Interior Design

Simply put, an interior designer is a professional that has training and or a degree in Interior Design.  An interior designer, designs to make efficient use of the space provided.  Decorators, on the other hand, just decorate.  They add artwork, furniture and accents to make your home “you” but aren’t concerned with the use or functional of the client’s space.  A designer will design and decorate, but a decorator never designs.  An interior designer will conduct one or more of the following:

• Meet with the client to discuss personal style, likes, and dislikes, budget and time constraints.

• A designer will ask how the space is utilized and create a floor plan that is efficient based on the needs of the client.

Draw plans and do renderings; make selections for all elements of the space including; finishes, fixtures, paints, window treatments, furniture and accents.  Yes, attention to every detail is key!  What all this means is that once you approve of the drawings you will see exactly what you are getting, no unpleasant surprises.

Hiring an interior designer is an investment in saving you time and acquiring the peace of mind that your job is being executed professionally, in a cost-effective manner to your liking.  Interior designers also utilize trade pricing and can pass the savings on to you, the client.

There are three common formats for interior design fees: hourly, flat fee and cost plus.

• Hourly rates can range from $100 to $500
• Flat fee arrangement means you are billed one flat fee for the design, execution and completion of your job
• Cost Plus means a flat fee based on the cost of your job and materials and products purchased, plus a percentage of the total.

You should discuss your budget up front with the interior designer and know what the fees are before you hire your interior designer.

Most people have a very hard time deciding what direction they want to go in with a project, style wise and unless you live alone you will have different ideas from others you share your space with.

If living in a well-designed, home with efficient use of space and well-appointed rooms that flow well together then you should hire a professional.

Hiring a professional will:

• Save you hours of time trying to create a space
• Help you avoid costly mistakes that will cause many frustrations
• Increase efficiencies, and a style that is uniquely yours
• Afford you options you may not have thought about
• Give you a well-planned and realistic timeline
• Keep you on budget
• Give you the best possible outcome

You have probably heard at least one of these sayings:  “You get what you pay for” and “Nothing is free” and as you know they both can be very true!  When it comes to furniture store sales people, they can be very professional and friendly; however, they will be required to sell you only the options the store carries.   They will not take you across town to shop at the competition even if the competition has what you really need and want.

People who sell paint will also have limitations on what they can offer you in design.  They will know about paint; however, that is only one part of a design and doesn’t guarantee they will be able to assist you with all of the other finishes or design aspects you will need assistance with.

Hire a professional interior designer and you will get what you need, the look you want and so much more.

Without a professional you will spend an enormous amount of time going from store to store, listening to each sales person’s ideas which is very overwhelming.