Good interior design is essential for any home. Not only does it make a room look more beautiful, but it also makes walking and staying inside it more comfortable. In addition, if you live in a smaller space, good interior design can add more functionality, such as lofts or sliding walls.
As a young homeowner, interior design is a challenge you may face when moving into a new house. You want the house to feel more like a home, and what better way to achieve this than by hiring an interior decorator? A designer can bring their creativity to decorating your home’s interior and transform it into a relaxing haven.
7 Things to Consider When Hiring an Interior Decorator for Your Home
Before choosing your interior designer, there are some factors to consider. While they are experts in their craft, each brings something different. Here are seven things to consider when hiring an interior designer for your home.
1. Your preferred style
Everyone has their favorite aesthetics that please them. Some styles include modern, cottagecore, minimalist, and industrial. Chances are, if you have a certain aesthetic, an interior designer can deliver. When choosing an interior designer, review their portfolios to see if their style aligns with yours.
Having an interior designer who knows your aesthetics is vital because you’ll live in the spaces they designed.
If you don’t have a specific style, provide your designer with pegs or images you’ve compiled on a mood board. You can also go with a theme and brainstorm what each room may look like to bring it all together. Remember that the project is a collaborative effort, and let the interior designer use their creativity to deliver the vision of your ideal home.
2. Your budget
Several different designers are available depending on the size of your home and the range of the work needed. However, you’ll need to consider your budget carefully, regardless. Decorating can be expensive, but a good designer will be able to work within your allocated funds. Many may not have set prices for their services, so prepare a budget you’re comfortable with.
Once you speak to your shortlisted candidates, break down your budget and how much you’re prepared to spend for each room. Also, ask how their payment scheme works and any fees you may need to pay. If your interior designer insists on a larger budget, don’t hesitate to look for another.
3. Your non-negotiables
When decorating a home, you need to identify any negotiables and non-negotiables. You may want many travel souvenirs on display in a particular area or dedicate a room specifically for hanging out and watching movies. You could also request multi-function or transforming furniture for smaller living spaces to give you more floor space and storage. Some of your specifications may need custom-built furniture, so decide if you can accommodate that into your budget.
Speak with your designer about any essentials you need in your home and things you would like to have but are not required.
4. Their industry and location knowledge
Your interior designer needs to be an expert in their industry. Knowledge about different interior design hacks, materials, and new technology contributes to creating the best spaces to suit your needs.
It’s also crucial that your designer considers your home’s location and how it may affect your living spaces. For instance, steel furniture may become scalding in the summer and freezing in the winter, making them unsuitable for use. There may also be certain fabrics that easily discolor when exposed to sunlight, which is not ideal if your house a many windows.
Depending on where you live, a good designer can provide recommendations to maximize comfort and functionality.
5. Your expected timeline
Designing and decorating take time, but you should know when you want the work finished. Speak with your designer regarding the timeline and see if they can meet it. Also, consider how involved you want to be in overseeing the process. The more active you are, the longer it may take because the designer must consult with you more often.
You may also need more flexibility in your timeline to give room for unforeseen circumstances. Being more flexible is very important if you live in areas with extreme weather, which can result in supply shortages or delayed deliveries.
6. Their connections to contractors
One of the ways to save money and ensure a smoother project timeline is if your designer already has relationships with local contractors.
Having these relationships means that the designer may get a reasonable price for their services and manage them more effectively since they have worked with them before. Even if they cannot secure a discount, having the relationship means they’re vouching for the work that the contractors can do.
An interior designer with no relationships with contractors may show inexperience or lack of networking, so consider this when considering your options. In addition, there may be more legwork required in vetting contractors, which may take up more of your budget or extend the project’s timeline.
7. Their credentials and reviews
When choosing your interior designer, one of the essential factors is looking into credentials and customer feedback.
Having positive feedback gives a sense of trust that the designer can work with you since their previous clients recommend them. Another good sign is if they have a history within the industry, such as licenses from organizations or have worked with notable institutions.
An Industry of Trust
Building trust is integral to hiring an interior designer because you let them into your home
Once you start interviewing candidates to tackle decorating and shopping, they must have experience, a portfolio that matches your preferred style, and good customer feedback. You’ll also see if your personalities match – collaboration is easier if you and your interior designer are on the same page.
Finally, remember to set realistic expectations regarding budget and timeline and to be flexible in case anything unforeseen happens. Consider each factor carefully, and you’ll soon have an attractive, comfortable home you can be proud of and will give you a sense of safety and ease.
