5 ways you will benefit from hiring an interior designer
Are you about to embark on a renovation project and are unsure if hiring a designer is for you? I know I’ve had numerous conversation with clients in explaining my services and they are genuinely surprised by what an interior designer is able to offer them. Many people think that an interior decorator is the same profession as an interior designer. Whilst, a designer can indeed decorate, a decorator is not a designer. Generally speaking, interior decorators are tasked with adorning a space – they are aesthetic specialists and understand colour, materiality, visual importance and work to improve the current built environment. An interior designer differs from a decorator in that they have a specialised skillset in terms of spatial planning, design documentation, lighting design, materiality, colour and finishes, knowledge of design theory and building systems, design for accessibility and utility and knowledge of relevant building codes and Australian Standards.
So how can working with a designer benefit you?
1. Working with a designer can save you precious time.
There’s no denying that embarking on a renovation project is not just a big financial investment, but it’s often ill considered how much time a renovation takes up. It’s a huge impact on your life and this is one of the ways you can benefit by hiring a designer. An interior designer does the leg work for you. They’re able to either meet you at showrooms or, if required, bring samples to you so you can avoid those showroom visits altogether, see actual products in the space you’re working on and make decisions from your own home. Most interior designers will offer a ‘design management’ service and work alongside a builder to ensure your project is completed as per design documentation and on time. Designers also order materials and furniture on your behalf, taking into consideration lead-times and follow up any issues for you. This ensure you’re not waiting around for product longer than is necessary.
2. A designer can offer you the support you didn’t realise you needed.
How fortunate we are to live in a world where choice is abundant and ever present. However, too much choice can actually lead to overwhelm and unnecessary stress. When we’re involved in large financial investments, such as home renovations, it’s really important we get things right to save both time and money. A designer will offer you support during what can be a stressful time, provide clarity and provide you with the correct information to make informed decisions. This is why it is really important to meet with a designer for an initial consultation before engaging their services. This allows you to establish open lines of communication and ensure you’re working with someone you feel good about and feel able to discuss your concerns with.
3. A designer may offer you trade access to exclusive suppliers.
Many designers have trade accounts set up with preferred suppliers. This may give them access to exclusive trade only product that is not available to the general public unless purchased via an account holder. Designer’s also receive exclusive trade discounts and it is up to the designer to decide whether they pass on their discount or share with their client. It is important to note it is the designer’s prerogative if they choose to keep that discount for themselves as commission.
4. A designer can help you stay on budget.
When you make the decision to bring a designer onboard your project, you will early in the planning stages, sit down and have a detailed discussion about your budget. It’s not uncommon for clients to not be aware of what things cost in the building and renovation industry, so your designer will help set you up with reasonable expectations regarding costs. The designer will work closely with the builder and/or required trades and ensure everything is on budget and allow you to make informed decisions if complications or changes to the budget arise.
5. A designer is able to provide a professional opinion.
As we’ve already established, interior designers have a specialised skillset. They are trained to consider variations in spatial planning and consider the aspect of the built environment, that is how the space is affected by location and access to natural light. Working with a designer, you will sit down together at the beginning stages and establish a brief. Your designer will ensure you stick to that brief and arrive at a cohesive look at the completion of the project.
Your home is arguably your biggest investment ever. Bringing a designer on board will benefit you in numerous ways.
If you’d like to know how I can benefit you on your renovation project, feel free to book in a 15minute phone conversation and answer any questions here.
Lauren x
