10 Interior Design Ideas for Dorms

Hiring an Interior Designer in Aspen? 5 Tips You Must Follow According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 1,930 active interior designers in the State of Colorado. This figure represents 0.74 percent of the state’s total working population, which is well above the average proportion of interior designers for the nation as the whole.

As you might expect, roughly half (about 1,000) of these interior designers live directly in the Front Range Region. With Colorado placing among the fastest-growing states in the nation, there is no surprise that the demand for high quality interior design service is quite high.

The nice thing about having many interior designers within reach is that you will have plenty of options available for when you make a final decision. However, with a large population of design firms to choose from, you may find yourself having difficulties knowing where—exactly—is the best place to begin your search.

Fortunately, there are quite a few steps you can take to make your quest for the perfect interior designer just a little bit easier. In this article, we will discuss five of the most

important things for you to know when selecting a Aspen interior designer. By actively thinking about each of these helpful tips, your home can be more beautiful and functional than ever before.

1. Choose an Interior Design Firm That’s Specific to Aspen Though most major interior design trends can be found throughout the entire nation, there are still quite a few factors that make Aspen interior design unique. When compared to older cities on the East Coast and in the Midwest, Aspen buildings have a very distinctive Western character that is difficult to replicate.

In Aspen, revitalized craftsman and revitalized Spanish styled homes are among the most popular. Additionally, due to the city’s unique location, culture, and environment, incorporating solar panels into new homes is notably on the rise. According to the State’s recent estimates, Colorado ranks 11th in the nation for solar panel usage. The right design team can help you find ways to effectively create an eco-friendly home without needing to make any aesthetic sacrifices.

The Aspen area has a continental climate, meaning that both winters and summers trend towards the extreme ends of the climate spectrum. Though weather may only seem slightly related to interior design, it can have a major impact on which designs and materials will be most appropriate for your building. By working with a firm that is specifically devoted to Colorado, you can avoid the “generic” approach used by national firms and gain a design scheme that is specific to your area.

2. Understand the Goals and Restraints of your Project The firm that makes the most sense to use when designing your home will depend on a wide range of different factors. If you simply want advice when making a few basic design choices (colors, shapes, textures, etc.), then a boutique design firm will likely be enough. On the other hand, if you are hoping to do a complete home makeover, you’ll need a partner that can offer a bit more.

The first constraint of any interior design project is the amount of money you are willing to spend. Creating a strict budget in advance will make it much easier to decide which firm to go with. Additionally, accounting for constraints such as your availability, the current state of your home, and your desire to have your own input will also influence which choice is right for you.

3. Begin Planning your Project as Early as Possible As you will quickly discover when organizing any project, the more you can do to prepare in advance, the easier it will be to create the home of your dreams. Before scanning the web for Aspen interior designers, ask yourself, “when does my project

actually need to be done?” Though you obviously want to redesign your home as soon as possible, being willing to wait a few more months (or even another year) will expand your range of available options.

In Colorado, as you’ll find in many states, the peak interior design season occurs during summer. In order to make sure they are busy throughout the year, many of Aspen’s top interior design firms will actually offer discounts and special deals to those working in the winter. By being flexible and making plans early on, you can significantly reduce the total cost of hiring an interior designer.

4. Select an Interior Designer that is Willing to Answer your Questions Communication between you and your interior designer should not take place on a oneway street: instead, your design team should be willing to initiate an active dialogue where your questions can be answered promptly and accurately. Never select an interior designer who isn’t willing to first speak with you before starting on a project.

After taking the time to browse the websites of Aspen’s top interior design firms, try to set up a phone call (or in-person appointment) and ask as many different questions as you desire. Some of the most common questions you might have include: What are your strengths and weaknesses as an interior designer?

Is your approach to design specific to Colorado?

What is your preferred approach to a project? Are you willing to check in with and accept input from your clients along the way?

Do you think you will be able to complete my project while remaining within the budget?

Why should we select you to be our go-to source for interior design?

By asking questions before making a final selection, you can be much more confident in your decision. If an interior designer refuses to meet or speak with you, that should be considered an immediate red flag.

5. Be Willing to Take the Time to do Research Finding “the one” is never easy, even when you're looking for something as simple as a reliable interior designer. As stated, there are currently about 1,000 different options available for you to choose from. Assuming you’ll always find a suitable choice after your first search attempt may cause you to select a designer you’re ultimately disappointed with.

By asking questions, visiting their websites, and reading authentic customer reviews, you should be able to find a designer that is right for you. You should also take the time to look at different design schemes and trends, and remember the ones you found most

attractive. Redesigning your home is a major investment—even if it is just a small project, putting in a few hours of research can really pay off over time.

Conclusion The Aspen interior design industry is currently alive and well. If you are planning a major design project, you are certainly not without options. By keeping these time-tested tips in mind, you’ll be able to discover the exact sort of interior designer you’ve been longing for.