Working With an Interior Designer

Working with an interior designer can be an exciting adventure in personalizing your home and outfitting spaces in ways that make them both beautiful and functional. Interior designers help you make your house a home by reflecting your lifestyle, setting the desired mood, and complementing your home’s architectural features.

If you do decide to hire an interior designer, here are a few simple suggestions to prepare you for working with an interior designer:

Decide on Your Project and Goals 

The clearer you are on your project and desired goals, the easier it will be. Are you just focusing on the kitchen or the entire downstairs? Do you want something quick and simple or do you need an architect and blueprints for a complete remodel? Remember, this is your project and you are in control.

Collect Samples 

Fabric swatches, paint chips, furniture catalogs, Pinterest boards, magazine clippings, you name it! If you like it, collect it to gather a few inspiration visuals. Remember, interior designers are very visual people, so a picture will be worth 1,000 words.

Set Your Boundaries  

Are there certain pieces of furniture that must stay? Are you a green enthusiast? Do you have pets or small children that the design has to take into consideration? What is your budget? A good designer will respect your boundaries, incorporate your values, and stay within your budget.

Keep an Open Mind 

It’s rare for a client to love absolutely 100% of their interior designer’s suggestions right off the bat. But you need to keep an open mind and trust your designer as a professional. If there’s a certain pattern or piece of furniture you’re not crazy about, don’t say “no” right away. Give the idea some time to sink in and consider how the design would look as a whole. If after you’ve given it some serious thought and you’re still not happy with it, then say “no”. This is your project after all, and you’ll be the one living with your surroundings for years.

 

Cesi Pagano

www.cesipagano.com