Most people are hesitant to call or hire an Interior Designer. They don’t understand how a designer works, what we do, what we charge or exactly how we can help in decorating their home. So I thought I would share some basic information, answer some questions and help you feel more comfortable in hiring someone to help you with any of your interior design needs.
WHO ARE INTERIOR DESIGNER’S?
An Interior Designer is a trained Professional who can provide a service or product for anything in the interior of a building or home. An Interior Designer should save you time, money and costly mistakes in decorating your home. It is my practice to never charge a client retail and always give more than expected. We are problem solver’s and helpers in completing the decorating of your home.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER DOES?
Some areas a designer can help with are:
* Color Coordination
* Fabric Selection
* Theme, Mood & Style Creation and Coordination
* Furniture Layout
* Window & Wall Treatments
* Bedding & Accessories
* New Home Selections – Flooring, Counters, Cabinets
* Review Blueprints to make sure they will meet your furniture and living needs.
A designer also has all of the resources to select, purchase and install any product or service that you may need. Such as; finding a wallpaper, purchasing it for you and having it installed by a qualified installer. A designer is your personal Project Manager for whatever you hire them for.
WHEN SHOULD I HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
An Interior Designer can be hired at any point in your decorating plan, beginning, middle or end. But involving a designer earlier in the stages of your design project will make things easier for you. You hire a designer when you feel you need the help, don’t have the time, or don’t want to do it yourself. I find most people know what they like and have a personal sense of decorating. But sometimes want a little guidance in things as; color coordination, pulling together a theme, mood and style, finding the right furniture, artwork and accessories or just making their home complete. Or maybe you need someone to complete a project you can’t. Like make and install custom window treatments, install new flooring, build custom furniture or finding the right installer for the job.
HOW MUCH DO INTERIOR DESIGNER’S CHARGE?
This is one of the most hesitant question people ask. Designer’s are no different than any other professional and we all charge different rates depending upon the services we are hired to do. But most designer’s will discuss their fees over the phone, so don’t be afraid to call and ask. They will though need to ask you some questions in order to give you a reasonable answer. Such as; What are you looking to have done? Do you have a timeframe you are working in? Are you going to do the work yourself by shopping in local stores, or do you need help in competing your design? Are you working within any budget constraints? Also, just as you pay for an initial consult with a doctor or attorney, most designers charge for an initial consultation. Ask what they charge and what you will receive in return.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO HIRE A DESIGNER?
Every designer works different. Many only have a minimum of one or two hours of their time. Some designers do specialize and may have a minimum fee, but ask before setting the appointment. I believe Interior Designers are available and affordable to all.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I HIRE A DESIGNER?
Expect to be working with a professional. Depending upon the services you hire the designer for, normally your first appointment is a fact finding mission. They need to gather as much information from you to insure that you are both working towards the same goal. The second appointment you are normally presented with samples and pictures to review, sort out and approve. By the third appointment you should start making decisions on the items to be completed and the fourth appointment ordering should begin. Then depending upon what is being completed additional appointments may be necessary for finalization. Your designer will then place your orders, follow-up, project manage, schedule installations and follow-up on completion. Also, make sure you hire someone you like, because as you can see, you will develop a close relationship with this person. Interior design is truly a personal service and you both must enjoy the experience.
WHAT IS A DESIGN CONSULTATION?
A Design Consultation is when you hire a designer on an hourly basis for decorating ideas and guidance. You can then complete them yourself or hire the designer to complete them for you. I find more of my client’s are trying things themselves to save money, but are just looking for a little help along the way. A Design Consultation is a great way to save yourself time, money and those costly mistakes by getting some advice from an expert before you start.
WHAT EXACTING CAN A DESIGNER DO DURING A DESIGN CONSULTATION?
Well a lot can be done in a design consultation and it can be as short as one hour. I can accomplish a lot in one hour and find three hours is about the maximum for both myself and my client. During a consultation, you are sharing many design ideas, solving problems and providing guidance. Some things which can be done in a consultation are:
* General Furniture Layout & Space Planning
* Color Coordination of any Fabrics, Flooring, Paint, or Finishes which you may have
* Window Treatment & Wall Covering Suggestions
* Review of Artwork and Accessory Placement
* Continuity of your Theme, Mood & Style
WHAT IS INTERIOR Re-Design?
This is a wonderful practice of design where we take just what you have in your home and re-arrange it to meet your new or changing needs. This is great for when you have moved into a new home and want to re-use what you have or if you have been in your home and want a new look. Everything moveable is re-arranged to give you a new and fresh look. You would be charged by either the room or by the hour, but expect to be given an exact amount before the re-arrangement would take place. Depending upon the size of the project, it should be completed in one day.
Don’t be afraid to call and talk to an Interior Designer. As you can see they can help in many areas of your home decorating plan and will save you time, money and those costly mistakes.