Whether your house is looking a little stale or you need help with a full-scale overhaul, hiring the right design professional can make all the difference. But, what do you need to know before hiring an interior decorator?
In the beginning, it’s important to set clear lines of communication between yourself, your contractor or architect, and your decorator. This can avoid confusion and tension down the road.
Know Your Budget
Before hiring a designer, it’s important to understand your budget. This will help the decorator to stay within your limits and not overspend. Your budget is a moving target that needs to be revised regularly.
Interior designers and decorators are both skilled at improving the style and look of a room, but decorators generally focus on surface projects and don’t take into account layout or functionality issues. It’s also a good idea to discuss your vision with the designer so they can determine whether they are a good fit for you.
For example, your designer might suggest knocking down a wall in your kitchen to create an open floor plan, but you might want a furniture refresh instead.
You can find an interior decorator who fits your personality, lifestyle, and tastes by doing your research and asking for referrals from friends. It’s also okay to interview more than one interior decorator, and it’s fine if the first person isn’t a great match for you. Then, you can move on to the next candidate and keep looking until you find someone who makes you feel comfortable.
Know What You Want
Whether you’re planning a full room makeover or just want to get some advice on furniture placement, be sure your expectations are clear before you start working with a decorator. A professional will need to know what your budget is, how much time you’re willing to devote to the project and what kind of style you’re looking for in a space.
If you’re planning on hiring a decorator to complete a room makeover, it’s important to understand that the process will take a significant amount of their time. They’ll have to do a site measure and spend time analyzing the layout, windows and doors in order to create a floor plan that works for your needs.
Interior designers will also spend time on a mood board and putting together a final design that includes the look you’re going for, which could add up to 20 or so hours. They’ll also need to do some shopping and ordering of trade only items. This can be trimmed down by doing some of the purchasing yourself and having them send you a list to buy the remaining pieces.
Know What You Can Afford
If you’re planning a major renovation, it’s best to hire an interior designer. They have experience with rooms of all sizes and will often come up with superior suggestions to the ones you’re thinking about. However, their expertise comes at a price, and they may be able to charge hourly rates as high as $200 or more.
It’s important to know what you can afford to spend on a project before hiring a decorator or interior designer. You don’t want to start the process and get in over your head, which can lead to costly mistakes down the line.
It’s also a good idea to ask a potential interior decorator their hourly rate and how they bill for projects. Some designers will bill on a fee-based basis, while others will charge for furniture and materials. If you’re in a budget-conscious situation, consider finding a designer who offers online design services to keep costs down. In addition, many designers will have a list of contractors they frequently work with and can offer discounts to their clients.
Know Your Style
Overhauling your home can be a fun and exciting process, but it also requires a lot of time and money. Hiring a design professional is one way to help alleviate the strain on both, but it is important to do your homework first to ensure you hire the right person for the job.
The first step is to determine your personal style. This can be done by creating a vision board, which can include magazine tear outs, photographs, fabric samples, paint colors and so on. Using this collection of ideas to define your style will help your decorator get an idea of what your style is and how to best incorporate it into your project.
It is also a good idea to look at the designer’s portfolio and read through their client reviews. If possible, speak with former clients if that is an option. This will give you an idea of what working with the designer is like and whether it is a good fit for you.
Know Your Comfort Level
Comfort level refers to a person’s emotional and psychological tolerance for challenges. It’s an important factor to consider when choosing a decorator, as they may become privy to very personal elements of your home and lifestyle. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them, so it’s vital that you find someone you can work comfortably with.
Staying in one’s comfort zone promotes confidence and limits anxiety. It allows a person to achieve goals and accomplish tasks without feeling the need to push themselves beyond their limits.
Leaving one’s comfort zone, on the other hand, allows a person to learn new skills and develop their potential. It also exposes them to new experiences and allows them to explore a wide range of possibilities.
If you’re ready to leave your comfort zone, we can help! We encourage you to contact us today for more information about our services. We look forward to working with you!
