Can you Score a Classic Look Without a Professional Designer?

We began our lovefest with all things Cathy Kincaid Interiors HERE, and it continues in this discussion of traditional design with a timeless classic look. The beautiful photo gallery will reveal what is possible when you partner with a professional designer. But can you manage a project on your own? We’ll consider how the process is eased with help. In its purest essence, timeless interior design aims to create a space that doesn’t simply look elegant or ageless, but feels welcoming and established. This approach to design is successful and attractive because it stands the test of time. Rather than concern itself with trends, the focus remains on refinement, sophistication, and soulfulness.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

Photos: Cathy Kincaid Interiors; See More Work: @cathykincaidinteriors

Timeless Classic Look & Cathy Kincaid Inspiration

With plenty of “shop this room” posts on the blog, sometimes just the idea pf reducing things to a mood board feels shallow and irrelevant. Let’s get real. Houston-based Cathy Kincaid Interiors creates set apart classic look designs for discerning clients, and we aren’t going to give her a run for the money. Hahahaha.

The Well Adorned Home by Cathy Kincaid (Rizzoli, 2019) book cover.
The Well Adorned Home (Rizzoli, 2019)
Inspiring quote about spiritual seeing on Hello Lovely Studio. #spiritualquotes #seeingquotes

Does hiring a professional designer ensure you’ll love the results? We’ll discuss.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

The Pros for Hiring a Pro

When it’s a classic look of tradition you want and budget allows, hiring an interior designer is a smart investment. Professionals bring a unique set of skills and experience to capture your vision and execute the many details.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

If you’re a creative dynamo who already has a vision and the confidence to bring it to life, should you hire yourself? Maybe.

Encouragement quote on Hello Lovely Studio to uplift and soothe in times of struggle. #strugglequotes #encouragementquotes

Bear in mind though that it’s not simply about possessing good taste. Plenty of aspects of the design process are eased with a professional designer at the helm.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

Education, Experience & Expertise With Classic Look Details

Interior designers understand design principles, color theory, spatial arrangements, and architectural details that may eclipse your bag of tricks. Proportion, scale, and flow, and a host of other details matter.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

Space Planning

It’s so important to utilize your space well, and an interior designer will guide you to optimization. Sometimes that involves analysis of a room’s layout.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign
Funny dog tweet on Hello Lovely Studio. #doghumor #petquotes

Industry Knowledge

Unless you are immersed in the design industry daily, your wheelhouse may not be current with materials, finishes, and technologies for your project. Collaboration with a designer helps you secure the best products, solutions, and trades for beautiful results.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

Bespoke Work

Customization is key, yes? Designers work with you to achieve a custom plan tailor-made to your unique needs and preferences. Sometimes a piece of furniture called for in the design won’t exist in the scale or style required. Perhaps built-ins or a hand-painted mural are on the list. Resources for such bespoke items may be more accessible via designers who routinely rely upon them.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

Will DIY Save You Money?

Most of us have budgetary parameters. Because of a designer’s breadth of experience and resources, they can be especially wise about managing the budget.

Healing quote from Jung Pueblo on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowthquotes #perfectionism #healingquotes

They may be able to help you avoid costly mistakes if there is renovation and construction involved and will know where to look for bargains.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

Are You Up for Juggling the Project’s Moving Parts?

If you have taken on a room’s redesign, then you know. Project coordination is no joke. There’s a contractor, trades, suppliers, and vendors. There is a continual need for coordination with so many moving pieces. As someone who built a large house once upon a time, I can tell you it’s a tall order. If you can pay someone else to coordinate? Do it!

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

Access to Resources

An interior designer’s network is integral to their practice. It will likely involve furniture showrooms, fabric suppliers, craftspeople, painters, or electricians, and many more resources. Not all of these resources are accessible to consumers.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign
Winston Churchill quote on Hello Lovely Studio: my tastes are simple I am easily satisfied with the best. #winstonchurchillquotes

Color Stories & Material Curation

Interior designers have an in-depth understanding of color palettes, textures, and materials. They can curate selections that harmonize with each other and create a cohesive and visually pleasing atmosphere.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

Visualization & Attention to Detail

Unless you have specialized training in 3D renderings, you probably lack the avenues of visualization available to a designer. Whether it is a mood board, floor plan, or virtual design tool, you’ll be able to enjoy a representation of the design concept.

Mary Oliver poem quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #marryoliver #personalgrowthquotes

Additionally, interior designers can visualize the finished design because of their wealth of experience. It is difficult to put a price on such design confidence and reassurance if you’re the type who can’t easily see potential. Also, don’t underestimate the value of an interior designer’s keen eye for detail. Seeing is everything! From lighting to hardware choices to fabric trims to window dressings, all of it matters and should be carefully addressed with care.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign

Troubleshooting

There are going to be snags. Solving problems is just a part of the process, and hiring a designer will help you since you’ll have a partner with valuable expertise to guide you and overcome unexpected challenges.

Andrea Gibson quote about vulnerability. #vulnerabilityquotes #andreagibsonquotes #andreagibsonpoetry

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing