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Interior designers have a big job—transforming spaces by bringing a new creative vision to life.
But that doesn’t really convey just how many tasks are involved in the practice of interior design. The work involves a myriad of details, including selecting colors, materials, furniture, fixtures, and other décor, as well as coordinating, scheduling, and taking input from the homeowners, contractors, and any other person who sticks their nose in the project.
It’s a stressful job. That’s why interior designers look for partners—people who provide more than just work and materials. There’s just too much to do for anyone not to function as a partner.
Catherine Williamson, designer and founder of the Beginning in the Middle lifestyle brand, depends on her window treatment dealers to provide not just top-quality products, but also insight and expertise.
According to Catherine, working with a dealer should be “a very nice partnership.” She appreciates her Graber dealer’s deep knowledge and experience from installing window treatments in thousands of homes. Her Graber dealer understands where certain products work best and where there might be potential pitfalls.This kind of practical experience is invaluable to designers.
“I think sometimes designers have a really clear idea of the functionality and the aesthetics that they want to achieve,” says Catherine.
“A dealer can offer the technical expertise to help bring a designer’s vision to life.”
When Catherine is looking for a certain effect or wants to give a room a very specific feel, she looks to her dealer for suggestions. Throughout the Hotel Plaas project, Catherine worked with her Graber dealer to find the perfect shades and drapery for her thoughtfully conceived room designs.
The result? A series of spaces that each have their own style and mood.
A great example is the wood-paneled sitting room. The dark red custom couch at the center of the room stands in contrast with the white upholstered benches along the side of the room. The white Graber Roman Shades that line the longest wall serve to pull the brightness of the white upholstery across the room. These shades are as much a light-control measure as they are integral design elements.
It all works together to create a room that is full of energy, yet sits in perfect balance.
Throughout Hotel Plaas, the window treatments blend beautifully with the wall coverings, trim, furniture, and the many intriguing, small sculptural elements. Each room is its own experience—ranging from the formal, wood-paneled living room to the third-floor restorative retreat. The hotel project is a testament to what a talented designer can achieve with the right products and expertise.
Feeling inspired? Find a dealer here.
