Finding Success With An Interior Designer

Interior designer Amy Lee Botticchio has roots in the South. She grew up in South Carolina, and earned her B.F.A. in interior design at Anderson University before moving to New York, where she worked with large architectural firms and high-end residential clients in both New York and Atlanta.

Her recent marriage brought Amy back to the South, where her style of city sophistication mixed with classic, southern charm is right at home in Charlotte.

Amy is best known for creating rooms that are polished, clean and serene. “I don’t like things too fussy,” she says. “Our lives are stressful enough, so I like my rooms to create a calm environment.”

But while Amy has a signature style of her own, she says her work differs from client to client. “It’s important to listen carefully to clients, and bring their vision to reality,” she says.

Urban Home asked Amy for advice to help homeowners establish a successful relationship with their interior designer.

Chose a designer who listens.
“ Don’t surrender all of your interior design ideas when hiring a professional designer,” says Amy. “Expect your designer to custom tailor the design process to suit your needs and tastes.” Amy says some of her clients have a general direction they want for their home, while others require more guidance. “Most interior designers welcome working with both types of clients.”

Trust your designer.
Amy says it’s essential to trust your interior designer’s judgment. “When an interior designer makes recommendations you may not have considered on your own, trust him or her,” she says. “The purpose of hiring a designer is to create something you might not have thought of by yourself, and trusting your designer to pull it off is key.”

Don’t poll your friends.
Asking your friends for their opinions can interfere with your design project. “Nine times out of ten, friends’ advice will only confuse you,” says Amy. “Remember that interior design is subjective, like artwork, and it’s not possible for everyone to agree on what you choose. The key to creating a successful space is that it functions well and is beautiful to you and those who live in it.”

Stick with the program.
When you’ve selected a general direction, stick with it. “Creating an overall design that both the designer and the client agree upon up-front is important. It’s crucial to stick with this design as you work through the design process in order to create a fully cohesive space.”

Do something unexpected.
“ Remember that one of the reasons you hired a designer was for the ‘wow’ factor,” says Amy. “To achieve this look, make sure each room has at least one thing you wouldn’t expect to see.”

Contact Botticchio Interior Design at www.botticchiointeriors.com or 704-992-6454.