When you're feeling adrift, there are lots of places to turn for decorating suggestions (including Apartment Therapy, of course). But sometimes you need that special person whose honest opinion can always be counted on for advice, whether you're choosing paint colors or looking for a new apartment. For me, it's my mom. I've been obsessing over my living room arrangement for the past two weeks and I know who I have to call. She just knows how to fix those kinds of things. When you need help with a decorating issue, who do you go to? Let us know.
My best friend (and fellow amateur decorator). Actually, a big part of our relationship is based on decorating -- we have spent entire dinners dicussing paint colors and I can recall a recent Saturday when we urgently ran around the city together trying to find the perfect pillows for her new sofa. And, a few winters ago, she (literally) ran over to my place during a snowstorm to reassure me that the gray I had just painted my bedroom wall was not too mauve-y.
view robyn's profile
I'm a bit too opinionated and stubborn about my designing to have a run-to person. I do tend to be a run-to person for others, though, often being asked my opinion of floor-plans or color schemes.
I get advice from my mom a lot, but we butt heads on so many things that it's more of a dampening effect. But her opinion matters as she's mom.
view nadnuk's profile
A good friend (and fellow design/shelter mag/HGTV addict). She's got a real out-of-the-box approach to things, and if I can't find the answer in my brain, it's almost always in hers.
view freneticfloetry's profile
For some reason I have no idea what to do for myself, but when it comes to other people, I have all kinds of opinions and ideas for what they should do. Perhaps it's that age-old fear of failure/fear of success thing with me... I don't need no designer... I need a therapist to help me!
As for my mother... good lawd!! She has simply DREADFUL taste. For example, she loves her new vertical vinyl blinds. Seriously.
view hejiranyc's profile
I am usually the run to person but whenever I move my Mom always offers at least one piece of random advice that really works in the new space.
view LaDonnaNichole's profile
Though I do all the research, my mom is the most trusted opinion when it comes to a design question. After all, she taught me my design skills.
view John H's profile
I like to ask someone who is not into interior design (as much as I am) for a second opinion. It may sound crazy but I have gotten a lot of good advice from people who claim to know nothing about decorating. I feel they are more honest, raw and willing to ask questions about your choices/decisions. They also have the ability to look at decorating in a different way than interior designers. As a "wanna be" interior designer, I view interior design as an art. I find it difficult to tell something that I don't care for their style. It is their art...their expression. Maybe other designers feel the same way?
Just last night, I pulled a neighbor into my studio to check out recent paint color choices for my new place. He enjoyed himself and was happy to provide a second opinion.
view 335ktt's profile