of the word "inspiration", which was the founding principal of HOUZZ.

You see a room here. Small, medium, large or more. You drool. But you must ask yourself, what exactly is making me drool? Is it the light spilling in the windows? Is it that it feels wintry warm and cozy? You love the color of a chair, and a throw draped over the arm? A wood paneled wall of built ins? Maybe you can have that, maybe you can't!! Maybe what you want isn't possible, but something else is just as good. For YOU. Or it's simply a feel that you are after. A pros is an interpreter. Or should be. They interpret for the POSSIBLE, and the personal..

Case in point ( real life ) for designer mind reading. The owner of this room below, hates two things. The color blue, and anything Asian inspired. But guess what? The room has those things. It has inky navy walls, an inky navy velvet sofa, and a large chinois cabinet. He hates that cabinet. He loves this room. You will ask obviously, how did that happen?! It happened because I UNDERSTAND. my client. I understand him, better than he understands himself. He is drawn to small cozy spaces......he loves elegance. He deplores a feminine space. He is a cave dweller who works all the time and wants fire and tv while he is working., loves wood and coffered ceilings too, and he likes his own space for that. However, the only room in this house that could meet most all the needs, was this room below. The paneled room wasn't possible, nor the wood coffers - the space has a big curved wall, doesn't have high ceilings, and has an off center entry. It has a ten foot limestone hearth and It had "issues"......but I knew I could make him love this room, so I did.....he loves it.. Hateful elements included. That's the point. Ps...... a small "death" occurs minus that cabinet.......: ) but I don't push my luck rubbing his nose in that fact.

Want another laugh? The chinois cabinet has now been in three homes and "hated" in all three. It was snagged in a consignment shop There are two lamps that each cost far more.

Great rooms are not usually about size, nor always about money. They are an abstract idea that becomes a compilation, a chorus, and yes sometimes that is a complicated process as well. If you want to disparage pros, go right ahead. But there is a reason we do what we do, You can do similar, but you must "SEE" what you covet,........... and what you have. That is what designers do, and rarely do they whine. It impedes progress or result and usually both.

I understand what u are saying, but for me, I come here mainly to look at something I don’t have n never will - and I’m ok with that. I like seeing how the “better, richer half” live! And I’m happy I don’t have a mortgage like theirs. Lol lol.

;)

of course I’m joking here but honestly I don’t really think u can always get a whole lot of decorating advice from any kind of internet site either. only because everyone’s budget is different, the source that’s available to u as far as stores to buy things are different, and everyone’s taste is different, so advice here is fine but it’s still up to you, as to how to put together a look for you and at a price u can afford.

U can make ANY size home look beautiful, and if it makes you happy, then all’s well n good in this crazy world we live in...

I think the whole idea of replicating a space - taking every detail and transposing it on your own - is just doomed to fail. The spaces you see all fall into one of two categories. They may be designed around one person or one family, taking all their wants and needs into account. Or they may be designed around no one, purposely generic to appeal to all but really satisfy no one (think model homes, ultra-staged magazine shots, etc). Either way I think it would be hard to feel like it's "your" space.

If you've fallen in love with a picture it's likely that something in it triggered an emotional response in you. It's not this piece or that wall color, it's the story you're created of who you are and how you're living in that space. That's what designers do. We're expert storytellers, and we help you tell your story. That's not to say you couldn't work that out as well.

Curtains frame the windows.........however......not every window in every home needs them.

Everything said on this post - should be understood that 'it depends' - on the situation, size of room - etc(this was already said).

I understand what you ( homebody) are saying. That said, I also understand that for every single one of us, pro or non, and having nothing to do with decor, there is something we can not have. This often has to do with consequences of past choices made, luck of DNA, health and lord knows what, and yes luck and opportunity and talent meeting up.. There is "no crying in baseball", and it's futile to cry over spill't milk. Many if not most pros ( back to design) live in a teeny fraction of the luxury they may provide for a client.......but they know that, and don't spend hours coveting that which they just produced for another. Most are perfectly happy to go home at days end.

The richer half is not the better half, it is simply the different half and relative. Sometimes the smarter half as well, as "the rich" often get there through study, through discipline, through the courage of risk taking, and even the denial of "good fun times" when the rest of us were doing just that. Lottery winning is sparse and chancy. The real lottery is accepting and loving where you are, what you DO have, and making the doggone best of it, Change what you can, and accept that which can not change. That isn't just Houzz, it's life. And very sorry but I bet you still believe its about exact copy and space..........: )

DH....Sorry, but it's starting to sound like you are having a pity party? Are you trying to do something in your home and can't find the inspiration on Houzz because the rooms are too grand?

I think we all need to understand that the Houzz photos are done by professional photographers. My sister is a real estate photographer and I'm amazed at the work that goes into a professionally staged image. First, the room is staged to take out any extraneous items, like family photos, clutter, etc. Then, these pros use highly technical and expensive equipment, and special techniques to get the best quality images. After the images are shot, they are then sent to post production where they are computer enhanced and "layered" to show the room in the best light (no pun intended!). For example, is it the middle of summer, but you want to show a fire in the fireplace? Presto, they can "drop in" a fire! Is it fall and you've already closed your pool? Ok, let's "drop in" some crystal clear blue water! Is that gorgeous claw-foot tub in shadow? Let's massage the light so that it is prominent in the room!

It is a rigorous and detailed process and can make any ho-hum room look amazing. Put that together with a professionally designed room, and you have the eye candy that is Houzz.

Fair enough........but, I think the pros and non-pros have answered and you're still asking.

If you enter just the word small in the search bar in the Latest Stories tab, there are 13,692 feature stories. If you enter just the word large, there are 11,918 stories. Now, I haven't gone through every title to investigate the context, but, I think that's interesting.

I live in a one storey 1370 sq. foot home with 8 foot ceilings and a full basement with 7 ft. ceilings , 1/2 of which is hubby's hobby workshop. I consider my home small but more than enough for empty nesters.

Houzz is an excellent resource for me, I have learned a ton. I am a pro at fine tuning my searches by choosing the correct tabs, for example: compact size homes, one storey, $ or $$ budget, enclosed rather than loft or open, small or medium room etc. I have never been at a loss to find what I am looking for. Inspiration galore! My idea books are useful (and locked primarily). I do look and read the feature stories most days. I doubt very much I will have a need to hire a designer, but I would if I had the need to. And I would look to Houzz to find the right designer if need be.

For the love of heavens. .................GET OVER THE SIZE. I am getting cranky. I'd be thrilled to be a guest below. I'd be happy to "suffer" the lack of space, It's reeks of comfort, care, and consideration. My guess is it is seven feet wide. Get past the stupidly confining size thing. No, the room wont sleep six. BOO HOO,

Some city dweller is loving this........ despite size. Of course the owner has resisted crapping it up with unnecessary junk.

No....... you wouldn't DH. Because I'd have to get my baseball bat and clobber you over your stubborn head : )

That which you just stated, irrelevant of me btw.......is why so many whine they "didn't get the best " from any given pro. They quite accidentally get in the way of the result that could have been. The result they didn't even know they wanted. Go right ahead and yell. I'm certainly used to that. lol. I always say "fine! there is always a designer who will do your exact bidding, act as errand runner , recipient of instructions to be carried out." To my mind, that person knows what they "want" and should have it. They do not need me, they need that other designer. It's not insult to client or designer , there is a match for every person.

DH - I think anybody can have a beautiful home, even if u are not trained in the field, which I certainly am not. But, after trial n error, buying items, taking them back etc etc - I finally see that “my” home only needs to satisfy me n no one else. Would a professional come in n say “gee this place is Great! Probably not n at times I think the same thing, but I finally realized that by the time I get it to perfectly satisfy me, I’ll be ready to make a change again anyway. Lol lol. ;)

u don’t have to always be in the “know” with decorating ur home, and if u accept it’s not gonna be perfect and see that it’s more about the beautiful people n lives that live within those 4 walls, then that’s what makes a beautiful home, no matter what..

have a wonderful holidays - Everyone! Enjoy the things u do have. :).

Jan, we'd be a good fit. I had a boatload of ideas and photos for my decorator when we redid my home. She ran with some of them, and others...not so much. Thank goodness! It got to the point where, when I was pitching an idea, I could tell very quickly by her body language whether this was going to be a go, or not!

She clearly (and kindly) explained to me why some things weren't going to work, and indirectly taught me a lot about decorating. I love that she re-used furniture that I thought I'd have to replace. She instilled in me her horror of "matchy matchy". And she always started with "how does your family want to live in this room?".

DH - I happen to think that you asked a very valid question and are right in pushing the envelope. With the income gap spreading and more and more people having to compromise on expenses, some bright designer is going to figure out how to cash in on the growing class of people who have some discretionary income, but need to be careful with it and not blow 1/2 their design budget on hiring a designer. I can see someone having a internet based consultation service where they charge $100 - $300 for a review of your space and provide ideas based on answers to a questionnaire, photos and measurements of your space. If you are good you could do 5 of these a day and never have to leave your home and drive out to see clients or be limited by geography. $1000/day isn't a bad income, especially if you can earn it while wearing your pjs.

Discernment. Some have it and some don’t. Some only have enough to know that something isn’t right, but not how to go about making it better. Those people will never be satisfied if they also have trust issues to boot. They don’t know enough to fix it themselves, but won’t hire anyone to help them. Perfect storm. It would be better to have no discernment at all, because then you wouldn’t care that your giant blobby pink beige sofa clashes with your baby poo yellow tan walls.

This thread is yet another perpetuation if an ignorant homeowner myth that hiring a designer costs you thousands extra. It doesn’t.

Designers make their money in a few ways. Some will do some hourly consulting to help “tweak”. A couple of hundred dollars and you have some direction and basic suggestions.

Some will charge a flat fee for a design plan. One that saves you from buying thousands extra in things that you can’t return. If you stick to the plan.

Most do a combo of the above and also help you find products that you are already going to buy from to the trade sources that are cheaper and better quality. They make their money from the difference in wholesale and retail. You do not spend any more money than you would if you went and bought some garbage from Ashley. But you get the benefit of design help and better quality materials. Go buy that 3K sofa from Ashley that’s the wrong size, wrong color, and that falls apart in 3.5 years and then you replace. Tell me how much money you saved over buying a 5K Sherrill that lasts 15 years before being recovered.

If you care about what your home looks like, but lack the talent to do it yourself, then hire a designer. No, not all of us will take on some clients. If you can’t develop trust in another human being, then you need to hit the road to your next choice who you will pay a great deal of money to second guess and micromanage and redo. Honey don't play that game. Life is too short.

Biggest brightest tree goes to Sophie. lol Hope this is big enough! Well said as always, humor cloaking bluntly wise tutorials. Surrounded below by gen pop trees lol. Merry Christmas spirit to ALL. Houzzers

Ps.......... "Miss Wheeler" did NOT say or even imply that you could not do a good job with no designer.........If you have the "it factor" that always pleases your personal IT!! In that case? Have AT "it"!!! But please do not whine as to who does, or if they don't, or wax on as to how a good result is for someone else and not you. Done waxing myself, going shopping!!!

I don't blame any professional in any profession for tooting their own horn....after all, as I said earlier, it's what puts food on the table. However, reading some comments make me think that pros do think they should be nominated for canonization when their work here is done. And...there are sycophants, too. That gets a little suffocating to read over and over and over....

I, like DH (and I think this is what's being said by many), wish there was less of claims that "my way is the best way" and MORE being open to something other than "the vision".

You can say that you DO have that and you DO practice that, but I don't see it on Houzz.

Fortunately, there are places other than Houzz on the interwebs.

I think that, DH, when you see a room you love, ask yourself what about it you love. I would guess that the answer will vary from photo to photo and you should note what that thing is. Sometimes, though, you won't be able to put your finger on it, and that's fine too. Do it enough times and you'll see a pattern. It think that's the fun part of discerning what your taste is....whether you love orange and pink swirly rugs (and you should feel fine about that), or Chippendale chairs. (And you should feel fine about that, too)

Houzz is meant to inspire. With the exception of some editorial pieces on DIY projects that are beautifully and professionally photographed, the work you see here is all done by professionals. No question about it: designers make more money on bigger projects and in order to stay in business, they have to favor larger projects to keep the cash flow going, hence the preponderance of larger homes with grander budgets on this site. The photos here reflect designer portfolios. But there's really no reason you can't study the details of this work and apply it to your own budget. There are similar items available at all sorts of price points, from IKEA to Restoration Hardware to Design Within Reach, depending on the look you're attempting to achieve. Small space design/decorating is mostly about the efficient use of space and the scale of your furnishings. And the reason designers get paid as much as they do for their skills is because they've all had multiple years of schooling, certifications, and lots of experience. That's not to say the community at large can't give good advice. But the truth is, very few non-designers can do what we do well. And even some who can do it well would prefer to outsource it to a professional who has access to resources they don't have, or because they're simply too busy to manage the extraordinary number of details it takes to get a room just right. Charles Eames was once quoted, "The details aren't just the details. They make the design."

Id love to grab a beer with OP's husband and hear all about.....

If your house is big or small, it doesn't matter, what is important is that every single ambiance brings you peace of mind, happiness, satisfaction, and makes you feel proud of being there. The interior design of your home must flow with the times you have selected and it must be a WOW factor in all its integration of ambiances.

We do need to be aware of having the best is what brings us more of the best, the best always makes us feel good and good is the most important ingredient to keeping us healthy, happy and prosperous, minute after minute and our interior designed homes are not in any way the exception, it must be peaceful, nice, harmonic, and any and all of our friends and families should be able to feel the tranquility of the ambiances and they should be able to recognize the special touches and elegance that any and all ambiances are bringing to each moment, easily and constantly.

J Design Group
225 Malaga Ave
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Ph: 305-444-4611
https://www.JDesignGroup.com

If you want to see cheap, small and DIY, then search on Pinterest. Of course the pics are beautiful, that is what draws people in. That is why gorgeous supermodels grace the covers of magazines. Most of us know that a dress that a 6 foot model is wearing won't look the same on us if we're 5'2". But it can give you an idea of what you like and you could find something similar that fits your body style. Same with decorating, you have to look past the room size and look at what you like about that room.
Average doesn't draw people in, it just doesn't. No one buys magazines with middle aged women wearing sweatpants and crocs.

I don't see where you have asked? That may have been a better way to start the thread. This is a discussion forum, and if you ask, people will respond. Instead you came right out of the gate with a negative attitude and resentment.
You can't change the website, but you can get the same results by asking for advice.

Ill telluwhat, this is one tasty thread

I'll tell you what . Actually no I won't. But I will tell you no designer sets themselves up to be CHALLENGED in any way other than " I hope you can help me" !!! We love that ! But a crossed arm / arms akimbo " bet you can't" challenge?! All good designers are too busy , too smart to put up with you. They don't need to.

Ooops ! ......

Funny how expecting the worst will always guarantee that result. And it sure won't be tasty:) lol

Try Pinterest. It's the wannabe to Houzz.

Ok, DH, here are some small to normal sized rooms I have done. My clients were very happy with the results, mainly as a result of my LISTENING to them and giving them their taste while utilizing good design principles. My design fee was a fraction of the total budget. As I noted, many rooms made use of the homeowner's existing furniture, second-hand stores or tag sales, retail stores, and in one case, homeowner DIY skills. Saving money on some items allowed the client to "splurge" on one important piece. All of these photos are on my Houzz page. (You probably don't see them in the feed since I don't pay Houzz for that privilege!)

10' x 11' guest bedroom. Bed and end table from tag sale and refinished by homeowner. curtains made from sheets. Bedding and pillows from Bed, Bath & Beyond, Pottery Barn and Macy's. Stencils by homeowner. Lamp from local retail store. Artwork print bought by homeowner on vacation.

12' x 18' family room. Slipcovered upholstery from Macy's, custom pillows. End tables and lamps from a local tag sale. Artwork from Home Goods. Seagrass rug, Pottery Barn. Coffee table (splurge) antique reproduction from Eldred Wheeler. Wood blinds through designer source.

13' x 24' living room. Homeowner's existing open-arm chairs set the palette. Rug from local retail store where designers are given a discount. Case goods (wood furniture) from Stanley . Curtains ready made from Country Curtains. Splurge: Upholstered club chairs from Sherrill. 2 pillows custom made, 2 from local decor/accessories shop.

12' x 12' dining room. Existing dark wood cabinets painted white with green interiors. Sisal rug from Pottery Barn. Homeowner's existing chandelier spruced up with new shades from Ballard Designs. Biedermeier furniture found at estate sale. Accessories from Home Goods. Window treatments, custom. Wallpaper by Schumacher (splurge)

I'm not sure where you live, but I'm sure that you can find a designer who can help you with a smaller project and not break the bank. Many of us wish we had very wealthy clients who have no budget, but that's just not reality. Even wealthy clients want to spend wisely. You work with what you have.

lovely diana!

jan I normally think you are great. I guess it is because you have no teaching training. but if you set yourself up as the demigod expert you will be questioned. automatically. and you are not alone several times i have asked to learn things i either got heavy abuse by the expert or they left. not all. i in no way mean to be rude here. but that is what it is when you only want deep gratitude

DH and having fun--I'm glad I could show you that not all designers or decorators are the same. There are many ways to "do" a room depending on the client's taste and budget. As long as there is respect between client and designer, a pleasing result can be obtained :)

I think those rooms Diana posted look great too. Every designer including myself, have them in projects of all SIZES. There are no homes, even large ones, where every room is the same size, or even of equal importance within that home relative to a budget. There's the teeny hearth room.....done in a week for company coming, inexpensive pieces yanked from around town on a moments notice ......no time or funds for custom anything...........the paint barely dried. It measures 12 x 13. btw. Five pieces came from a consignment shop. I'm surprised I even have a picture, the company pulled in as I stuffed trash in a bag.

I'm compelled to respond to this post mainly because I'm so thankful that I have found Houzz and wish I had known about it during the initial build of my small ranch community townhome. I knew about it somewhat from a decorating aspect but not the wealth of information from people with knowledge on structural & design layout.

My bathrooms would definitely not be the way they are now if I'd found Houzz earlier or even my poorly paved tiny patio... list is too long to mention. However, I've been able to have others help me (and not just Pros) make it look beautiful. I've kept ideas for future upgrades that the community builder told me I could not do but now realize I did have a choice not to use the builders inept design center. I should have hired an outside design firm but unfortunately had surgery during the whole ordeal and gave in.

I love gorgeous homes big or small and if you search the Delima topic not everyone has a big home or lots of money but wow...so many great ideas can be found and not just in staged photos but awesome information & resources as well.

While some comment they may not like what I chose it's been a fun and great learning experience from a design and structural aspect. In closing, I want to say you may not like, afford, relate to all the advice given but my goodness...we make the final choices in our homes and if we receive even one great idea or suggestion that enhances our large, medium, small or one room flat, it's worth the ride. Happy Holidays Houzz and thank you!

Another point I'd like to make is that if you are doing major construction, such as kitchens, baths, additions, changes to systems (plumbing, HVAC, electrical), etc., you should seek the assistance of a certified design professional. This would include structural engineers, registered architects, and certified kitchen/bath designers. I am NOT a certified designer, kitchen or otherwise. I have some schooling in design, but I did NOT take the NCIDQ exam, and thus not qualified to to perform those functions. Whenever I did any of these types of major projects, I hired someone competent to help me. You cannot rely on advice on these types of issues, many of them involving health or safety, from anonymous online sources. Those who do are asking for the types of trouble we see here everyday on the Design Dilemmas.

Back to the original post and the plea within...........

I think it has been adequately proven in the thread and all over Houzz actually, that great design has absolutely nothing to do with size. All rooms involve the same consideration given to function and use, comfort ,and style preferences. Appropriateness counts, and while nobody truly expects to see a gilded powder room iwithn a rustic cottage in the woods? It doesn't mean YOU can't have it, it's your home.

Consider Houzz your library in Dewey Decimal system upgraded to tech. The internet on whole is nothing more than that. The Library of Congress in the palm of your hand !

As with all internet information sources, Houzz, and using it are no different than trying to learn a foreign language, find a new recipe, get the news of the day, listen to music, watch a movie, or amuse yourself with hysterical cat videos......!!! Houzz is here for reading, seeing, for interpretation, information, inspiration! The rest is up to you. Take that which appeals to you and leave the rest : )

Mmmm. Just noticed something up there above. ........: (

The funny thing is, no matter what area of design reflects a pros business, most of us rely heavily on four little words to accomplish a goal for any client. They are "I need your help" These are usually followed by "please". At mission accomplished they are always followed by thank you.

It doesn't matter if you do landscape design, kitchens and baths, build cabinetry, or glaze tiles or furnish homes. At some point, you will NEED someone else, another trade, to accomplish your goal and that of a client.

To move a bit of heaven and earth for a client, means we must get someone to move some heaven and earth for us. Demigod? Hahhahhaahahhahaha... Let it suffice to say the ( often absurd) lengths gone to, the pleas that are generally unheard/unknown by any client, are part and parcel of delivering that which we promised. Because our LEAST favorite words are "I am so sorry to disappoint you"

To avoid saying those awful words? Well.......you wouldn't even believe what that can entail. If we get a simple "Thank you, I love it" upon delivering , that's just lovely. But deliver what you promised, somehow, some way.........is the rule of law . The words (with "help',,,,....? ) simply the vehicle.