Hiring it Out: Tips For Working With an Interior Designer
The process of hiring an interior designer or decorator can seem a bit mystifying and out of reach for many (What do they actually do? Don’t I need to be wealthy to hire one? Will they force their style on me?). The reality is that hiring a designer can actually save you money by helping you make smarter design decisions and create a space that is more functional for the people living in it. They can also provide access to trade-only resources that aren’t available to the general public. Designers and decorators have specialized training in space planning and ergonomics, building code and renovations, interior finishes and material selection, and more. Which translates into them being able to make decisions or recommendations on a project that would never occur to you (or you might arrive at after months and months of research on your own).
While full-service renovation and project management by an interior designer is a luxury service, many designers also offer consultation services, eDesign packages, or designer-for-a-day services. These time-limed offerings allow you to get focused advice from a designer without committing to the cost of hiring them for a large, full-scale project. A designer offering designer-for-a-day services, for example, could work with you to plan and order window treatments, create a list of specific furnishings to purchase, or help you with tile and countertop selections for your new kitchen.
Most designers also offer a complementary discovery call or have resources on their website to help you determine what service is right for you and your project. An in-person paid consultation is often the first step in working with a designer, and this consultation can either be a stand-alone meeting that provides lots of information and recommendations about your project, or a getting-to-know-you type session where the designer learns more about your project needs and can then recommend a project plan and create a design proposal.
Whether you’re looking for a someone to help you with a large-scale new build or just a little professional advice, here are a few recommendations for working with an interior designer:
1. Do your research
Most designers will have testimonials, reviews, or portfolios you can easily find online to get a sense of their aesthetic and personality (an important factor since you need to enjoy working with this person!). Social media and blog posts are another great way to learn more about the designer you’re thinking of hiring. Ask friends, family and neighbours if they have worked with a designer they could recommend.
2. Have an honest discussion about your budget early on in the process
Money discussions can be tough, but a skilled designer will always broach this subject with you and provide honest feedback on whether your design dreams fit with the reality of your budget. Designers can also make recommendations on what items to spend on and what you can save on, and have access to suppliers that can work with a range of budgets.
Be sure to also ask about their fee structure: some designers will quote a flat fee for a project, others will charge by the hour and invoice you monthly. This information is usually outlined in a contract or letter of agreement that the designer will review with your before starting any work.
3. Collect images to share that demonstrate your style and vision
Just like showing a photo of the new hair style you’re wanting to your stylist, photos of the space you're envisioning can help make sure you and your designer are on the same page. This can be a Pinterest board or as simple as a physical collection of magazine images. A good designer can work with a range of styles or aesthetics, but if a designer doesn’t feel that your style is a good fit for them, they can refer you to another designer.
4. Be honest but trust the process too
Clear communication is crucial in the design process. If you don’t like a wallpaper your designer has recommended or are unsure about their design direction, tell them! It’s your house and your money. A professional designer will easily be able to take your feedback and find something that’s a better fit. On the other hand, trust is important in the designer-client relationship. Know that it can be difficult to see the complete vision of a project, but your designer has the knowledge and experience to create a beautiful space.
If you’re thinking about a renovation or making some changes to your home, I hope this post has given you some ideas about how a designer can help you through this process. Check out our services to learn more about how we can help you create a space you’re proud to come home to.