The Role of Interior Designers and Why You Should Hire One
Whether you’re looking to redesign the whole of your home or just renovate a room or two, hiring an interior designer can be daunting. However, it’s definitely something you should think about if you haven’t already done so.
Interior Designers aren’t just for the rich and famous and they can actually save you money. Yes, you read that correctly! Hiring the right interior designer can save you money. They will also save time as well as take away the stress of the whole process.
You’ve invested lots of money into your home and want it to be the best that it can. So that’s why hiring an interior designer could be the most sensible decision you can make.
So How Can An Interior Designer Save Me Money?
You may think this is not possible considering hiring someone will obviously provide you with added costs. But these costs can be repaid many times over with the savings your designer can make.
An experienced designer will compile a ‘Schedule of Works’ at the beginning of any project. This will contain a detailed breakdown of pricing for each element involved, even the small details. A designer will know exactly what to include before your final budget is agreed.
Of course, having a contingency in place for unexpected costs is essential. Especially if demolition is required during any renovations.
Interior designers know where to shop! This will save you time and energy researching different products and pricing. They have the best resources at their fingertips and are usually given great trade discounts – which can be passed onto clients.
Hiring a professional will ensure mistakes aren’t made when making selections. A designer can very quickly steer you towards the right colours, materials, fixtures and fittings. Thus avoiding costly mistakes and having to return or exchange items.
Taking Out The Stress Of The Project!
A good interior designer will handle your project from start to finish. This means project managing contractors and ensuring orders arrive on time. They also organise and install furniture and accessory items until the project is complete.
Most designers will have their own preferred and approved contractors and suppliers. Usually these are people or businesses that they’ve worked with before and are confident that their work will have a high standard and finish.
Important items that you want done correctly the first time, such as electrical and lighting plans, will be thought about when considering furniture placement and room designs. Addressing these things before construction begins will eliminate any issues. For example, you don’t want to have your seating area floating beautifully in the middle of your living room only to discover that there are no floor electrical sockets where you need them. It’s too late at the end of a project. So, a designer will work backwards from the finished look to ensure everything is wired up correctly.
Bringing All Of Your Dream Ideas Together Is A Lot Harder Than It Looks.
Lots of people have an interest in interiors, but the best designers think outside the box. They’ve been through years of training and researching and can automatically tell you if there is something right or wrong with a space.
Interior designers are professionals with a trained eye. They have creativity, imagination and will be able to combine ideas in a cohesive way that will look polished and pulled together. Having an eye for detail, listening skills and great problem solving are also important traits for a great interior designer.
They’re trained to think differently, spatially and to see an overall picture that clients often cannot. This will ensure your project doesn’t take twice as long as it should and won’t cost twice as much.
Interior designers stay up-to-date with the latest trends, materials and design techniques. And their expertise allows them to tackle complex design challenges and turn them into opportunities for innovation.
How And Who To Choose?
Before reaching out to a designer, define your goals and budget for the project. What are your priorities? What style are you aiming for? How much are you willing to invest in the project? Having a clear understanding of your requirements will help you communicate effectively with potential designers.
With so many options in the Interior Design field dying for your business, how do you choose the designer who is right for you?
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Research:
Take some time to research interior designers that are available. Using one from the local area is advantageous as they can drop into site with minimum notice. Ask friends or colleagues. Look at portfolios and read client reviews to get a sense of their style and the quality of their work.
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Check their credentials:
Do they have formal qualifications? (not a 10 week wonder course)
Do they belong to the Design Institute of Australia – they have very strict criteria to be eligible
Ask for testimonials, not just written, but people you can call
Look at their website, Facebook page and LinkedIn page
Remember the interior design industry is unregulated and anyone can call themselves an interior designer… So do your due diligence. -
Organise an initial meeting:
There usually is an initial fee for roughly a 1.5 – 2 hours consultation. But with this you will receive a lot of ideas and information on what can be achieved. Most interior designers will redeem this cost if you go ahead with their services. It’s essential to establish a good rapport with your designer, as you’ll be working closely together throughout the project
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Decide on your budget:
Be realistic and up front, don’t tell them half way through the project that you have another $5000 for example. This will only compromise the overall design. A contingency fee should always be part of the total budget.
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Review Contracts & Fees
Once you’ve selected a designer, review the contract carefully. It should outline the scope of work, project timeline, payment structure and any other relevant details. Be sure to discuss fees and expenses upfront to avoid any surprises later in the project.
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Communicate with the designer throughout the project:
Be honest, it’s not nasty if you don’t like something. Give feedback but also realise design is always evolving and items seen in isolation may look incorrect. Trust is important. Be open to the designers’ suggestions and be patient, as great design often takes time. Remember that the designer is there to bring your vision to life, so your input is valuable.
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Reap the rewards of using an interior designer
Interior designers are more than just decorators; they are skilled professionals who can transform your living space into a functional, aesthetically pleasing haven that suits your lifestyle and personality. While hiring an interior designer may require an investment, the benefits in terms of expertise, time savings, and stress reduction far outweigh the costs.
So, if you’re considering a home renovation or simply want to refresh your space, don’t hesitate to explore the world of interior design and consider enlisting the help of a professional. With their guidance, you can elevate your space to new heights and create a home that truly reflects your unique style and needs.
To find out about what interior design mistakes are commonly made by homeowners click here.
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