5 Steps for Hiring an Interior Designer
Maybe you have been thinking about bringing in professional interior design help for a while, or perhaps a new project has you feeling overwhelmed. Either way, you know you need an expert. Now what? Here are some tips for starting the process of finding and hiring an interior designer to ensure you achieve your goals.
How to Hire an Interior Designer
1. write out your goals
Spend some time writing out why you want help and your goals. Writing your goals down will help you ask questions when you start interviewing potential interior designers. Here are some common goals I hear from my clients:
You want a well-balanced home
You want to change the look of your home
You are ready to grow up and mature your personal interior style
You want an Instagrammable house
Tell me your dreams and wishes. It may seem impossible to you, but I have worked miracles!
Our client dreamed of having an accessory cabinet like this, but could not see how one would ever work. I did!
2. Decide what you want to change
Remodeling and new builds can be daunting. There are so many choices and decisions. These questions below might help you decide what type of help you need and what questions to ask.
Are you hoping to keep some of your furniture alongside new investments and wondering if it will work?
Are you looking for a special feature that may require unique design services and craftspeople?
Are you looking for someone to manage the process so you can live your life?
Do you need guidance to find materials that will match your style and stand the test of time?
I need to know the pain points in your home. Make a list of what does not work and what frustrates you.
Before
This fireplace needed an uplift, and my client wanted more light and a more modern, sophisticated vibe. I reimagined the space by adding more impressive windows and covering the brick with aged copper tile.
After
3. Have a budget in mind
Having a budget in mind will help your designer set realistic expectations with you from the beginning in determining the scope of what they will design. It will also let them know which resources to shop in appointing your rooms.
Letting in more light and adding a plant ledge by the sink brought tremendous value to this project.
4. Do your research
Do a basic Google search for interior designers. When you find one you are interested in, take a moment to ask yourself these questions:
Is their website professional?
Are the photos professional?
What are their reviews, and what does their social media following look like?
You can also discover designers on social media. Social media platforms are another way to learn what type of person they are and what they will be like to work with.
Don’t hesitate to ask your friends for their honest reviews, and be sure to check their references. If the designers you contact do not have any references, run!
You can always contact me with questions or ideas!
5. After narrowing the choices, dig deeper to find out the designer’s individual process
Here are some important questions to ask:
How are your designs presented?
What if I don’t like what you designed?
Will I see realistic renderings? I have a hard time visualizing.
How are quotes presented throughout the process?
How does your accounting system work?
How is delivery handled?
How are installations managed?
How are contractors directed?
Who will I work with at Kathy Corbet Interiors? Will I be working with you or an associate?
What is the timeline for selecting materials, reviewing layouts, ordering, and manufacturing time?
My clients receive a preview of what their designs will look like through digital renderings. Realistic renderings are critical in showing what a room can look like. They are also essential in communicating with contractors and craftspeople who will help bring it to life.
If you or someone you know require professional design help, contact Kathy Corbet Interiors to achieve a home you LOVE and experience a concierge approach that is effortless and beautiful.