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Hiring an interior designer is like taking out an insurance policy on your home design project.
We all know the feeling of frustration from furniture that doesn’t work, or you don’t like, or is not the quality you expected. Fully anticipating the myriad of ways you need your home to function and fit with your lifestyle involves a plan, cascading micro decisions and solid project management.
The most important part of any project is having a plan
An interior designer listens carefully to your needs, wants and must-haves, as well as your timeframe and budget. She makes sure your project goes according to plan, timeline and financial parameters, so if (or when) a problem arises, she focuses on the details, sweating the big things and the small stuff so you don’t have to.
Here are 5 tips to make the most of the experience:
1. Interview several interior designersYou’ll be spending a fair amount of time together, much of it inside your home. She’ll be privy to the ins and outs of your life, how you live in your home as well as how you and your partner make decisions. She will get to know you, your kids and your spouse pretty well and it’s important for your personalities to gel.
2. Understand the design process so there are no surprises
Knowing what to expect puts everyone at ease. What is her creative process? What is the payment schedule? How does she charge? How does she handle changes and revisions? While some designers charge a flat fee plus a percentage of your purchases, others charge by the hour and many others utilize a blend of these two approaches.
3. Know your budget
I often hear from prospective clients that they don’t know what it costs to renovate a bathroom (or redo a family room or refresh their dining room). While that may be true, what’s also true is that everyone has a number. Don’t be afraid to be honest about what you are comfortable spending. A good designer will not only honor this number but will also work hard to make sure you don’t overspend.
4. Be realistic about the timeframe
Yes, you want your kitchen done yesterday, and yes, you need the guest room finished by the time your sister and her new baby come for a visit, but keep in mind that designers are not magicians. It takes time and thoughtful consideration to put together your design scheme, find the best products at the right prices, and line up any subcontractors that need to be hired.
I often hear from prospective clients that they don’t know what it costs to renovate a bathroom (or redo a family room or refresh their dining room). While that may be true, what’s also true is that everyone has a number. Don’t be afraid to be honest about what you are comfortable spending. A good designer will not only honor this number but will also work hard to make sure you don’t overspend.
4. Be realistic about the timeframe
Yes, you want your kitchen done yesterday, and yes, you need the guest room finished by the time your sister and her new baby come for a visit, but keep in mind that designers are not magicians. It takes time and thoughtful consideration to put together your design scheme, find the best products at the right prices, and line up any subcontractors that need to be hired.
5. Do a little bit of homework
The more information you provide your designer, the easier and smoother your project will go. There are a million and one ways to design a room, and without some information from you, your designer has no point of reference. You may have hired her for her style and point of view but a little information (favorite colors, a few photos of rooms you love and a few examples of rooms you dislike) goes a long way to making sure you are both on the same page and ensures your project starts off on the right foot.
The more information you provide your designer, the easier and smoother your project will go. There are a million and one ways to design a room, and without some information from you, your designer has no point of reference. You may have hired her for her style and point of view but a little information (favorite colors, a few photos of rooms you love and a few examples of rooms you dislike) goes a long way to making sure you are both on the same page and ensures your project starts off on the right foot.
It can be very overwhelming to manage all of this on your own. Consider getting professional guidance
to avoid expensive mistakes and insure your newly designed space exceeds your dreams!
Use the appointment button below for an introductory call to see if we’re a fit!
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All our design services begin with a 2-hour in-home consultation filled with design ideas and recommendations to get your project started. Please use the appointment button below to book a discovery call or consultation at a time that works for your schedule.
Debby Katz
Debby Katz Interiors celebrates the connection between environment and well-being. Debby's design philosophy is simple - honor the identity and uniqueness of each client, focus on function to design spaces that improve the way people live in their homes and infuse each space with beauty, honing in on thoughtful details and carefully curated pieces.
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