How do I choose the right Interior Designer for me?
Choosing an Interior Designer is the most important decision you will make when it comes to remodelling your home. Depending on who you choose, this will influence the entire experience and final design as the process, trades and suppliers will all differ from designer to designer. We have detailed some steps you can take below to ensure you choose the right designer for you and your home.
Stay Local
Firstly, it is important to take a look at your local area for Interior Designers. Using a local interior designer can have many benefits so it’s worth looking in your surrounding region. Ask around friends and family if they have used a designer, if they would recommend anyone to you. If someone has been referred to you by a friend, you are more likely to trust their design decisions and understand each other’s preferences. Check out the blog post we have written regarding the advantages of using a local interior designer.
Take a look at their previous work
Once you have found a designer, the next step would be to look at any previous work that they have completed, this can normally be found in their portfolio on their website. Here, you will be able to understand their style and decide whether it works for you. Note the types of homes they have designed before, would their style suit your home? This will give you the best indication of the colours and styles to expect. If you are unsure what your style is, it can be beneficial to look online or in magazines, to get a feel for what your preferences are.
Decide how much you want to manage yourself
Depending on if you would like to have a large involvement in the design and installation you will need to tailor the Interior Designer to suit your needs. If you have chosen an experienced ‘hands on’ designer, let them guide you. They have a wealth of knowledge and will know how to make the most of your home. Allowing the designer to manage the process means that you can sit back and relax whilst they coordinate everything for you. It also means that the designer will be able to establish a cohesive design and installation much more easily.
Decide on a budget
Deciding on your budget can be a difficult task but is a very important element when choosing a designer. Depending on the suppliers they use and the designs they produce, the budget from designer to designer can vary greatly. Therefore, it is best to decide how much you would like to spend before contacting a them. They will then be able to guide you on whether your expectations are realistic for the budget you have set.
Have a face to face Meeting
Meet the designer in your home to talk about the work you would like done, your style and the timescale. This could be a great time to show the interior designer any images of designs you really like. From this initial meeting both you and the designer will know if you will work well together. There is no obligation at this stage, so if it still doesn’t feel right then you can look for another designer which is a better fit. Chances are, they also feel the same way.
Trust & Confidence is Key
Above all you need to go with someone you have total faith in and whose taste you trust. A designer’s job is to push you into new directions you may not have considered before which can be daunting when it comes to your home. Therefore, you need to be working with someone who essentially you have more confidence in than yourself, because these elements, which might be unusual to you, are often the pieces that make your home special and unique.
If you are based in the Esher, Thames Ditton or Surrey area please feel free to take a look at our portfolio and get in touch if you would like to know how Fiona Brass Interiors can transform your home.