When you’re looking at a remodeling project, you might ask yourself, “Should I work with an interior designer?” It’s a great question to ask and one we’re happy to answer. To answer it, we’ll talk about what a designer does and also clear up some common misconceptions.
What does an interior designer do?
When it comes down to it, an interior designer not only becomes the curator of your project but also the tour guide and project manager. An experienced designer should visit you in your home and get a feel for who you are and your overall aesthetic. Then, based on your budget and the overall scope of the project, the designer will begin curating a variety of options for everything from finishes, to cabinets, to window treatments and lighting fixtures, and more.
An experienced designer knows that all clients want options. Any designer should bring you options and then, based on your response, tweak them as necessary. Maybe you like the subway tile for your backsplash but you aren’t crazy about the countertop options. The designer would then work to find something more to your liking.
A designer should also help keep you from being overwhelmed by the options. It’s their job to understand you and work to help you narrow your choices. Afterall, there are a million light fixtures, cabinet pulls, wall colors and coverings, floor choices, and more.
The designer as “tour guide”
An experienced interior designer also acts as a “tour guide” so to speak. Any remodeling project has many moving parts as well as timelines to be followed. A designer knows what decisions need to be made and when they need to be made. They make sure things are efficient. Remember, most homeowners might do a handful of remodels. Interior designers plan remodels all day, every day. They don’t forget that you need cabinet hardware or certain light bulbs for certain fixtures that can’t be found at a big box store.
A professional designer saves you time. They contain a wealth of knowledge from years of experience. They know how to head problems off before they become problems. They know how to schedule out contractors and how to work with them. They often have “go-to” contractors who they’ve worked with many times and trust their work.
They also save you money and help steer you away from decisions you might regret. For instance, if you have kids and/or pets, a designer may recommend you stay away from certain color schemes or flooring options or fabric options that will show wear and tear easily.
Misconceptions about hiring an interior designer
Many people, who ask the question, “Should I hire a designer?”, assume that a designer makes all the decisions for the project. Any professional, experienced designer takes their clients personal tastes and wishes and uses them as primary guidance. The designer works as a trusted advisor more than anything.
Others often think, “Yes, but if I hire a designer, they’ll pick everything they like and it will all be out of my price range.” An experienced designer always takes your budget into consideration and works to stay within it. And a designer should get to know you well enough to curate everything to your taste.
If you have a project on the horizon and are asking yourself, “Should I hire an interior designer?” give us a call. We love the fun and challenges of a new project. And we’re sure we can save you a lot of headaches and time.
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