The Reality of Reality "Design" TV

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 7, 2008 --

I knew I wanted to be an interior designer at a young age. Knowing I wanted to be a designer, I started watching all the “design” television shows, which always filled me with inspiration. I loved seeing the transformations and the unique ideas the designers and decorators came up with, all in only a short half an hour. I went to college with the idea that designing was easy, just as long as I was creative and open-minded. Now in my career, as a Designer, I have leaned that though creativity is very important, there is so much more to this career then the “design” shows portray. There are things you don’t see on the television shows. Things like liaisoning with the client, working within realistic timelines and budgets, as well as, ensuring the project is just as functional as aesthetically pleasing. All very important considerations in the design world.

Budget is another very important consideration of a “design”. Often television shows don’t reveal an appropriate budget. Sure the lighting may have been only $200.00 (as the television production company was able to secure a quantity discount with a supplier), but how much did it cost for the electrician to install that lighting or what would your retail cost of the lighting be? Or how much did the labor cost for the carpenter to make that beautiful custom desk? In most “design” shows the client is a volunteer and doesn’t need to hire the contractor or pay for the labor and materials for the spectacular space. Your designer or decorator needs to know what your budget is to correctly develop a concept you can afford. A project has many expenses to consider, the design phase (Rule of Thumb: Set aside 10% of your overall budget for this phase), the labor, the materials and the products.

Yes, the television designers do a wonderful job at making the space looks phenomenal, but is the “design” functional? For example, hay glued to your walls may be eye catching and a conversation starter, and considered aesthetically pleasing. However, if anyone using the space has allergies, that eye-catching wall isn’t functional. Designers should have the experience and knowledge of construction, education, as well as the eye to ensure that the space is as visually magnificent as it is functional.

Television “design” shows have introduced the idea of “interior design”, to viewers of all ages, cultures and income levels. The shows give us inspiration, I can say first hand that TV “design” shows have inspired me to pursue a career I love. They let us open our imagination to think differently and outside the box. We just need to remember that things aren’t always as they seem. Reality “design” shows are a great source of entertainment but are not always a true perspective of reality and sometimes give people the false idea of “design”. So the next time you sit down to watch your favorite “design” TV show, get inspired and excited, but take some of it with a grain of salt.

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