|
| Making sure to select the right designer...
Honey... We need to redecorate. Let's have the designer do something modern, with all steel furniture.
|
Whether you are looking for a classic or contemporary look, the key to getting the best possible design is to hire the right designer. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when hiring a designer:
-
Always have a good phone conversation before hiring the designer or scheduling a consultation. You want to get an idea of what the designer is like, and if you can work with them. You also need to find out how they charge (which can be an hourly rate, a flat fee based on the size of the project, etc), and exactly what services they provide.
- Try to be as clear as possible with what you want. If you head into a consultation or a phone call with no idea of what you want, it makes the designer's job much more difficult. If you can present a rough idea of the style (and possibly the color scheme) you are thinking about, the designer can work far more quickly to create your spectacular space.
- The designer should have a solid professional portfolio. A good portfolio of photographs will speak volumes. You want to see their work, and get to know the style of the designer. If you like the photos you see, you'll probably like the design they do with you. Likewise, a good professional designer will show you their professional portfolio (with images taken by a professional photographer) as well as a some snapshots of more recent projects.
- Be sure to get references, and check them. You wouldn't hire a general contractor without checking refereces, and the same goes for an interior designer. A good designer will be able to provide you with solid references you can speak to.
- It can be much cheaper to hire an interior designer than do all the work yourself. Many designers have extensive contacts within the decorating industry, and they can often purchase furniture, decorative objects, or required materials (such as tile) at a significant discount. They can pass these savings on to you, and as a result you can often get far more for your budget even after all design fees are factored in!
- A good designer will charge a fee for initial consultations at your home. When a designer meets with you, they will give you ideas on how to improve your space during the consultation, and as such it stands to reason that they should be compensated for their time and creative talent.
This consultation is a great way to get some ideas, and be sure the designer will be able to put something together that you will enjoy. Keep in mind that this consultation fee will be extremely small compared to the budget of the project; paying for a consultation is peanuts compared with making sure you've hired the right designer on a redecorating project!
Follow these tips, and hiring the right designer will be much easier! |
