Interior designers create a cohesive, functional design for homes and offices. They select paint colors, furniture, and accessories to fit their client’s needs.
The typical process begins with a meeting to discuss goals, budgets, and expectations. Often, the designer will present a portfolio of photos from past projects.
Know Your Style
The best interior designers are naturally familiar with their clients’ styles and comfortable working with diverse aesthetics. They’re also familiar with the products and materials available for their projects. “Ask if they can show you photos of their work in various styles,” some say. “This shows that they’re flexible and adaptable.”
Establishing a transparent communication process with your interior designer is also important, especially since home updates can take months (and sometimes years for larger projects). Ask how they prefer to present their design ideas – an organized binder. Design boards? Computer models and renderings? Be sure to understand their markup percentages and billing schedules. You don’t want any surprises. You’ll also want to be clear about their services and how long you expect the project to last.
Know Your Budget
Knowing your budget is essential when searching for the perfect interior designer. This will help you narrow the choices and avoid working with one who won’t fit your project well.
It would help to ask the designers you’re considering about their typical fees. Interior design firms generally apply one of three fee structures: flat rate, hourly, or square foot/square meter.
You may be surprised to learn that an interior designer’s cost can be less than expected. A well-experienced designer can offer ideas to enhance your home’s appearance and increase its value when it comes time to sell. Then, the return on investment will be even higher! This is why it’s essential to communicate with your interior designer clearly from the start.
Ask for Referrals
There’s no better way to evaluate an interior designer than by requesting a referral from someone who has worked with them. This will give you first-hand information on the experience and results you can expect.
When considering an interior designer such as Truss Interiors, ask to see their portfolio of past work. Look for a consistent style, and make sure it matches yours.
It would help if you also asked the interior designer about their process. They should be able to answer your questions about what to expect from the project and how long it will take. Remember your time frame and budget to ensure they fit you well. Most importantly, choose a designer that you enjoy working with. It’s a long-term relationship, so you want to feel comfortable sharing your ideas and listening to their advice.
Look at Their Portfolio
Whether the designer’s physical or digital portfolio, it should be visually appealing and contain a range of projects showcasing their abilities. Typically, the first page will include a professional profile with their name, headshot, and contact information.
It should also include project images, a brief description of each project, and a visual of the design process. An online interior design portfolio is a great way to promote yourself and show potential clients what you offer.
Client testimonials are also a great addition to any portfolio. However, be aware that some of these testimonials may have a vested interest and could be misleading. As a result, only including genuine and honest feedback from previous clients is a must.
Get a Quote
If you find yourself overwhelmed by your decorating project or if it’s too big for one person to manage on their own, hiring an interior designer can help. They’ll provide the expertise to create a personalized space while offering extra support in managing the scope of work, budget, and timeline.
When interviewing designers, ask about their fee structure and what is included. Both parties must be comfortable with the arrangement, whether they prefer to work with flat fees, cost-plus, or hourly.
Also, consider how much input you would like to have on the design process. You may want to be very involved or prefer a more hands-off approach. Discussing this will help you determine if you and the designer are a good fit for each other.
