I moved into a home that is quite interesting and definitely not a cookie-cutter property. It has great 'bones' and even though nothing of consequence had to be done to make it a lovely home, I decided to get an interior designer to make 3 rooms(LR,DR,FR) better than what they would become if left to my own decisions. Fortunately for me, Elizabeth happened to be nearby and after viewing samples of her work from her website and comparing that to a number of other designers, near and far, she was my choice. Her on-line examples were beautiful and tasteful and all unique, one from the other.
This has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. At the first meeting, it was clear that her mind was engaged on the project and just brimming with ideas. Now, my situation, had a couple of advantages: A. we could start as a blank slate for those rooms, and B. I did not require a tight deadline. Even if this had not been the case, Elizabeth would have developed a great plan to complete those rooms.
So, what does she bring to a project? Many excellent things. Firstly, a wonderful personality that is always cooperative and never demanding that things be done only one way. This means that she generally provides multiple options, whether for specific pieces or colors or fabric or any particular choice. This includes cost options. Elizabeth aims to please and tailor things to the homeowner's taste and lifestyle, but at the same time never allowing you to make a foolish choice. This goes to another and critical characteristic: she has impeccable taste. Whenever, I had an idea that maybe was not the best, she would ever-so-gently, persuade or explain why a better choice could be made. At those times and now that I look back, she was invariably right.
Another great advantage, is that she has contacts with all sorts of tradesmen/contractors if any are required. These, I have found to be all top-quality people with high standards of workmanship. And the arrangements are made by her, a big time-saver. Even more importantly, she has seemingly endless experience in getting great furniture. We got some unique pieces. If you think it, she can probably get it. And if you don't think it, she will offer it as a suggestion.
A specific talent is Elizabeth's experience and knowledge in the world of art. We acquired a lot of pieces, some that I wanted and others that she sought out and I agreed to. Throughout all of this she saved me a lot of money. Many of these things would have never come across my radar. Elizabeth is a superb shopper, she is familiar with so many shops, manufacturers, custom-makers, craftsman, exhibitions, shows, etc. She remembers details, is ever-so-careful about measuring things and especially the best arrangement of furniture. Most of all she looks at the total picture.
No detail is too small. She brought to my attention many things that I never knew about. Elizabeth ponders specific requests for items that may be out of the ordinary, as a challenge and she finds them. Amazing!
As time went on, I expanded my wish-list for ala carte items outside the original 3 rooms. Those she found, also. I cannot imagine anyone else completing what was done for me in a better way. Elizabeth Guest is a thorough professional and very creative person who knows how to bring beauty to an interior design. There were so many wonderful surprises along the way and my project was a total pleasure from beginning to end.
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