If you’ve
ever pondered the possibility of redecorating your home, you know the enormity
of the process can seem a bit overwhelming. An interior designer may be just
the answer. Consider it a gift to yourself—your own personal tour guide, if you
will; someone who can save you countless headaches as you tackle that looming
makeover project.
Communication Counts
Inviting
someone into your home can be rather personal. To make sure the process of working
with an interior design professional is a pleasant one, take the time to do a
little homework beforehand.
Among the
most important considerations is communication. Ideally, you will choose
someone with whom you are comfortable; someone who feels like a friend. If you
find you’re not on the “same page” when you first meet a prospective designer,
it is unlikely things will change down the road.
To avoid
communication snafus, make sure you partner with someone who understands your
specific wishes and can use his or her knowledge and experience to create a
space that is reflective of your interests and lifestyle.
Ask to See Samples
Before
choosing an interior design professional, ask about his or her credentials and
request samples of previous work. A portfolio with photos of other projects can
shed plenty of light on a designer’s particular style. In some cases, you may
even be able to see a firsthand example of the designer’s work in a studio or
some other public location.
It’s also a
good idea to ask prospective designers to describe their strengths and
weaknesses, as well as any design areas in which they feel they excel. These
things often help illustrate the kinds of things a particular designer can
bring to the table.
Another way
to learn more about an interior design professional is to ask for the names of
some existing clients. Contact a few and see what they have to say about the
process. Having the opportunity to ask questions of someone who has been down
the same road with that designer can prove invaluable.
Focus on Long-Term
Savings
A lot of
people are hesitant to enlist the aid of an interior design professional
because they are afraid it will cost too much. In many cases, however, that is
a misconception. Many designers offer reasonable rates, and when you consider
the knowledge and expertise they’re able to provide, they may even save you
money in the long run.
Industry
professionals are well versed in what works and what doesn’t, and they can
suggest plenty of ways to be efficient and economical throughout the design
process. Do-it-yourselfers, on the other hand, may choose products that are
less reputable than those with a proven track record, wasting unnecessary time
and money.
Think Big
An interior
design professional has the ability to visualize a room in its finished state
more easily than an amateur decorator can. Because of this, he or she likely
will have a pretty good idea of how everything will fit together before it is
finished. The designer will know how big the furniture needs to be, and he or
she likely will have a pretty good idea of where various pieces of furniture
will be placed. A homeowner working independently of a designer, however, could
easily find himself in a pinch (literally!) when he purchases furniture that is
far too big for the room in which it will be placed.
Simple Steps for
Selecting an Interior Design Professional
- Be
sure to look for someone who is easy to talk to. Regardless of the
magnitude of your project, you’ll want to know that your designer is approachable.
- Ask
prospective designers to show you samples of their work. A portfolio, a
Web site, a studio and client referrals often work in concert to
illustrate a designer’s personal style.
- Don’t
automatically assume an interior designer is out of your price range. Many
industry professionals offer reasonably priced services, and their
experience and knowledge can often save you big bucks in the end.
- Trust
your designer to guide you through the design process. With numerous
projects under his or her belt, it’s often in your best interest to rely
on your interior designer’s firsthand experience and knowledge.
