Should You Hire Interior Designers? Here’s What to Consider

Doing any kind of renovation is hard work, and there are so many things you need to think about. Technology and social media have made it much easier for us to find our ideal look or piece of furniture, colour, or style.  If you can imagine it, you can likely find it online, and this is the super fun part where the sky’s the limit. 

However, this is typically the part where you can start to feel overwhelmed and have too many options and choices, and you can get stuck. That’s why we work with interior designers on our jobs. I’m not a designer, I’m a contractor, so for me, interior designers bring a lot of value to our jobs.

NOTE: Interior Designers VS Interior Decorators. An interior decorator uses decorative elements to enhance a space. However, an interior decorator is involved in the DESIGN and creating functional spaces. 

 

Interior Designers Can Save You Money

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Working with a designer could be a good choice, or at the very least have a consultation to get you back on track. Now, many of you may think designers are expensive, and yes, hiring a designer is an additional cost to your budget, but they add so much value to your project.

Interior designers can save homeowners money in several ways. They have the resources and contacts to assist with the hiring trades and help with the bidding and negotiation process. They also typically get trade discounts on everything from fixtures to furniture, which they pass on to their clients.  They can also help guide you on where to spend your money –  investing in quality products that will provide longevity. For example, purchasing a quality sofa will last versus a more economical one that won’t hold up to the wear and tear of family life. Interior designers also save you money by preventing costly mistakes during the renovation project, whether with a design flaw or purchasing too much of a product incorrectly, and they have the wisdom and knowledge to repurpose or reuse existing items.

 

 

Interior Designers Can Shop For You

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Interior designers can also do a lot of the leg work for you. We’ve all bought something that wasn’t quite right, and you ended up returning it. Or you’ve spent countless hours visiting what feels like a hundred stores to find the perfect item. In fact, I bet you’ve had to return a lot of things, I know I have. But some things you can’t return, so you need to choose wisely. 

Interior Designers can produce mood boards and renderings for you, so you can visualize your space before making big purchases.

On our jobs, our interior designers are involved with everything from layout to final finishes such as door hardware. 

 

 

Let’s also consider the scope of your renovation. If structural work or mechanical work is involved, you must work with an architect or contractor. However, an interior designer needs to read and understand an engineer’s plans and have knowledge of the different systems. If the renovation is more cosmetic, an interior decorator is another option. No matter what you decide, remember to do your homework!

 

Interior Designers work with Contractors

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Interior designers also act as project managers in conjunction with contractors to oversee the big picture and the details of a project’s scope. When we take on a job, our interior designers are involved in the layout planning and help us determine how to make the space functional. 

 

Interior Designers Provide a Variety of Services

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Of course, there is an added cost, but many designers offer many different kinds of services, so don’t rule out a consultation, as this can really help get you organized. Our wonderful interior designer Kimmberly Capone provides FREE CONSULTATION and she is amazing! Check out Kimmberly Capone Designs on Instagram.

 

 

Designers provide an extensive list of services, such as design consultations, site measurements and assessments, space planning, design concepts, purchasing, and project management. 

Most of you know, that I get super excited when I get to help choose wallpaper designs, tiles, paint, and furnishings but working with a designer can also provide a “voice of reason” so you avoid going over the top!

So, when is the right time to hire an interior designer?

• When You Move into a New Home
• When You Downsize
• Major Renovation Projects
• When Renovating a Kitchen

 

When You Move into a New Home

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Hiring an interior designer when you move into a new house is a great decision. They can be perfect for helping you refresh and update your home by selecting paint colours, lighting, window coverings, floor plans, etc. Some builders have an interior designer on their time, which is super helpful. 

They’ll help you make decisions that are right for you and your lifestyle, and they’ll help you integrate existing furnishings with new pieces and even select artwork to create a unified and beautiful space. Most importantly, they can help you maximize the functionality of your new space.

RELATED:

Why You Need A Designer When Building A Custom Home, by Lexis Homes

 

When You Downsize

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Hiring an interior designer when you are downsizing is also another excellent decision. An interior designer can be very beneficial, helping you choose which furniture to keep and which to get rid of. They will also help you identify the limitations of the new space. 

An interior designer will assess your current style and furnishings and work with you to find solutions for an easy transition. They can also help manage the emotions of a big move as they can guide and narrow down selections without emotional attachment.

 

Major Renovation Projects

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When working on major renovations, I like collaborating with designers; adding them to the renovation team helps the project’s overall success. A designer works with you to create a strategy that will ensure all the big and small decisions work together to create a final look that reflects your style and has flow and function. 

 

When Renovating a Kitchen

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A kitchen renovation is a perfect example of when a general contractor and a kitchen designer are a great combination. We often work with kitchen specialists, like DV Kitchens, as they provide additional knowledge of space planning, storage, design, and materials. 

A well-thought-out kitchen design with high-quality appliances, innovative design, and good flow will bring a lot of personal value to your space, as well as value of your home. Experienced kitchen designers will also help you avoid expensive mistakes and help you determine how to make the space function best for you and your family.

RELATED:

Check out 44 Kitchen Design Ideas for Inspiration!

 

Technology Brings Everything to Life

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One of the best things I like about working with an interior designer is using virtual design apps and 3D software to create concept drawings of the spaces they are designing. There’s nothing better than being able to visualize what your new space will look like before the work has started. Visual concepts allow for any adjustments to be made before the demo begins. 

A designer will also include everything the client wants to see, including furniture specs, accessory boards, and material boards. Often, designers will also have clients or potential clients answer a questionnaire to help establish their likes and dislikes so they can better understand the client. This also helps verify if the designer and client are a good fit. The whole process can relieve a lot of stress and any apprehensions from the client.

RELATED:

How Much Should You Budget for Home Renovations?

 

Are Designers Worth the Cost?

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Yes, I totally believe they are worth it. An experienced designer’s job is to control costs and ensure you are getting the best for your money. They will streamline the design process and have the knowledge and contacts for unique products, materials, vendors, and trades. 

Interior designers will also bring new life into your ideas, allow you to take more risks, and help you find the perfect solutions for your space. Typically, designers charge for their time and pass their trade discounts to the client. However, discussing their fee structure before entering a contract is essential.

 

The decision to hire an interior designer is a personal one. While some people enjoy someone taking on the decision-making responsibility, others may not always be able to relinquish control. However, a designer will work with you to provide a successful project. 

As with any home renovation or remodeling project, take your time, ask questions, and find a professional designer that fits your style and personality. Once that decision has been made, your renovation and remodel will be a success!

 

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