Whether you are building a new home, or working on a renovation project, choosing an interior designer can be an essential keystone to the job. Choosing the right interior designer can be overwhelming, but it will set the stage for your project and make a world of difference in the end.
Here are some insider tips to help you make the right decision:
TIP 1: Determine what type of Interior Design you need and hire accordingly, as there are many different types of designers and decorators depending on your needs.
An Interior Decorator focuses primarily on the lighter aesthetics of spaces (i.e., color schemes, fabrics, lighting fixtures, etc.), while an Interior Designer works on larger, more complex projects (i.e., commercial spaces, whole-home renovations, etc.) to create designs that not only look beautiful but also function well for the people who will use the space. An Interior Designer has more experience, a broader breadth of work and education, and will create custom designs. Basically, there’s more “heavy lifting” with an Interior Designer as most projects involve a contractor and engineer at some point.
While an Interior Decorator can certainly provide valuable expertise in creating a cohesive look and feel throughout a home, an educated and certified Interior Designer typically has a broader range of skills and knowledge in areas such as space planning, building codes, and accessibility requirements.
TIP 2: Do your homework—review portfolios and reviews and get references.
We all know the best way to find people is word of mouth, but if you don’t have that option you can read reviews, browse portfolios, and request references to find your best match. Reviewing a designer’s work is one of the easiest ways to see if their style aligns with your vision. Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media platforms are great tools on which to review designer portfolios to get a good idea of their style. Once you choose a potential designer, you can ask to see a broader portfolio of their work.
People love to show off their homes when they are happy with a designer’s work, and—make no mistake about it—they also love to tell you what they didn’t like. Be sure to search for reviews to see comments from previous clients. Start with the designer’s website, but don’t stop there. Use Google, Houzz, and Yelp to get the full picture. Once you have a few options lined up, you can request references from them on your initial outreach to them.
TIP 3: Meet with (or interview) several designers before making a decision. Communication is everything. The key to getting the best work out of any designer is establishing a clear communication channel. A good designer will have a clear, established process that they follow to achieve the best results.
Building a home can be a long process, so you want to make sure that you understand how a designer operates and have a good rapport with them—after all, you’ll be working with them for a long time, and you want to make sure they have the same vision as you. Schedule consultations to meet with multiple designers, discuss your project vision, and ask questions about each designer’s process.
TIP 4: Don’t be afraid of the “B” word
There’s no way around it, you have to have the budget discussion. How else are you going to ensure that the designer you choose can create your vision within your budget?
Discussing your budget with potential Interior Designers—before you choose one—is an absolute must. Of course, you will also want to discuss each designer’s contract terms and fees to make sure they fit into your budget.
You have a choice in who you choose to design your home or business. We hope these tips will help you choose the right Interior Designer or Decorator.
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