WHY CHOOSE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

If the idea of creating a new look for your home seems a bit daunting, consider calling on the skills of a professional interior designer who can help in every phase of your project–from forming initial goals and helping to select furnishings and accessories, to overseeing and troubleshooting the work of contractors and craftspeople. An interior designer will offer you creative solutions for your specific design needs while guiding you through the countless choices of furniture, fabrics, accessories, kitchens, baths, lighting, flooring, and more. A design project can involve a considerable investment of your time and money; you want to get it right from the start. Working with a professional interior designer is one of the best investments you can make, saving you valuable time and avoiding costly mistakes.

BENEFIT FROM A DESIGNER'S EXPERIENCE

An interior designer will clarify your design or renovation plans and give you an overview of the best ways to achieve your vision. They provide expertise in space planning, furniture selection, and experienced usage of color, texture, and pattern. Quality, hand-picked design is more than a question of style–it offers solutions to make your home or office both functional and efficient.

AVOID COSTLY MISTAKES

An interior designer can help you establish your design goals, formulate your budget, and create the basic structure from which your design will be realized. Whether you want a project completed immediately, or are looking for a plan to be executed gradually over time, a designer is happy to work with you on an approach that accommodates your priorities and budgetary needs. Acting as a budget manager, the designer will help you optimize your design funds, whether it's integrating your existing furniture into a new design scheme or offering several design alternatives for a particular interior.

EVALUATE YOUR NEEDS AND ORGANIZE YOUR IDEAS

Before you meet with a designer, have a clear understanding of what your design objectives are. Create a visual “style file" with clippings from your favorite design magazines, fabric swatches, color and texture choices and inspirations from your imagination. Organizing your preferences will help you introduce yourself and your style aesthetic to a designer. Explain the style you want, the palettes you like, and the activities that will take place in the room.

INTERVIEW THE DESIGNER

An interview is your opportunity to present your project, listen to the designer's observations and insights, and examine the designer's work. Be sure to discuss your needs, present your ideas and review their portfolio. Be frank and honest with any designer you may interview. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the designer's education and previous experience. You can also consider requesting names of former clients that you can contact for references. An interview is also the appropriate time to ask the designer how they will be compensated. As with any business transaction, it is critical that all your agreements are documented. Expect and request a contract from your chosen designer in the introductory stages of the design process.