If you've decided you want to re-design your home or office and would like to enlist the help of a professional interior designer to do it but you don't know where to start or even where to look then these guidelines will help. It may be that you are quite happy to let a particular designer have carte blanche to design and create something special for you or perhaps you have very definite ideas about what you want and need an empathetic designer that will involve you in the whole process. Regardless of what your particular requirements are, it helps to be informed about what you can expect from a designer, what you have to consider when choosing one and finally, what is expected from you. What can you expect from a designer? Interior designers are trained professionals who will be able to plan and supervise the development of your interior design project from its initial conception right through to its final glory, regardless of whether you want to redesign your entire home or would just like to revamp your bathroom.
Good interior designers will have spent a great deal of time studying and cultivating their particular art so not only will you get the benefit of their expertise, they are also likely to be well aware of the common pitfalls and mistakes made by those less experienced so in the long run they may actually save you money. They will assess the size and purpose of the space that is going to be designed and will need to know who is likely to be using it, they will take account of safety and practical aspects of any existing features or alterations that may be required, they will consider the light, colour, fabrics and materials, fixtures and fittings, furniture, wall, floor and ceiling coverings, the desired mood and ambience of the room and will even take care of the finishing touches. Sounds like a costly operation doesn't it? Hiring a designer can be expensive, particularly if you want one that is renowned for their particular style or brand, as this sort of professionalism comes at a price. However, getting results needn't be as costly as you might think because a good designer can make a significant difference to a space even on a very limited budget.
What you have to consider when choosing a designer The first step of course is to have an idea of what it is you want to achieve and how much you're prepared to spend to get it. If you have your heart set on a specific look then this could influence your choice of designer as some designers specialise in various styles and techniques. If you have already seen a particular room or style that you like, perhaps in a magazine, on the internet or at an exhibition, then it is relatively easy to find out who designed it and you can approach them for an initial consultation. Every designer is different and each will work in their own particular way, of course their fees will vary considerably too so it's worth checking out several before making a final decision and it's important to be absolutely clear about what you are getting for your money.
Some questions you need to be asking before making a decision to hire any particular designer include: * What sort of training, qualifications or experience do they have? * How are the fees charged? Do they charge by the hour or by the project? * What do their fees include? For example are there expenses on top such as telephone calls etc.? * What sort of insurance or indemnity is offered if something goes wrong? * Is the designer just going to design the project or will they implement it too? * If the designer is going to implement the project, will they be responsible for enlisting the services of any contractors that might be required? What is expected from you? Even the most talented and efficient of designers will be unable to deliver exactly what you want if you don't tell them what that is. The more information you can give to a prospective designer, the easier it will be for both of you. For example, if you absolutely detest a particular colour or must have that leather sofa then your designer should know about it. No matter how insignificant a detail it may seem, it is vital that you make your designer aware of your likes and dislikes.
If both you and the designer are crystal clear about the way forward and what it entails, the whole operation is likely to proceed with the minimum of fuss and inconvenience so be open and communicative with your designer. They need to know what makes you tick. Finally, you have to set your budget.
Many people have unrealistic expectations of the cost involved in achieving their desired look, so defining your budget and how much you're prepared to spend on each area will save a lot of stress and misunderstandings later.
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