Michaela Donato, the designer behind Donato Décor jumped with both feet into to her design business, and she has spent the better part of her career studying the psychology of decor and learning how powerful a contributor decor is to the levels of satisfaction and happiness in our lives.
Michaela started her business venture shortly after graduating from the Fashion Communication program at Ryerson University. “I was finding myself decorating and redecorating my own house over and over again to get away from everyday stresses. I soon realized there was a limited number of positions I could put my sofa in, so I thought, maybe I could take my passion for decorating and designing and use it to help others design their homes! Turning this into a career has been the best thing I’ve ever done. I know how powerful a perfectly curated home can be and having the ability to help others achieve their decor dreams is so rewarding!”.
People are often hesitant to hire interior designers because they feel it will either be intrusive, or out of their budget. It can seem daunting to invite someone into your home, or to hand over control of your largest investment in life. There are many reasons why hiring a professional can be very beneficial, both financially and emotionally. Putting the hard stuff in the hands of a professionally trained designer can take away some of that “renovation stress” and may save you money in the long run.
Things to consider when choosing a designer:
Expect Transparency.
This is your home and your largest investment. Welcoming someone into your personal space is a big deal and should be treated as such. From space planning to fabric selection, make sure you understand their process. Be up front about your budget and expectations to avoid any miscommunication.
Identify Your Style.
Before you can explain to someone else what you are looking for, it helps to know your general direction. Look through magazines, search online, find pictures of what you like and create an inspiration board so that you can easily share your ideas! From modern farmhouse to traditional, there are so many options to choose from and having a clearer idea of what your end goal is will be helpful to everyone. A good designer can make recommendations and help to build a plan that will suit your taste and lifestyle.
Share Your Vision.
Designers are all about making your house into the home of your dreams; somewhere that makes you smile when you walk through the door, somewhere you never want to leave. Look for a designer who understands your vision clearly, one you can see yourself building a relationship with and who you can trust to execute.
A Space to Live In.
Look for a designer that is empathetic and realistic. None of us have the time or the energy to keep our home looking magazine-worthy seven days a week. An experienced designer will help you to create a livable space that can withstand the craziness of everyday living and function for your lifestyle specifically.
Sourcing Locally & Sustainably.
Ask about their purchasing habits and their relationships with their suppliers. Many designers have relationships with their suppliers which can save you money while supporting small and local businesses. Michaela from Donato Design is particularly mindful of the footprint each purchase leaves behind and looks for items with longevity that will not quickly go out of style and end up in landfill. This is a part of her process that she values highly.
Ask For References.
A reputable designer such as Michaela will be happy to provide you with references from past clients that they have completed work for.
Get Personal.
Ask to review their portfolio. Like any service, experience and expertise in their field is key. Spend some time with your designer and get to know them. Remember, you will often be spending a lot of time with them so building a solid relationship from the beginning is important! The Team at Donato Design is personable, professional and knowledgeable and client focused.
Michaela has made it her mission to help her clients to create happier homes that function with their lifestyle, and to boost their positivity. “My goal is to always design with the intention to illustrate how your space can help you live your best daily life. I create happier, prettier and more conscious homes, all while taking the overwhelming parts out of the process” Says Michaela. “I want to help my clients bring their vision to life, no matter what their space or budget may be. There’s an unmistakable difference between owning a house and turning it into your dream home. At Donato Design, we make it our mission to help you to create a place in which you will cherish spending time and sharing it with the ones you love the most.”
Michaela Donato is the owner and founder of Donato Design and Decor. She’s a designer and decorator who is passionate about helping people take the overwhelm and decision-making out of their dream home. Michaela is committed to making your dream space serve your lifestyle and needs so everything in your life becomes easier and more beautiful.
WRITTEN BY: TANYA BOTTOMLEY
