Help Me Name My Business

[wingnut4772]

I am going to make up some cards for my little interior design biz and I am trying to come up with some cute, clever and memorable names. I want something that sounds professional and does not leave anyone questioning the type of business it is. You guys are very creative so have at it...:D

[appadv]

How about...

Smart Interior Designs?

or

Interior Design Concepts?

[Face]

Darla's Dazzling Decor.

[disneyjoe7]

Interior Design Concepts?


I couldn't add to this any, but that's got my vote. :)

[AndyGwis]

The Little Interior Design Biz

[bobman1235]

Darla's Dazzling Decor.

Darly Deftly Designs Dazzling Decor, Dammit!

[wingnut4772]

Keep 'em coming. I would like to put my name in it maybe but it's not a must..especially since I have a goofy name.

[appadv]

How about...

Interior Design Concepts by Darla?

[MikeC78]

Nuts about Interiors:)

[wingnut4772]

How about...

Interior Design Concepts by Darla?

Yes. Maybe. A lot of ID businesses already have the Interior Design Concepts name though....

[candyliquor35m]

1. AAA Rehab :cool:
2. Handcuffs & More

[demaples]

Darla's Decadent Designs

Cuff and key interiors

[appadv]

Yes. Maybe. A lot of ID businesses already have the Interior Design Concepts name though....

So would that work?

[wingnut4772]

So would that work?

I don't know.

[skipf]

Darla's MTBY Interiors. (My Taste is Better Than Yours.)

[appadv]

How about Top Interior Design?

or Top Interior Designs by Darla?

[pearsall001]

How's about:

"Designs By Darla"

"Wingy's Interior Design"

[appadv]

Darla Does Design :D

[demaples]

Lavish interior designs

Ultimate interiors

Living space designs

[disneyjoe7]

"Darla's Interior Vision"

[appadv]

Ultimate interiors

I like this one.

[skipf]

"Darla's Interior Vision"


Now that's a good urn.

[shack]

Not to split hairs...but then again maybe I am...

You are an interior decorator...not an interior designer...they are similar...but very different.

[demaples]

Darla's Delightful Designs

[Toxis]

Darla Does Design :D
that was the first thing that popped in my head! haha

What about "You've been Designed!" j/k j/k

Seriously, "Darla's Interiors."

[Jstas]

Well, it'd help if I knew what exactly your business is going to be doing. Is it just interior design or are you doing things like remodeling or personal organization consulting?

'Cause if you are doing the other stuff, call it something like "General Disarray" and have like a little general on your cards then you can put your name and the stuff you do underneath it.

But if it's just interior design, something "Delicious Designs by Darla" or "Intriguing Interiors" or something. I gotta think a bit on the interior idea.

[Jstas]

Not to split hairs...but then again maybe I am...

You are an interior decorator...not an interior designer...they are similar...but very different.

Good point.

[Jstas]

How about :

"Just For Decoration" Interior Decorations by Darla

[mutelight]

Dara-ling Designs

[wingnut4772]

Not to split hairs...but then again maybe I am...

You are an interior decorator...not an interior designer...they are similar...but very different.

That is a good point. You do have to be licensed in Florida to be a 'designer'. Even though I would do almost the same things with the help of my subs I am not sure where that leaves me....

Guess I will have to look into that.

[wingnut4772]

BTW for now anyway this is just for friends an their referrals you know? Start small.

[disneyjoe7]

Polkies within a 200 mile radius?

[shack]

That is a good point. You do have to be licensed in Florida to be a 'designer'. Even though I would do almost the same things with the help of my subs I am not sure where that leaves me....

Guess I will have to look into that.

Unless your subs are architect or interior designers...you probably wouldn't be doing the same things.

Interior Designer or Decorator: What's the Difference?

The terms "interior designer" and "interior decorator" are often used interchangeably, as if they were identical professions. And while both may have the ability and talent to create beautiful rooms -- as well as roles that often overlap -- the two are not synonymous.

Okay, then what's the difference between interior design and decoration? Webster's defines interior design as "the art or practice of planning and supervising the design and execution of architectural interiors and their furnishings." But, under interior decoration it states, "See interior design." No wonder so many people are confused. Let's take a brief look at both and then try to clarify the differences between interior designers and interior decorators.

Interior Designers

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) defines an interior designer as one who "is professionally trained to create a functional and quality interior environment. Qualified through education, experience and examination, a professional designer can identify, research and creatively resolve issues and lead to a healthy, safe and comfortable physical environment." At it's heart, interior design is the art and science of understanding people's behavior in order to create functional spaces within the structures that architects design.

Interior designers are responsible for a wide variety of tasks including: organizing a space to suit its function, making sure that designs match are in compliance with building and safety codes, managing the construction and installation of a design, and even designing for appropriate acoustics and sound transmission. An interior designer is also responsible selecting and specifying fixtures, furnishings, products, materials and colors -- but note that is just one of many responsibilities.

Interior designers are also -- in some, but not all states -- required to have a license (usually acquired by completing the NCIDQ exam). This licensing certifies that the designer is a qualified professional who has the background and schooling required to make complex decisions about interior spaces.

Interior Decorators

Interior decorators, on the other hand, are primarily concerned with surface decoration -- paint, fabric, furnishings, lighting and other materials. Decoration is often characterized as the furnishing or adorning of a space with appropriate (often fashionable or attractive) things.

"But wait," you say. "Don't interior designers do that too?" The answer is often yes, but the biggest difference is that the interior designer typically has a number of other issues on his or her mind. For instance, when it comes to floor coverings, an interior decorator will probably be responsible for choosing the type, color, texture, and pattern. The interior designer, on the other hand, will make the selection based on those criteria, with an additional eye towards the appropriateness of type, usage, sound transference, acoustic properties, flammability, off-gassing properties, static electricity requirements and flammability.

Separating the Two

Decoration, although an undoubtedly key element of an interior, is not solely concerned with human interaction or human behavior. That is primarily the realm of the interior designer. And while both an interior designer and interior decorator provide input on aesthetics, the interior designer typically goes beyond that to provide further input on the functionality, efficiency, and safety of a space.

Interior designers and interior decorators both perform important jobs -- but it's important that we don't continue to confuse the two. To do so is a disservice to both of professions. So next time you see your local interior designer or decorator -- make sure you call them by the right title!

[wingnut4772]

OK Great thanks to Shack I guess I will just not do it at all.




Ok. Sorry frustrated. Guess I better rethink my education.

[shack]

OK Great thanks to Shack I guess I will just not do it at all.

Yeah...blame it on me. ;)

Decorate all you want...design the decorations...just be aware of what an "interior designer" does.

[wingnut4772]

Yeah...blame it on me. ;)

Decorate all you want...design the decorations...just be aware of what an "interior designer" does.

I know. Just frustrated by the truth I guess. Thanks

[shadowofnight]

I am sure you ( Or the forum ) will come up with a great classy but catchy name for your new business. But most of the nicer business cards also have a small picture and a catchy phrase for the middle part of the card...this would work great.....


First a picture of YOUR dogs with the Petey eye circle photoshopped in ( Everybody knows Petey :) from Our Gang/The Little Rascals....well if you are old enough I guess :confused:) Also photoshopping them pretending to be working on remodeling the room with tools :)


http://rentmovie.com/movie-posters/the-little-rascals-petey.jpg


I am sure you could come up with a killer phrase to match that photoshopped pic of your dogs " Working" for your business card :D







As a JOKE only for close friends....have some cards made up with this phrase....you would have to know REO Speedwagons Tough Guys song to get the connection with Petey ....the Little Rascals....and ...well you know :D




Alfalfa, will you swing me before we have lunch?
Sure, Darla.
Say, Romeo. What about your promise to the He-Man-Woman-Haters-Club?
It's Ok Spanky...she plays for the same team as we do .

[disneyjoe7]

Darla,

If you never stepped forward would you ever go forward?

Sometimes the best you can do is move forward and see where it takes you.

Steve

[wingnut4772]

I am sure you ( Or the forum ) will come up with a great classy but catchy name for your new business. But most of the nicer business cards also have a small picture and a catchy phrase for the middle part of the card...this would work great.....


First a picture of YOUR dogs with the Petey eye circle photoshopped in ( Everybody knows Petey :) from Our Gang/The Little Rascals....well if you are old enough I guess :confused:) Also photoshopping them pretending to be working on remodeling the room with tools :)


http://rentmovie.com/movie-posters/the-little-rascals-petey.jpg


I am sure you could come up with a killer phrase to match that photoshopped pic of your dogs " Working" for your business card :D







As a JOKE only for close friends....have some cards made up with this phrase....you would have to know REO Speedwagons Tough Guys song to get the connection with Petey ....the Little Rascals....and ...well you know :D




Alfalfa, will you swing me before we have lunch?
Sure, Darla.
Say, Romeo. What about your promise to the He-Man-Woman-Haters-Club?
It's Ok Spanky...she plays for the same team as we do .

Very cute.

[brettw22]

How about Darla's Design's, or Double D's for short?

[BAD ASP]

DARLA'S INSIDE JOB

interior consulting and installations

[Shizelbs]

Compuglobalhypermeganet?

[McLoki]

Decore by Darla
with the tagline "Where style is a matter of taste, not budget"

[George Grand]

Darla's "Use My Service and FREELY Navigate the Florida Roadways" Design

with the tagline "I'll see you one way or the other!"

[sda2mike]

Interiorcourse Design Consortium

:D

[kingtut]

Best Interior Decorator, BID in big block letters (as in a prescrition, take med with meal, interior decorations that goes with food -- a necessity of life).

[schwarcw]

"Darling Interior Designs and Decorating" by Darla

[shack]

Even though I have dashed your visions of a career...

I think that the "catchy" or "gimicky" name doesn't really help a small business. IMO what you want is a simple card that states something like...

Darla's Interior Decorating or Interior Decorating by Darla with your contact information. It should be phone, fax, email and maybe a website. It should be simple but "classy".

People will not choose you for their job because of your name or card. They will choose you because of referals and reputation. The chances of someone seeing your business in the yellow pages is slight. Word of mouth by satisfied clients and vendors is how you will get business. THEN a business card becomes important so they can contact you.

[obieone]

NOT, repeat, NOT trying to pee in your cornflakes, but let's worry about building a portfolio of work completed, w/ before & after photos. And let's give each job a name/ theme.
I WISH you the best of luck, but let's try to stay grounded.
Sorry if this advice hurt. Was NOT intended to.

[dorokusai]

Soylent Bush.

[SKsolutions]

F.B.I.

For Better Interiors

[amulford]

Ditto what Shack said. Get a few more projects done and gather up some good referrals. You can make your own cards easy enough, you don't have to go hog wild just yet. Catchy phrases don't do it, but glowing praises will...

[janmike]

Darla,

I agree that the name should be simple. Flashy names can sometimes bring more harm than good. Do something like Interior Decorating Ideas or put your name at the front or at the end of a couple of words like other have suggested.
What is far more important is getting your name out through references. Have you done this before? If so, offer references to potential clients. I have worked with people that offer to give you a list of happy clients. "If you would like to see a sample of my word here is my album. Show pictures, dates, before and after shots. ….. Get permission from previous clients to show your work. The word of mouth advertisement is still one of the most cost effective and often the most successful. Good luck.

[George Grand]

Is there a niche market you're shooting for? Might prove helpful to know what it is in order to provide more specialized ideas for you.

[cmy330go]

Sound Designs


Get it?

[exalted512]

Decore by Darla
with the tagline "Where style is a matter of taste, not budget"

I like this the best.
-Cody

[LessisNevermore]

Wind Beneath My Wingnut:p


Darla's Decor

[madmax]

"Inceptions" ??

[Jstas]

Soylent Bush.

DING!

WINNER!

[disneyjoe7]

Interior's by Darla

[mrbigbluelight]

Decore by Darla
with the tagline "Where style is a matter of taste, not budget"


That's it !

Simple, straightforward, conveys a casual, yet professional image.



Keep in the memory files, though, Shadowofnights suggestions. There's something there that can be developed and fleshed out in the future. Straight up.

Word of mouth will definitely be the way to go for now, from ground zero. As mentioned, get permission from your clients to use before/after pictures.

You'll do well.

And if you need suggestions on interior designs in the "Caveman" style or "Early Bohemian Slob" motif, well ..... I'm .... errr ..... we're always available for consultation.

[wingnut4772]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I am trying to get someone who actually knows how to take pictures....:)

[amulford]

You didn't do too bad of a job. Just make sure you can use them before you do. Some folks are funny 'bout that kind of stuff...

[petrym]

Talk to the painter guys that saved the last job and see what kind of availability they have, they're a keeper.
I like the: "Where style is a matter of taste, not budget" I'd drop the "not budget" part though...

come to think of it, I like "Where style matters"

[ESAVINON]

Darla's Beautiful Interiors :D.

[wingnut4772]

I am just wondering here guys (Shack) what more would I have needed to do here to qualify myself as a 'designer'. I understand the licensing part but what would a designer have done here that I did not do? Tear down a wall? I removed cabinetry and designed the lighting layout and function. I also designed the pendant lamps. Those are custom made. Not store bought - made to my specifications. I am struggling a bit with that one.

[honda cber]

nothing really to add except that you should perhaps consider something starting with an "A".

something about being at the top of the list in the yellow pages...

how about "an interior vision by darla" (i take it your name is darla)? you will rank just below AAA interiors........

a

[Face]

nothing really to add except that you should perhaps consider something starting with an "A".
A friend named his business "A Best Way Towing" for that reason.

[shack]

I am just wondering here guys (Shack) what more would I have needed to do here to qualify myself as a 'designer'. I understand the licensing part but what would a designer have done here that I did not do? Tear down a wall? I removed cabinetry and designed the lighting layout and function. I also designed the pendant lamps. Those are custom made. Not store bought - made to my specifications. I am struggling a bit with that one.

Darla, the article I posted was a pretty good read to differentiate between the two. An interior designer is basically an interior architect. They spend 4-5 years studying all phases of interior design. There are detailed studys of spacial relationships, human-environmental issues, codes, lighting, materials, textiles, color theory, understanding constuction and architectural plans, furniture design, physics, etc. This is in addition to spending huge amounts of time actually putting all of this into practice in studio and as interns.

You may have designed the lighting and actually made the fixture, but do you understand the reasons why you would use a particular type of light in a particular place...other that what may look good? An interior designer has knowledge of the various types of lighting, where and why it works, what effect each type of lighting would have on the intended purpose, the amount of lumens necessary, etc, etc. The interior designer deals with how the lighting affects the entire space...not what looks good with the rest of the decorations.

I understand you would like to be an interior designer. If that is the case go back to school and pursue a degree in the field. If you want to continue helping people decorate and arrange their spaces, that is a good and worthwhile profession as well. Even though some might consider it semantics...someone who has spent the time and effort to train in all the aspects of interior design really doesn't like a person without the training to call themselves an "interior designer".

Again, I'm not trying to burst your bubble...do what you would like to do. I'm just pointing out some issues because it just so happens interior design is something that I happen to know a bit about.

[danger boy]

how about some of these name for when you are ready to move forward.

1. Picture This Decorating

2. Beautiful Things Decorating

3. Room to Spare by Darla

4. 4 Walls Decorating

5. Off the Wall Designs by Darla

6. Darla's Feng Shui :p

best of luck in your biz ventures :)

[wingnut4772]

Shack, I do understand that I need the education in this day and age to be called a designer but I did not just design a pretty light. I designed it with consideration of function as well. It is on a 3 way so the owner does not have to worry about getting out of bed to turn it off from the wall. I also put it on a dimmer so she could adjust it according to her needs. The spots are also on a separate 3 way and a dimmer for the same purpose. I gave thought to the function and the beauty. I also installed a new light at her entry that is motion activated so when she comes home at night with her hands full she won't have to fumble in the dark for a switch. I am not arguing with you but I think you underestimate the knowledge someone can have without an education.

HGTV has a show called 'Design Star' and not all of the contestants have a degree in interior design. I wonder how they will work that out?

[George Grand]

Acme Interior Design/Decor gets you right up there with the A's in the Yellow Pages.

Maybe it's me, but I'm going with somebody that knows a good cartoon long before I go with a cheesy attempt like "A Touch Of Class" this or that. Sounds good for an escort service I guess.

[shack]

No Darla...I think you are underestimating what it takes to be an interior designer.

All of the stuff you mentioned is good...common sense stuff. Nothing wrong with it at all. Interior design incorporates more...much more...in a much broader sense.

The stuff on TV is decorating...nothing more.

Oh well. Go do what you want to do, call yourself whatever you want. Good luck in whatever it is.

[wingnut4772]

I am not going to call myself a designer. I want to do things the right way. I would like to use the word design in my name somehow though. And that may be common sense stuff for you but you should know that most average people do not think about that stuff which is why they hire designers in the first place. I have a lot to learn and I plan to but there is such a thing as talent as well as education and I would suggest that I would rather hire a talented ' decorator' rather than an educated designer with no talent any day.

[wingnut4772]

Anyway whatever I do I need to do quickly because this job has already gotten me some referrals!:D

[obieone]

No way! Get outta here! Really?
Pretty soon she'll be mocking us in her interview with Architectural Digest; "There was an online forum that didn't believe in me, but I showed them!"

[Music Joe]

The Design Detective

[obieone]

The Design Detective

That'll be HER new show on HGTV!:D

[demaples]

Oh my! That is GOOD!

[wingnut4772]

I know you guys believe in me and Shack is just looking out. You guys rock!

[janmike]

A Touch of Class

[DarqueKnight]

HGTV has a show called 'Design Star' and not all of the contestants have a degree in interior design. I wonder how they will work that out?

The contestants on HGTV's "Design Star" have scores of experienced professionals behind the scenes to help with any "snags" or legal issues. Do you think the celebrities that the contestants sometimes do projects for would trust their homes and interiors to total strangers if HGTV didn't give some reassurance that they would make right any screw ups? If there are any licensing issues in a particular location, you can be certain that the work done by the contestants will be under the watchful eye of a licensed design professional.

I am not arguing with you but I think you underestimate the knowledge someone can have without an education.

Formal training/education provides a depth of understanding that is impossible to achieve with self study. I could watch all the reality based cop shows, read every text book and training manual published about law enforcement, and I would still be terribly deficient without practical guidance by an experienced law enforcement officer.

Shack brings up a very good point about education and licensing. In some states, you can not use the term "interior designer" unless you have the proper training and have passed the licensing exams. In some states, you could be liable for very stiff fines if you present yourself as an "interior designer" without the proper training and licensure. Licensing requirements vary from state to state and do not aways require a college degree in interior design. Apprenticing with a licensed professional for a number of years and then passing the required exam(s) is all it takes in some locations.

To answer your initial question, I propose "Darla Decor" for your decorating business and "Darla Design" if you decide to go the full fledged interior design route.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck with everything.

[wingnut4772]

Thanks. Trust me, I am paying attention and even though I am being a brat I appreciate it. I do not want to mislead anyone and want to learn whatever it takes to get the design credentials. In the meantime I will go the decor route BUT can my name be Darla Design as a decorator? I like Darla Decor too but I also really like Design Detective. would the name be ok as long as I don't personally represent myself as a designer?

[DarqueKnight]

You need to check with the state board that licenses interior design professionals as to whether the word "design" can be used by non-licensed professionals offering decorating services to the public.

I know that for engineering professionals, the word "engineer" can not be used in any entrepreneurial or private practice capacity by a person wishing to offer engineering services to the public unless they are licensed. When people get caught doing so, they are fined anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars and their name and infraction is published in the state engineering board's monthly journal. They don't play.

[obieone]

I wouldn't get too worked up over license/certification/education requirements just yet.
Go to the local/county/ state offices and find out WHAT the requirements are.
Also, practice playing with your camera. And learn what you can from various trades along the way. Take some electrical/ plumbing code classes
Remember, knowledge is power.

Darque, you beat me!