Many people believe that an interior designer is going to cost them a lot of money, or that using such a service is for the ‘upper echelons’ only, an extravagant luxury. They may be unsure about how an interior designer will work and what they will charge. They might think they would be seen as a failure, if they couldn’t decorate or style their own house themselves. Then there’s always the possibility they may think an interior designer will impose their own taste on their property and they won’t like the result.
The good news is that interior design services can help anybody, no matter how tight their budget. An interior designer can save you money by avoiding expensive mistakes. They are there to guide and assist you and help you make the right choices. They can also save you time. If you work, or if you are hesitating about a colour scheme, or what style of furniture to put into a room, an interior designer’s knowledge and experience can prove invaluable.
A designer can be employed in different ways, from supply or consultation only, through to project management of a whole scheme........
Good communication and respect between client and interior designer is key to a successful relationship. The designer should discuss with the client at the beginning of the project, exactly what style the client wants to achieve and what their needs are. The scheme needs to work on a practical level, as well as look good. The client may have their own ideas, but don’t know how or where to source products. It is the interior designer’s job to know who supplies what and where to source good quality at the best possible price.
Designers work in different ways, from an hourly rate to a flat fee for the job. Some charge an initial consultation fee, others don’t. If it is a large project, then often a percentage of the total cost is charged. The size of the project is also taken into consideration, as the fee becomes less, the bigger the job. Working this way, most designers will pass on discounts to the clients and if they are buying a lot of items, such as flooring, furniture, sanitary ware, lighting, wallpaper, fabrics, etc., this can save the client a lot of money.
If you’re not sure how a fabric or wallpaper will look in your room, an interior designer will bring samples to you, so that you can see the effect in situ and it is always a good idea to have large, returnable samples to look at, to get a better idea.
Beware of using ‘in-house’ interior design services, which some high street shops offer, as these services will steer you into using their own products only and you will not get a truly bespoke look.
Above all, the experience of working with an interior designer should be an enjoyable one for both parties, with the client getting what they want at the end of the day and the interior designer having the satisfaction of seeing a happy customer!
Article by Denise Hepburn Interior Design interior design denise hepburn