What Can an Interior Designer Do for You and When to Hire One
Many of my clients come to me because they just purchased a new home or they’ve been in their home a while and want to completely update the look of their home. They usually have some ideas for what they envision their home to be, but they end up seeking the help of a professional because of one or more of the following reasons:
They have ideas and styles they like, but don’t know where to start or how to achieve the complete look.
They want a polished and cohesive looking home, but don’t have the time or resources to look for, research, manage all the details, and pull the whole look together.
They upsized their home, are needing a lot of new furniture, and don’t want to make costly mistakes.
They feel their spaces are not functional for their needs or do not have the best flow.
They need help prioritizing projects, making finish or furniture decisions, or want advice on where to invest and where to save.
They tried decorating on their own and have not been able to get the results they desire or have made some purchases that didn’t end up working out.
Design: Memmo Interiors / Photography: Laura Flippen
If you relate to any of these then read on. In this post my hope is to help you decide if hiring an interior designer is for you or not. I cover what an interior designer does and what value they provide, who should hire an interior designer, and when is the best time to hire a designer. I speak from the perspective of a residential interior designer for single family homes, townhomes and the like. These are also my opinions and perspectives based on my experience. Naturally, every designer is different, and it’s important for you to understand the approach of each you are considering.
If you already know you want to work with a designer and are wondering what the design process is like read this post. Or schedule a discovery call here.
Design: One Kings Lane
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
The dictionary definition of interior design is:
“The art or practice of planning and supervising the design and execution of architectural interiors and their furnishings.”
Seems simple and straightforward, no?
Generally speaking, an interior designer is involved in the design of all things on the inside of a home and the planning required to actually make it happen. This may include, but is not limited to, the overall layout of rooms and furniture in relation to each other, designing kitchens and bathrooms, selecting materials, finishes, and fixtures such as cabinets, paint colors, hardware, plumbing and lighting fixtures, flooring and wall treatments. It also includes the design and selection of the soft furnishings such as furniture, rugs, window treatments, and decor such as art, pillows, decorative objects. The list can be quite extensive. Read this post for a behind the scenes look at how we create a design concept.
Ultimately, as an interior designer, my primary goal is always to improve and enhance the space for the person(s) living there in both function and aesthetic. I believe a well-designed home must have both of these elements so that you can truly live in your home with ease and joy.
Design: Memmo Interiors / Photography: Laura Flippen
What Can an Interior Designer Do for You?
In more specific terms, an interior designer can:
Curate and narrow down the myriad of options for you based on your functional needs, aesthetic, timelines, and investment.
Be a resource for you in the areas of trade professionals and furniture and decor makers and brands that are high quality, exceptionally designed, and not widely available to everyone.
Customize pretty much anything from upholstery to cabinetry. It can all be unique to you and your home.
Achieve the most out of your investment, because they have a good understanding of associated costs and can advise you on where you should invest for the greatest impact.
Find solutions that you may not have thought of or know where and how to get to a solution.
Be your go-to person to bounce your ideas off of, ask your burning home design questions, and talk all things home design, because they love interiors and have a passion for what they do!
Save your time, money, and energy while giving you professional, statement making, magazine worthy results.
Design: Studio McGee
What Value Does an Interior Designer Provide?
Value, to me, is the cross-section of price, quality, and design. Referring back to the dictionary definition: interior design is “the art...”. In many ways that is what I think of interior design; It is an art. It is not just a task list or a shopping service. It requires the combination of education, experience, and an eye for the aesthetic. And this is why interior design is not an inexpensive service.
There are many intangible qualities interior designers harness that are not easily quantified.
Designers have visions, and more importantly, they can translate and make visions happen. They can visualize what a finished space will look like and help you see it. They put things together in their heads and then communicate it to the relevant trades people or vendors to make it happen. They may not always have the solution or the perfect piece of furniture immediately on hand, but when they come across it they just know when it is perfect for the space. They turn ideas into reality by knowing how to bring all the elements together to achieve amazing results. Like an artist who is putting together colors with a paint brush the designer’s medium is furniture, fabrics, color, fixtures and finishes.
Designers are experts in space planning, proportion, scale, and how items relate to each other both from training and experience. They know all the design “rules”, and then they know how and when to stretch or break the rules.
Designers are a wealth of information. They are a resource — like a curated design center personalized to you. They are continuously staying abreast of the latest in furniture and decor trends and products. They attend conferences, trade shows, and continuous education seminars and classes. Designers leverage other designers and trades people for more knowledge. They have experience working in many different types of homes, with different types of clients, and in different circumstances.
Design: EM Design
Who Should Hire an Interior Designer?
One of the most important elements to a successful project and a mutually beneficial client / designer relationship is fit. You may want to consider hiring a designer if you are a person who:
Values an expert, their opinion and experience and is not a do-it-yourselfer.
Has a full schedule or busy career and wants your life to remain as uninterrupted as possible.
Wants to spend your free time doing the things you love instead of shopping for furniture or managing details.
Wants to invest in and improve the function and feeling of your home.
Is willing to get personal and trust the person you are working with.
Appreciates great design.
Design: Jean Stoffer Design
When is a Good Time to Hire an Interior Designer?
It is never too early to bring an interior designer into a project. As with most projects of any kind results are often best when the design is considered from the start and proper planning is done. Interior design requires vision and planning that considers the execution. Understanding the design process will give you an idea of how long the process takes. Some examples of bringing in a designer early are:
If you are considering the purchase of a new home or just moved into a new home, you can bring an interior designer in to provide perspective on its renovation or decorating potential.
If you are renovating, details like types of light fixtures, locations of outlets, or layouts of tile are best planned for in advance of construction.
If you are decorating or redecorating, results are best when the designer can design a space with consideration of all of its elements rather than working with piecemeal items that may have been purchased one-off.
If you are building a new home, an interior designer is as essential as the architect or general contractor. The job of the interior designer is to consider and plan for all of the interior details and furnishings, which an architect or contractor may or, more likely, may not consider. After all, you live on the inside of your home.
I realize, in many cases, the interior designer is not always the first person you think of calling. But if you are reading this and considering your options you are already on the right track!
Design: Rebel House Design
I hope this post gave you insight into the value of an interior designer and what one can do for you. I hope it helps you determine if working with an interior designer is the right decision for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about my services or want to chat about a project visit this page.
Happy Designing!
Rosanna
