Can anyone recommend an designer?

[Anonymous]

Nothing fancy, but our condo (first floor north facing) has very poor natural light in the living room. I like colors in my walls but I want to do what is best to brighten up the space. It is an open space and living room/dining room/entrance hall are all "together" if you know what I mean.

I have done some research online, and some people tell to paint it white or very pale colors. Others say light colors only create shades and give an appearance of dingy.

Another thing I found online, was the advice to put as much artificial light as needed, in the right places. The entrance hall has a lamp in the ceiling, the dining room has a chandelier, but the living room (the larges space) has no overhead light - only a lamp in the floor.

So, I was thinking a designer could help me figure out a nice color scheme to these areas and also what type of lighting to install in the living room and where exactly.

So, I don't need anything fancy or expensive... I would never think about hiring a designer in regular circumstances because it sounds soo "things rich people do" and we are not rich at all - far from it!

We live in Northern VA if it makes any difference.

Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

oops... *a* designer

[Anonymous]

Most designers charge $120 to $150 an hour and you're probably looking at about 4 to 5 hours of work. (Consult, investigating paint colors, lights/lighting scheme). Are you prepared to pay that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most designers charge $120 to $150 an hour and you're probably looking at about 4 to 5 hours of work. (Consult, investigating paint colors, lights/lighting scheme). Are you prepared to pay that?

Yes I am. At this point, I rather spend 600.00 on a designer than pay for a painter/electrician/material AND not be happy and try again in a couple of months.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most designers charge $120 to $150 an hour and you're probably looking at about 4 to 5 hours of work. (Consult, investigating paint colors, lights/lighting scheme). Are you prepared to pay that?

Yes I am. At this point, I rather spend 600.00 on a designer than pay for a painter/electrician/material AND not be happy and try again in a couple of months.

Michaela Robinson is really great with color. She's in Alexandria. You'll have to Google.

I'd avoid getting into purchasing furniture with her, however.

[Anonymous]

Anyone else?

[Anonymous]

Check out the Washington Design Center.