How Much Do Interior Designers Travel? (Explained)
If you are considering being an interior designer, you might be excited to stretch your creative muscles and work with a variety of interesting people and locations. That means you might have to get out of your hometown and see some new sites!
Do interior designers travel?
When it comes to shopping, seeing locations, and working with national and international clients, there is a lot of travel that goes into Interior Designing. You could end up in many different parts of the country, or even the world.
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Traveling for your Career:
Traveling for a job can be a cool job aspect, but it is also not for everyone.
Whether or not you want to travel for your career can depend on whether or not you have a family, pets, or other obligations at home.
If these do not factor in for you, traveling might be a perk that comes with the job.
If you decide you want to be an interior designer, some travel might be required to make that career effectively.
How Far Should Interior Designers Travel for a Job?
How far you travel as an interior designer can depend. As an interior designer, you will not have a typical office job and will often be required to complete work outside of your office.
This is necessary to get a feel for the space you are working with, to shop for the materials and furniture necessary, and to go to showrooms or design centers.
Depending on how popular or how in-demand you are as a designer, you could travel for different distances.
Most interior designers only travel locally or regionally. This is because they are likely to work with clients in their area of influence.
If you are better-known or in higher demand, you could travel nationally to meet with clients.
Overall, you should be able to set how far you are willing to travel for your clients and can do so to fit with your schedule and lifestyle.
You should keep in mind though that the farther away you accept clients, the more clients you will be able to find.
How Much are Interior Designers Compensated for their Travels?
If you do travel, you will probably have a set form of compensation for that travel time. You want to make sure you compensate yourself for your travel time and the expenses that come with it.
This can be set up in a couple of different ways.
Fee by Miles:
One of the ways to charge for your travel expenses would be to create a flat fee for any miles that you would have to travel after a certain number.
Commonly under this structure, you would travel with no fee and only charge if you go over a certain mileage that you have preset. This number could be after 20, 30, or even 40 miles.
You would also want to set a certain cost per mile and be upfront with your customers about what those charges would be.
Fee by Hours:
Instead of charging a fee after so many miles, you can instead choose to charge your customers for your time.
If you go this route, you will charge your customers from the time you leave your door to the time you get back. This includes travel time as well as time working.
This would also be something that you would outline in advance and be open when discussing this with your customers.
Other Expenses:
Other expenses can be included in the fees that you present to a client. If you are traveling out of state and will need airfare, a hotel stay, or any other additional expenses, you can discuss this with your client in advance, and it is possible that these fees could be covered as well.
Other expenses to consider when you are traveling long distances can include whether or not you will need materials that are not local to your client.
If you have to ship any materials, this can also be a few to consider and work out as an additional expense.
How Many Travel Days Should I Expect as an Interior Designer?
As an interior designer, you should expect to be out of the office more often than you are in the office. You will be at client’s houses, design studios, furniture stores, and manufacturing sites.
This does not necessarily mean that you will have to travel long distances to these destinations. Often you will have these sites in your area or close to your office for easy accessibility.
How many days you spend traveling will depend on how far you travel for your jobs. If you travel longer distances and stay at a hotel, you will obviously be away from home more often than if you can travel to your client and back just for the day.
Is it Possible to Travel a Lot as an Interior Designer?
If traveling is your goal, you can achieve this as an interior designer. You have a lot of control over your schedule when it comes to traveling and what clients you accept and their locations.
This means that you can travel as much or as little as you would like.
Some interior designers choose to travel out of state and across the country instead of just within driving distance of their home or office.
This is completely possible for you, especially if you make a name for yourself and are in high demand.
If traveling long distances is not something that you want out of your career, you do not have to do this. You can set your limits for how far you would like to travel for a client and stick to those.
Having these boundaries is a good way to ensure that you are home every night if this is important to you. This can be important for interior designers who have families that they want to be home for.
Can I be an Interior Designer without Traveling at All?
Regardless of how far you choose to travel, to be an interior designer, you will need to work outside your office often.
You cannot remodel or design spaces if you do not travel to them, you also need to go shopping for your clients to secure their design pieces.
Overall, traveling as an interior designer is incredibly possible, and there are many ways to control how much you travel. You can also charge for your travel time so that you can make your money back that is spent.
Overall?
Traveling as an interior designer is an exciting, educational experience! If you’re serious about being an interior designer, you need to be adaptable, efficient, and great at working with clients.
Pack your bags and get out there, or hit the pavement and strut, because you will be a great designer if you do!
European trends in interior design
European-style interior design is trending right now because of its wonderful advantages. If you’re feeling tired of the decoration style you already have at home and are searching for some inspiration, European interior designs could be great options. However, to achieve this style of decor in your home, you should know which elements will be necessary to change your environment completely.
If you want a European interior design in your home, keep reading to get more information related to this style.
European interior design
Interior design has become all the more relevant in recent times since it allows for the creation of functional and disciplined environments. It is also the best option for maintaining order and cleanliness. The latest trends in Europe for interior design , it is important to know, take inspiration from the French Baroque style, the English Victorian era, the Italian Renaissance, and Greco-Latin Classicist decorations.
Each of these styles can be applied when decorating homes with a European touch. Similarly, most of these designs overlap with each other because of the common origins and culture prevalent in European homes. However, so that the European style complements your home beautifully, it is important to first determine which decorations will maintain harmony in your spaces before taking action.
To begin, focus on the basic features of European interior design:
- European-style interior design is a mixture of contemporary and classic elements. European interior design is notorious for its play of contrasting colors, so combinations such as white with red will be an excellent choice.
- Likewise, in this decorative style, comfort and simplicity are essential so that families can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
- Sobriety is another characteristic of this interior design, especially in Northern Europe, where symmetry and order are the protagonists.
- The European home also differs from others in its multiculturalism and definitely reflects a rich history.
What are the best options in European interior design?
Nowadays, European interior design trends follow both classic and modern trends. That is why, when creating a European-style environment, it is important to have knowledge of the different styles that can refresh your space:
Scandinavian style
The Nordic-style interior design has become one favorite to revamp the decoration of a home. Similarly, we could say that simplicity is one of the key characteristics of this style that cannot go unnoticed.
The Nordic design achieves a modern look while allowing for the addition of functional elements. This is why a Nordic-style home will have a lot of versatile, multi-functional furniture. Of course, regardless of whether or not there is a lot of furniture, they will be arranged in an organized way.
Natural light is a must in this European style, which is why heavy curtains will not fit in this type of environment. The best option is to place wooden blinds on the windows.
Now, flooring can also have a Scandinavian touch, and wood is the right material for it. As a tip, it is best to opt for neutral colors such as white to give your home a more spacious look.
Italian style
When talking about European-style interior design , we cannot fail to mention the famous Italian style. Aesthetics are very important to achieve this type of design. Furthermore, wide spaces are also essential since Italians are very homey. To them, sharing with family and friends is paramount.
Likewise, each piece of furniture included in the interior design must fulfill a function and complements a few central pieces so as not to detract from their protagonism.
As for the accessories, we recommend that they be few so as not to detract from the spaciousness of the room. Likewise, it is important that an Italian-style interior space looks completely tidy.
A neutral and earthy color palette is ideal for this type of interior design, as well as wall art that matches the homeowner’s preferences.
French style
If we are talking about refined decoration, the French style of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries is the main character. To achieve the poise of the French style, the color palette should be subtle, so it will be a good idea to choose shades such as white, pink, and light blue.
Simplicity is also part of this design, and that is why within the decor you can see few ornaments. Also, if you want to add decorative elements to the traditional French style, adding some candlesticks would be an excellent idea.
This type of European-style interior design differs from others with its contrast of light colors; besides that, it also can add some modern elements to create a more contemporary atmosphere without detracting from its elegance.
German style
The German style is also often used in homes where elegance prevails. This style is also innovative and contemporary, which is why materials such as concrete and granite are prevalent in the flooring. Besides elegance, German-style homes never lack brilliance.
For kitchens in this style, the use of stainless steel and glass decorative elements is common. Likewise, one of the most peculiar characteristics of this interior design is that Germans install large beer coolers to contribute to the chic look of their homes.
For this reason, like other European styles, it is very common to have a traditional bar if there is sufficient interior space.
English style
Innovations in European-style interior design are very celebrated and English style is among them. In this style, one of the most important elements is the furniture, especially those that have a lot of curves.
For example, the Chester sofa, oftentimes upholstered in light colors, is one of the most used pieces of furniture to develop a harmonious atmosphere.
Likewise, in this type of interior design, textiles such as leather and cotton as well as walls in gray or brown tones stand out. Wallpaper and tapestries are also very common strategies for adding quality decoration to the walls.
You can add a fusion of European styles to your interior design.
It is likely that you feel drawn to various elements of European style interior design . If this is the case, you have the option to blend interior designs and unite different European styles.
Mediterranean design is an excellent option since it can include elements of Italian, Spanish, and Nordic styles. One of the most outstanding characteristics of this design is the strategic use of light within a home in order to cultivate a pleasant atmosphere.
Similarly, freshness and intricacy can also describe this colorful style that attributes more vitality to a space. Likewise, so that natural light can pass into the interior space, there should be light curtains that match white or other light-colored walls.
Other colors that can complement the Mediterranean design are ocher, aquamarine, and olive green. Apart from the colors, there are also materials that have become the protagonists of this design, and wood is the main one.
You can also use wood in flooring, furniture, and even ceiling beams for an exceptional ambiance.
Another design that is inspired by different European styles is the modern style, and renowned designers from Germany and Italy have contributed to it. To achieve a quality modern design, simplicity must prevail, including key elements such as lamps and furniture with straightforward shapes.
Similarly, natural light is also an essential element, and colors such as white and gray are used to make the environment look more spacious. We must consider that it is unnecessary to combine more than three colors to achieve the right modern design. Also, to follow the European trends in interior design , simply adding materials such as metal, glass or wood will be enough.
The European style in interior design creates pleasant environments.
There are many notions about European-style interior design , no matter where you are in the world.
You don’t have to be in Europe to enjoy the benefits that each of these styles can bring to your home.
If you wish to renovate your house with some of the European styles, Erisa is home to a group of professionals ready to renovate your interior design according to your preferences.
How did traveling to europe influence your interior design
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Reading the room – how recession influences interior design
Many of the impacts of a recession are obvious: profits drop, jobs are slashed and numerous businesses shut their doors for good. But economic downturns have also shaped the world of interior design in surprising ways
As designers stressed practicality and affordability in the aftermath of the Great Depression, Streamline Moderne styles took off, building on the popular Art Deco movement
Author: Courtney Goldsmith
Related topics: Art & Design, Craft economy, financial crisis, Interior design
15 Jul 2019
Top 5
Paul Rand, the mastermind of advertising and graphic design responsible for creating some of the world’s most celebrated corporate logos, is famously remembered for saying: “Everything is design.” Rand understood that good design is more than a superficial amusement – it is everywhere and, as such, is intrinsically linked to just about everything. Countless factors dictate the ebb and flow of interior design in particular, but in recent years one of its most prominent drivers has been the health of the economy.
In times of recession, when consumers become more conservative with their spending, designers seize the opportunity to take bold risks. “Design is the ultimate differentiator between products,” Penny Sparke, Director of Kingston University London’s Modern Interiors Research Centre, told European CEO. “You’ve perfected the technology. You’ve perfected the functionality. The only thing left to do is design something to make it appealing. So, absolutely, design does thrive in recession.”
Do it yourself
A stark example of this trend followed the decade-long economic downturn known as the Great Depression. After the US stock market crashed in 1929, half of the country’s banks failed, leaving as many as 15 million Americans unemployed. And as the population’s discretionary income dried up, the economic slump spread throughout the world.
But while consumers pinched their pennies, manufacturers were in fierce competition with one another, working to make their products the most interesting and attractive. “Rather than just buying a fridge, you bought a ‘bulbous, sculptural fridge’,” Sparke said. “It was kind of upping the ante in terms of consumerism.” As designers stressed practicality and affordability, Streamline Moderne styles took off, building on the popular Art Deco movement. This new wave of modernism did away with excess while emphasising clean, curving lines and industrial materials.
Even though young people entering the workforce faced dismal job prospects in 2008, they refused to allow the economic downturn to infringe on their aesthetic aspirations
With economics being just one of many factors playing into the constant mutation of design, tracing its impact is usually a little more nuanced than simply drawing a straight line from one particular recession to a specific design concept. That being said, Shashi Caan, CEO of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI), told European CEO that the rise of ‘shabby chic’ – a style known for its rustic, industrial aesthetic – was a “very direct implication” of the global financial crisis in 2008.
Kadie Yale, a design theorist who founded the Designology Cooperative, agreed with Caan’s assessment, explaining that even though young people entering the workforce at the time faced dismal job prospects, they refused to allow the economic downturn to infringe on their aesthetic aspirations.
In fact, in order to maintain the quality of life they had come to expect before the recession – a time in which consumerism had taken hold – Yale said consumers began to take up the mantle of design themselves, bringing about the rise of the do-it-yourself (DIY) movement. DIY subsequently manifested in TV shows and blogs that gave consumers back-to-basics tips on how to spruce up their interiors.
In 2010, Pinterest, the mother of all craft blogs, was born. “Pinterest was a huge part of [the growth of the DIY movement],” Yale said. “You could suddenly say, ‘Well, I don’t have any money, but I can make this thing for very cheap’.” The emergence of the DIY and maker movements led to the signature unfinished, handmade look of shabby chic designs.
An indomitable legacy
As the economy inched towards recovery and entrepreneurs snapped up cheap storefronts in city centres, the DIY approach became a sensible way for businesses to keep overheads low. Small, local shops embraced the rustic look of exposed flooring and brickwork to avoid expensive renovations, and savvy start-ups transformed exposed beams and piping from a money-saving technique into a must-have look.
While they were born out of necessity, DIY and shabby chic designs have transformed into an aspirational style. “[Shabby chic] really tied into this DIY aesthetic, and it became something that people are really into,” Yale said. More than a decade on from the start of the financial crash, the shabby chic aesthetic can still be found in countless cafes, bars and shops around the world. Today, however, businesses are actually paying more to make their interiors mirror the relaxed, authentic vibe of DIY.
The modern shabby chic market is one of extremes. For example, Yale described a recent trip to US retailer Target, during which she saw a wall planter that she loved the look of, but recognised as a cheap copy of one produced by a designer she knew: “I know that this [wall planter] is something that he… originally made, and I would love to buy his planters instead. Except, you know, they’re $10 [€8.93] at Target and they’re $80 [€71.43] from him. So I just haven’t bought either of them.”
Yale’s experience is far from unique, but Caan doesn’t think we should sound the death knell for shabby chic just yet: “Maybe we’ll evolve it into a different nomenclature and layer in some other aesthetic criteria, but [shabby chic] won’t go away.” In part, she believes this style is here to stay because the interior design industry never fully recovered from the impact of the global financial crisis, which shuttered a number of design firms.
IFI CEO Shashi Caan believes the rise of ‘shabby chic’ – a style known for its rustic, industrial aesthetic – was a “very direct implication” of the global financial crisis in 2008
Future aesthetics
Today, even as sectors like interior design struggle to find their footing in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, economists have begun to warn that another decline could be on the horizon. What this means for design, however, is unclear.
Sparke, who is currently writing a book about the rapidly growing popularity of indoor plants, said sustainability is now one of the most powerful factors determining the interior styles of the mass market. More consumers are recycling furniture, looking for products made with natural materials and bringing plants into their homes.
Yale, meanwhile, believes advances in technology – notably devices such as fitness trackers – will drive changes in design as consumers focus on improving their health and wellness in all aspects of life: “There is so much science now when it comes to design. What we’re going to end up seeing next is not necessarily an aesthetic change, [but rather the use of] that information to make us healthier and happier.”
According to Yale, Generation Z – the demographic that has followed Millennials into the workplace in recent years – will likely lead this new era of design. More specifically, where Millennials have worked to bring the topics of sustainability and wellness to light, Generation Z will be the ones to take game-changing action. Yale said: “[You will] have young people making aesthetic and design decisions who are saying… ‘Why isn’t every interior making us happier and healthier if we’ve had this information for 15 years? Why isn’t every interior sustainable? Why isn’t every interior the best it can be?’”
What’s more, Yale expects the ‘cycle of aesthetic’ – wherein a resurgence of an older era occurs every couple of decades – will be disrupted. “Everybody’s minimalising,” she said. “We’re seeing our consumerism is not helping our mental health at all, and I just don’t think that the aesthetics are going to be as easy for us to figure out as they were in the past.”
It is impossible to predict exactly what the future of design holds, but as our understanding of what it can do – and how it is shaped – broadens, we can expect to see dramatic changes. As Caan said: “It’s a fantastic time to be alive… We’re living in the Renaissance of the 21st century.”
Source https://www.godownsize.com/do-interior-designers-travel/
Source https://erisaprojects.com/european-trends-in-interior-design/
Source https://www.europeanceo.com/lifestyle/reading-the-room-how-recession-influences-interior-design/
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