Why Hire An Interior Designer?
Copyright Melissa Galt 2002-2006
Many times hiring outside expertise to assist you with your interior decorating needs can be a real plus, and more cost effective than you may have realized. Designers and decorators come in all styles, levels of service, and a variation of fees. Here I will suggest some of the best reasons to consider hiring a professional and describe what to look for in hiring a designer. I will continue by detailing some of the more popular types of services and the fees associated, and how to be a good client, getting the most from your designer.
Decorator vs. Designer: What is the difference?
First it is important to understand the difference between a decorator and a designer. A designer, typically, has a degree in design backed by years of education and experience in the field. A designer is likely to be more familiar with the technical aspects of design, in addition to excellence in the decorative aspects. They are skilled in spaceplanning, can tackle remodeling and new construction projects with ease, while still providing furnishings, rugs, artwork and accessories. Designers handle all phases of an interior project.
A decorator, on the other hand, does not share formal education in design, and while they may have experience, tend to be more familiar with the decorative parts of the job, fabrics, finishes and such. Often they have worked into the field from enjoying it as a hobby. Fees for each are different, decorators ranging from $35-$50 per hour, while designers often charge $75-$150 per hour; and you are hiring a different set of skills and talents.
Saving Time
A designer can save you valuable time, by knowing the best places to shop and knowing exactly what to look for. Sometimes you may find you will go to the same place but overlook just the right accent or accessory. What may take a homeowner several hours or weekends, can take a skilled professional just a couple of hours to locate. These professionals are also more likely to have access to unique and distinctive elements to custom fit their clients needs.
Saving Money
A designer can save you money, their knowledge, expertise, and guidance can help prevent costly mistakes. They can provide more timeless and appropriate solutions to dilemmas, than the stop gap you may be tempted to buy, only finding you have to replace it later. In some cases, discounts are received and the designer will share these or split these with their client.
Simplify Your Life
A designer can simplify your life, by making the most of what you already have. They preserve cherished treasures and family heirlooms, and research those hard-to-find pieces to fill in the gaps. They assist you in making informed selections from a vast number of product resources.
Define and Enhance Your Style
A designer can help you define and enhance your own style. They work with you to create a home that reflects your personal taste and meets your changing needs. The best designs showcase the homeowner and the lifestyle they have, it tells something about the people living there. Your home is your external heart, and opening the door is like opening a book of your life.
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Finding the Right Designer for You
Finding the Right Designer/Decorator for You
Finding the right designer or decorator can be challenging. Not everyone fits every client. It is important to find a professional that you are comfortable with, that listens to your needs, preferences, and style, and can deliver as promised.
Where to Look
When looking for a design professional, check with your friends, check with a favorite local gallery or furniture showroom, consider a design instructor featured at a local University or College, check local publications, and, of course, check the web. Design resources are largely global now, and many designers work at a distance with ease, it is more important to find a designer that fits you, then where they may be located. (Recent example, I have worked several projects out of state, with only 2-3 visits necessary, the rest of the contact is by email, fax, and Fedex.) Many designers will provide a minimum initial consultation for a fee, one to two hours of their advice, suggestions, and ideas which can be invaluable in deciding if they are right for you and your family
Review Their Portfolio
You will want to check out their work by portfolio or on-line if they have a website. Often it is important that they indicate an ability to handle a wide range of styles rather than have a signature. This shows a flexibility and willingness to provide you with a custom look, unique to you, rather than a look that speaks of their own style.
Check References and Letter of Agreement
In addition, either check some references, or look to see if they publish comments from clients. Providing you with a clear, concise letter of agreement after a paid consultation, outlining all aspects the project discussed can confirm and clarify expectations for all concerned.
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Being a Great Client: Successful Interior Design Relationships
Spending Plan aka Budget
I know, no one likes to think in terms of money or limitations which is how budgets are perceived, but if you aren’t really ready to get down to brass tacks and talk with your design professional about what you are comfortable spending, there is no point in going further. This needs to be a realistic picture of what your project will require and what you can get for dollars invested. This is an investment in your comfort and lifestyle and should be considered such, rather than merely an expense. If done right this is also “moveable money” and “flexible dollars” because the pieces purchased can be rearranged at another time and will move with you to your next home if so desired.
There is a great example of this with clients whose home I completed in Marietta, GA just as he was transferred to Dallas. They flew me to Dallas for just two days to rework all of the pieces we had put together including hanging artwork and displaying collectibles. A year later, he was transferred again to the West Coast and we repeated the exercise, this time going out shopping for a couple of fill in pieces also. The beauty of this was that the design created worked for my clients regardless of the the location and the shape of the home. It was truly timeless and flexible.
Commit to the Plan
Once you have made a decision with your design professional on furnishings, fabric, draperies, paint colors etc., avoid checking with others for their opinions and waffling on the commitment made. Commit to the plan. Clients who cannot commit, waste a tremendous amount of time, design fees, and rarely get what they want, but instead a mishmash of their friends and loved ones opinions. Your interior is your own, not your neighbor’s, best friend’s, or mother-in-law’s, make it yours!
Spaceplanning
For any project there is an ideal order of events, and whether it is one room or an entire home, it is always best to start with spaceplanning. Allow your professional the time to put together floor plan options for your review. These create the road map to your design plan. Without these you will run the risk of random purchases that may or may not actually fit the space and the scheme.
Color Scheme and Style: Do Your Homework
It is often easiest if you take the time to peruse current design and decorating publications. Keep a folder or notebook of favorite rooms, looks, pieces of furniture, and colors. This is a great jumping off point for your design professional. While you may feel scattered and even slightly schizophrenic in the process, your designer can pull these disparate elements together to create a cohesive plan with continuity and welcome.
From the Ground Up or Top Down
Most design professionals will start a project either at the floor level with rugs, or at the top with artwork. Either of these are great launch pads for a design scheme, allowing selection of colors and patterns to coordinate. This is not an oreo cookie, you don’t start in the middle! Permit your design professional to select a palette of rugs or a combination of artwork if you are working on more than one room. This will provide the continuity and cohesiveness essential for every project.
The only homes that don’t share a common thread are Designer Showhomes with a different talent responsible for each space. These are wonderful sources for ideas, but not for flow.
Resourcing aka Shopping
A true design pro can find extraordinary elements in ordinary places. I often have clients comment that they went to the same place but never saw what I did! This is knowledge and experience. Allow your pro to use their resources, rather than telling them where to shop. If you plan to shop yourself, tell them upfront, and what you are looking for, don’t duplicate efforts. Also, if you are direct about what you plan to spend, you can avoid a pro bringing you items that aren’t a good fit with your budget (if they continue to do this, let them go!)
Trust is Essential
Don’t shop your professional. Shopping your pro is an indication that you don’t trust their judgment and are not using their skills to advantage. If you are uncomfortable and they cannot provide reasonable justification by quality, name brand, or style for the price of a particular piece, perhaps this isn’t the best fit. Don’t be intimidated, be direct and ask questions.
Work Hours
Work with them as you would any other professional, with regular hours. Expecting a designer to work nights and weekends because it is convenient for you, indicates that you do not take the design process seriously and are not a committed client. Be reasonable in your expectations, time beyond the regular framework can be charged at a higher rate.
Education is Part of the Process
Expect to be educated by your design professional in the best selections to make, most appropriate pieces to purchase, and how it will all come together. Make lists of your questions and ask when you meet,rather calling daily and late night with questions that can wait. (It is rare to have a design emergency!) If you are more comfortable, keep a list of these questions and the answers received to refer to them, so you can avoid asking the same thing repeatedly.
Success
With the guidelines here for hiring a design professional, and tips for being a great client, you have the best opportunity for a successful long term relationship with an interior designer/decorator and an inviting, comfortable home, or productive office environment.
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