Figuring out how to choose an interior designer can feel daunting. Allowing someone into your home and trusting them to really see and understand you and then create a space that will bring your vision to life can be a lot! The process is very personal, and it’s important to have someone who ‘gets you’. It’s not enough to simply like your designer’s style – there needs to be chemistry, trust and mutual respect for the relationship to work. To achieve the best possible results here are five tips on how to choose an interior designer who is going to be the best fit for you.
1. Ask around If you’re thinking of hiring an interior designer, word of mouth is the best place to start. Talk to your friends, workmates, hairdresser, anyone you might know in the building industry like painters, builders etc. Chances are someone will have someone they can recommend and can point you in their direction.
2. Do your homework Once you have found a designer, do some research. Check out their website and social media presence. Do you like what you see? How do they show up? Does this seem like someone you could really get along with, who you could work closely with? Look for references or testimonials – what kind of experiences have their past clients had?
3. Have an initial meeting This can be by phone call or Zoom. This will allow you to get a sense of who they are and how they work. Are they a good listener? Do they take the time to chat a little or are you feeling rushed? If it is a scheduled call do they show up on time and in a professional manner?
4. Have an in-home consultation Once you have decided this will probably be a good fit have an in-home consultation. This will give you both an opportunity to ask questions, and get to know each other further. It also gives you the chance to chat about the space and what is required to ensure everyone is on the same page, and to make sure all personalities and priorities align.
5. Trust your gut I am a BIG believer of listening to your inner knowing and trusting yourself! It doesn’t matter how many qualifications someone has or what their references are like, if you are not compatible you will not get the best possible experience. The relationship between client and designer needs to be built on trust, so start with trusting your instinct as to whether this will be a good fit.
The link between designer and client is a two way relationship. In order to establish a good working rapport it is important to be really clear from the start about things like timeframes, budget and how involved you would like to be in the project. It’s also important that you play your part by being prepared, doing any homework that is asked of you and responding promptly to emails. Honest, open and effective communication is the key to any good relationship.
Photo sourced from Pinterest, design by Emily Henderson. See more of her work here.
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