Selecting a Good I nterior Design Consultant

 

Remodeling Projects Often Benefit from an Interior Designer

A competent interior designer is as important to a home remodeling project as a builder is to a new home construction. A good interior designer will bring a wealth of experience and product knowledge to the table to help you with your home remodeling project.

Hiring a good designer - good interior designers are like good therapists. They don't tell you what to do, rather they guide you through a process of helping you determine your options and helping you select those options that best suite your style. So should you pay for a designer when remodeling your home? You should strongly consider the merits for major renovation projects. Also, if you need some creative assistance, a good designer will help make your remodeling efforts a success. How do you find a good interior design consultant? The best way is through word of mouth. Talk to your family, friends and co-workers to see if any of them have used an interior design specialist recently. Interior designer web sites can be helpful, but also visit local builders and model homes to obtain referrals. Another great source for referrals may be your local furniture store. Many furniture store retailers can provide interior design referrals or have local designers that moonlight in the evening. Also consider talking with representatives at your local parade of homes or builder show rooms.

First Impressions - You should interview several interior designers before making your final selection. Be sure to review pictures of their recent work for similar home improvement projects. A good designer will have a portfolio of pictures from several of their recent remodeling projects for you to review. Pay particular attention to their style and consider whether it aligns with your goals. Ask for the designer for referrals and contact each prior client. Some prior clients may hesitate to answer your questions, but most will answer one important question: Would you re-use the designer for a future remodeling project?

Attentive Listening - Many interior designers will appear to be listening, but then politely ignore your suggestions. There are times when this may be acceptable and times when this is bad. It may be acceptable if the designer is very good at what they do, has taken the time to understand your overall objectives and then chooses to offer alternatives if your suggestions do not fit well with their overal design plan. It is generally bad when an inexperienced designer ignores your suggestions, does his or her own thing and then ultimately you are unhappy wiith the results. It is important that you feel the designer is listening to you. It's important that you develop a good relationship with your interior design consultant. You should also feel comfortable discussing your budget and feel comfortable saying no. In the end, you need to feel like there was a common goal between you and the designer.

Experience Matters - The ideal interior designer will have many years of experience working with builders, remodelers, contractors, vendors and other suppliers. They should have depth of experience in fabric, appliances, furniture and other accessories. After listening to your desires, they should be able to take you to showrooms, fabric stores and other suppliers that will offer you products that complement your individual style.

For significant remodeling projects, it is generally a good idea to seek the advice of an experienced designer during the planning phase. The right designer will help ensure that when the home improvement project is finished, you love the results.

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