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An interior designer is someone who can look at your home and decide how it could look its best. They are creatives that specialize in not what your home is but what it could possibly be. Whether it’s the whole home or just certain rooms you wish to have some third-party input with, hiring an interior designer can completely change the game as far as renovation is concerned. However, you should consider a few things before starting your search for the perfect interior designer.
Consider the cost of it all
An interior designer isn’t a cheap option to go by and therefore you should decide if you have a decent enough budget to go ahead if you wish to hire one. You could either use savings you already have in reserve or look to set up a savings account and put money aside in an ISA to support the cost. Alternative, you could sell some of your older, unwanted furnishings you hope to get rid of as part of your renovation to help fund their fee.
Do your research
The very best interior designers will have spent years or even decades honing their craft and practicing their art. They might have been trained professionally in any number of fields including architecture, art and design. If you are certain you want an interior designer and have the means to do so, make sure you put lots of time and effort into researching reliable ones in your area. Check reviews, their websites and social media to see genuine feedback and check out their portfolio of work. And don’t be afraid to ask for references and get multiple quotes.
Decide on your focus for the project
Before getting someone on board, understand your wants and needs. Determine if you’re looking into an entire home makeover that the interior designer would take full control of, or if you’re looking for something on a smaller scale, such as advice on the appearance of one or two rooms. This is, after all, your home that you’re going to have to live with.
Have regular meetings
You might feel confident enough with your choice that you just give them a budget and a general idea about what you want and let them at it. But, more likely, you’ll want at least a little input in the process. Interior designers are not mind readers so if you don’t like a direction they’re going in or want to be able to understand their process, ask the questions and let them know where you’re at.
Tell them when you’re unhappy
Do be afraid about treading on their toes and upsetting them – they are being employed by you after all. If you are unhappy with something, then let them know. They might have misinterpreted your ideas and shouldn’t charge extra for fixing the mistake. At least if they are an interior designer worthy of the title.