If you're looking to give your home a makeover, it's important to choose the right interior designer. With so many options available, how do you know where to start? This guide outlines 9 essential steps for selecting the right designer for your project, helping you find the perfect fit for your vision and budget.
Identify Your Interior Design Needs.
Before you begin the process of hiring a designer, take some time to think about your interior design needs. Are you looking for a complete renovation or would you just like to update the look and feel of certain areas in your home? Consider what style and type of decor would fit best with your existing space, what colors and fabrics you want to focus on, and how much work is necessary for achieving the desired result. These details can also help inform which designers are right for the job.
Once you have a clear idea of what you need, do some research to evaluate the qualifications of each interior designer. Check past customers’ reviews and portfolios, look up publications they’ve been featured in, and read up on their style and specialties to make sure they have the right level of experience for the project. Make sure that your design needs are met before hiring anyone for the job, as this will ensure that you get exactly what you want from the renovation.
When it comes to finding the right design expert, a little bit of research goes a long way. Start by looking at designers’ portfolios and reading reviews to get an idea of what you can expect from them. Ask for referrals from people you trust and look for distinctions that indicate the designer is experienced and educated such as certifications or memberships in professional organizations.
Do Your Homework
When it comes to finding the right design expert, a little bit of research goes a long way. Start by looking at designers’ portfolios and reading reviews to get an idea of what you can expect from them. Ask for referrals from people you trust and look for distinctions that indicate the designer is experienced and educated such as certifications or memberships in professional organizations.
Create an Inspiration File
Before you meet with a designer, gather images that capture the design style you’re hoping to achieve. Choose photos of furniture, lighting and artwork that reflect your taste and provide clear ideas for the overall look of the space. This visual inspiration allows designers to understand your vision, making it easier to come up with solutions tailored specifically to your needs.
Set Your Budget
Once you have a good idea of what outcomes you're looking for, you need to set your budget. Before beginning the process it’s important to understand what funds are available for the project. Knowing your financial parameters and communicating them with potential designers will ensure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to the scope of work, materials and timeline.
Setting a budget also gives your designer an opportunity to suggest creative solutions that can help achieve the look you’re going for within your desired price point. Cost conscious decisions are easier to make with a professional when you have tangible goals in mind and parameters aligned around them. When interviewing potential designers, ask them if they have worked on projects that reflect your budget, as well as what type of materials and services they tend to work with most often. A talented designer should be able to provide references from similar projects within similar budgets.
Narrow Down Potential Designers and Ask For Referrals/Recommendations.
Now that you’ve settled on a budget and identified the requirements for your project, it is time to start looking for potential designers. Ask other people in your personal or professional networks for recommendations. Reach out to colleagues and friends who have had success working with a particular designer or firm. It can also be extremely helpful to look at design portfolios online and reach out to designers whose style most aligns with your vision. Contact your shortlist of potential designers and ask for referrals from other clients and colleagues. Communicate your needs clearly from the start, as this will help to ensure a successful outcome to your project. Finally, if you want to be absolutely sure that you’re making the right decision, do not rely solely on words - request visual examples of their work before hiring an interior designer.