From the KHI Design Studio: How Do I Select An Interior Designer?
Is it important that you actually “like” the interior designer that you hire to design your home? Should you check the references before you bring a designer into your home? It is ok to interview potential designers and ask their design philosophy? I have heard these questions and several others over the years and as far as I am concerned, selecting an interior designer is like welcoming a new family member into your home. During the design process, you will be seeing A LOT of this person and even after it is over – their presence will remain as you are left with hopefully a job well done. In this blog post, I wanted to address what I think is every potential clients right and responsibility to do their homework before you start selecting fabrics and signing checks. Here are my top tips to consider before you hire an interior designer to make your dream home a reality. 1. First and foremost… consider homes you have been in that you like? Ask who the designer was on the job? 2. Visit designer show houses and model homes to see if there is work in a style similar to the one you would like to live in. 3. You can apply the same technique as numbers 1 & 2 by looking in magazines and articles in local or regional publications. Most designers will travel if the geography works with the designers schedule and lifestyle. You might have to pay a bit extra to do so, but it might be worth it if you really relate to the work. You can always ask for a referral from a designer whose work you admire. Many of us are networked and know of other designers with reputable credentials in many areas. 4. Interview. Ask to see photographs and ask for general design philosophies. 5. Do your personalities blend? This is extremely important, in fact, key. You will really get to know this person, but more importantly, a good designer will spend a lot of time getting to know you. It is an intimate process and you will spend a lot of time together. Make sure you “like” this person. 6. Ask how the designer charges. Some charge an hourly rate and then select and sell furniture, too. Some will charge an hourly rate and then purchase furniture from retailers or a design center for you. There are those that charge a square footage rate, some a flat rate, some no rate but expect you to purchase all furnishings from them and then, there are many combinations of the above. Just know that the arrangement should be fair for both and that truly there is no right or wrong way to do this, it’s as individual as designer’s themselves. 7. Ask for references and check them.
For help with your home or room design please contact us atKimberly@knottinghillinteriors.com and visit our website. Follow Knotting Hill on Pinterest and Facebook.
