Why Work with a Designer?
Picture what you're good at, whether it's a job or hobby — something that you’re not only naturally inclined towards, but have also worked hard to perfect. Now, imagine yourself before you spent years failing, learning, course-correcting, and perfecting a skill you had a natural proclivity towards. This is what it's like to have great taste and not be an experienced designer.
During my years as an interior designer, I became accustomed to consumers assuming my skill set was based solely on good taste. Well, they were partly right — I did seem to have a style that my clients enjoyed. However, it took years to learn the industry, construction methods, partner with reliable contractors and vendors, source the best products, and understand which materials would endure over time. It’s what you don’t know that can cost the most.
Changing out a light fixture? How big is the base and will the new fixture cover the old one, so you don’t need to repaint the ceiling? Does that chic new range hood you bought need makeup air? You found a great deal on tile, but because it’s a handmade zellige, it costs four times as much to install. In my early years, I had many ‘facepalm’ moments, like these, and some were more expensive than others. When I walk into a space now, I use those mistakes as a roadmap to inform each project.
If you don’t want to make expensive mistakes, consider the help of a seasoned pro.
That Sounds Expensive…
Many designers are open to hourly work. If you have a limited budget, a little advice can go a long way, whether it's guidance on paint colors or surface choices. You might be surprised at how much money you can save by learning from a pro's experiences and failures. Any professional will be willing to discuss their fee and happy to tell you if they can meet your budget.
Choosing the Right Designer
Real estate brokers are usually a great source of referrals and, if they’ve helped you find your home, they might understand your aesthetic. If you don’t feel like your real estate broker would be a good referral source, reach out to your most stylish friend.
Whether you’re picking a designer to consult hourly or someone to help you conceive of an entire project, the most important part of picking a designer is finding a great personality fit. Ensuring you can be yourself, that you’re comfortable being open and honest, and that you don’t feel bulldozed is essential. The end result should be a reflection of the best version of your taste, defined through a professional lens.
It’s important to ask the designer you're interviewing if they like your goal aesthetic, or if they feel there would be a better fit elsewhere. Most professionals want to be set up for success, so if they don’t understand your aesthetic, they will likely have a referral for someone who might be a better fit.
Don’t be afraid to discuss your budget. If a designer can’t accommodate your budget, they may be able to refer you to someone who can, or maybe your budget is out of line with the market. If your budget is out of line with the market, it might be time for some fresh paint and reasonably priced light fixtures versus a full remodel.
If a designer is willing to consult hourly and you want a refresh on a dime, ask them for some advice on impactful changes that would be helpful in your home and how many hours they think it would take for them to help you with that “refresh.”
Either way, interior design help doesn’t need to be a luxury service. For examples of ways I’ve refreshed spaces on a dime, see our Before and After page. Great design is so impactful, and it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
Questions to Ask Designers
How do you determine which projects are a good fit for you?
Are you open to client collaboration, or do you prefer clients to take a more “backseat” role?
How would you define your style?
Could you describe your approach to project management?
When creating a budget, which factors do you prioritize?
If you need recommendations for designers who work on larger projects or offer hourly consulting, please feel free to reach out!
And, if you live in Colorado and your home needs a refresh for the market, give us a call; we can help. To learn why you’ll get more if you’re home is designed to sell, click here!
