Top Five Things To Look For When Hiring An Interior Designer
We would all love our homes to be visually pleasing and reflect our very best selves at all times. Interior design is the art and science of designing, rendering, and creating an interior space that is functional, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing to behold. An interior designer is a qualified professional who plans, researches, coordinates, and manages interior space enhancement projects.
While we all pride ourselves on having good taste in the clothes we wear and the food we eat, interior design can be slightly more complex and require creativity and knowledge along with a load of foresight. Employing a professional interior designer’s services will unleash your creativity, transforming your space into a work of art while adding tremendous value to the project.
If you’re looking for interior design solutions or an interior designer to make your space a better place, here’s a list of the top five things to look for when hiring an interior designer.
1. Efficient communication
Communication is the apparent key to most successful partnerships. It is similarly an essential attribute of a successful, competent interior designer. An interior design professional that maintains a clear channel of communication with their client at all times will take the weight off their shoulders, knowing their project or space is going to look exactly like they imagined at the agreed-upon price on the promised date.
2. Portfolio of work and client reviews
We sometimes avoid requesting to see a portfolio of the designer we have in mind, not wanting to seem rude or disbelieving. We see this mistake often and advise clients to ask questions that need clarification and check the reviews of the designer you have in mind. Additionally, requesting to see a portfolio or previous body of work is wise as it is a good indicator of the level of experience the designer brings to the table.
3. Allocation of appropriate time for the project
Time allocation for any project is imperative. While this is a given in most construction projects and remodeling endeavors, thanks to popular television programs like fixer-uppers on the HGTV channel, the misconception that beautiful homes and creative interior design happen in just an hour like magic are sadly relatively widespread. Allotting appropriate time, taking into consideration back-orders that could throw off your schedule, as well as accounting for unavoidable Covid-19 related delays, will ensure your space visually exceeds your expectations, comes in under budget, and plans are met.
4. Ask questions every step of the way
In our world of political correctness and social graces, we generally don’t like asking too many questions. We sometimes skirt around important questions like price and particulars, not wanting to offend the designer or seem unknowledgeable. Asking the right questions and speaking frankly to your interior designer, if possible in person, will in most cases negate misunderstandings and have the added benefit of not breaking your bank with unwanted furniture or design surprises.
5. Don’t hire an interior decorator to do interior design work, and vice versa
Interior design is the art and science of understanding people’s behavior to create functional spaces within a building. In contrast, interior decorating is the furnishing or adorning of living space with decorative elements to achieve a certain aesthetic. While both trades are equally important, it is essential to decide which one you need and can afford. It is important to remember that an interior designer is a qualified professional with formal credentials who don’t just decorate your home but also render and g completely design the space.
If you’re looking for an interior designer or interior design solutions on the east coast or anywhere in the United States, reach out to PFNY Designs. We work with our clients to realize their lifestyle goals by creating beautiful, livable spaces that also answer functional and financial considerations. From commencement to completion, we offer our clients a comprehensive interior design experience.
We offer full-service interior design, bathroom design, kitchen design, home interior design, cabinet design, as well as custom woodwork with our partnership with Harrison Custom Woodworking. We serve clients across North Providence, Newport, Narragansett, Wakefield, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Warwick, Westerly, Jamestown, Middletown, Rhode Island, Westport, Boston, Marion, Milton, West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and the surrounding areas.
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