Thinking of employing an Interior Designer? read this first........

Interior Designers – What do you do? How do I choose one? How much do you charge? Are you worth the money? Are Interior Designers only for the wealthy?

So many questions…….

There are many Interior Designers out there doing their thing. They will have varying levels of qualifications from an online course such as KLC to other diplomas such as spacial design or Interior design degrees and of course there are some people who have none - That does not mean they are not great at their job, like with a lot of things, working in the industry from bottom level up can be one of the best learning paths around.

There really is an Interior Designer to suit everyone - Some that are classic in their style some that are completely out there and some that are middle of the road. Some that specialise in more of the architectural side of design and some that are more of the decorating and furnishing side. Some that will only work on certain types or size of project, some that will do anything and everything. There really is someone for everyone so do your home work and find the perfect person for you and your project.

It seems daunting but the great thing is that there is so much choice that you will always be able to find someone that will fit your budget and most importantly your style.

The price you pay in fees or rates really should reflect the Designers qualification and experience…….

Don’t dismiss a new designer that’s just starting out as being a no go area….If you like their style and you get on well then take that leap of faith. You’re more often than not get a great deal and new fresh ideas.

What do Interior Designers do?

Well lots of things – speaking personally as I don’t want to speak for others. I offer lots of different packages. The main Interior Design package is for me to help design a room/home and provide room layouts/flooring /lighting/lighting plans/soft furnishings and furniture. This can be done as a whole package where you employ me to design and specify everything and run the whole job through to final install or I can be employed to design only and provide details of everything for you to purchase and install yourself.

I also have ‘room refresh’ packages like this where you can get me to design and refresh your room from start to finish or just design only and give all the details to you to complete the project yourself.

I also charge hourly rates to source furniture etc, for a client

Another part of my job is styling or staging either for interior company’s or for people wanting to sell their home

I’m also a soft furnishing specialist so will help and advice on the best curtain/window treatments for your home. With over 20 years experience in this area I can really help achieve the best for your home.

How do you pick an Interior Designer?

You need to look at what you want to achieve.

Are you doing an extension?

Are you completely renovating your home?

Are you refreshing a room?

What is your budget?

What is your design style?

Answering these questions will narrow down your search and get you more focused. Select a few designers/companies and go through their portfolio and social media accounts – all this info' available to us now is so valuable and time saving. Simply by ‘stalking the social media’ you can find out so much about the style and the brand and also the people behind the brand. All this before you even set up a meeting!

Once narrowed down contact a few and set up meetings to go through your project – A key factor to consider is do you get on? and do they understand your style? It’s a really personal thing so you need to be able to feel confident that that person will give you what you are looking for and make the process a fun one. Its pointless employing a great Interior company that’s round the corner who specialise in minimalist interiors when you are all about the Boho look! And equally the Interior designer that your friend recommends but then meeting them drives you mad –

they are not for you……