Why hire an Interior Designer?

When you use a professional you can expect that your personal preferences will be heard and value added through the expertise, knowledge and creative flare of the designer. Your project will be well scoped in advance so that you can proceed with a realistic  - and shared - understanding of the outcomes, time-frames and costs. 

Consulting a professional interior designer early in your thinking can ensure the success of the environment you live in and ambiance in which you live your life. Here are five ways why hiring a qualified and creative interior designer can protect your investment and add great value:

Why hire an Interior Designer # No. 1 - Time

The amount of choice and options in the interiors world is endless - from materials, paint colours to furniture and fittings! It can be overwhelming and also very time consuming. If you are a busy person having an interior designer narrow down and select the best options for you can be a blessing! As they say - time is money!

Why hire an Interior Designer # No. 2 - $$$

Speaking of money, this is my next point. Mistakes are costly - by hiring a professional, you can get it right the first time! There is nothing worse than having to knock out part of the kitchen because something went in the wrong way round! 

Why hire an Interior Designer # No. 3 - Resources & Contacts

There is a much wider range than many people can ever imagine when it comes to sections of fittings, furniture and furnishings! Designers can source you things from suppliers you often either can't have access to or aren't aware of. You have the option of exclusive items that others won't. Not to mention the benefit of good trades liaisons - most designers have regular electrician, plumbers, joiners and builders they work with and trust to do reputable work.

Why hire an Interior Designer # No. 4 - Knowledge

Expertise is worth it. Almost everything has a 'better' choice and your designer can explain the 'why'. White paint for example - a designer can explain which white paint will sit better with the rest of your colour scheme dependent on the tone that is in it. Why a certain splash-back may be a more practical choice over another. Why your rug should be slightly bigger and why your oven is better placed on the other side of the kitchen. Designers complete qualifications covering everything from colours, to spatial layouts, to construction drawing - they are a valuable asset to the decision making process.

Why hire an Interior Designer # No. 5 - Wow

The wow factor is a blend of qualifications, experience and just outright talent! Some designers have a specific 'aesthetic' and others create a look suited to your taste. Design is about listening. Understanding someone's tastes and then interpreting them in a way they hadn't thought possible.

Designers can help you feel confidence in your choices and above all, help you create a space that you love. Hopefully this was a useful insight for anyone considering hiring an interior designer and if you haven't read Part 1: So what does an Interior Designer do?, have a glance - as it delves into the types of interior designer that could be suited to you!

Mia x

So what does an Interior Designer do?

It sounds exciting and glamorous - but what is it really?

Many people assume interior designers envisage and create beautiful spaces - though correct, this is quite a reductionist view of the profession. A designer takes on several behind-the-scenes roles, often including the role of project manager, in order to deliver the beautiful, finished space. 

The title 'Interior Designer' has wide scope and is used to describe Interior Stylists & Decorators as well as Interior Architects.

An Interior Stylist or Decorator largely focuses on colours, materials, furniture and fixtures, combining them to create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing space. They have in-depth knowledge of textiles, colour theory and composition and have a wide network of suppliers. They know what works with what, how to place things to get the most function-ability out of your space whilst still making it attractive to the eye. They are the person that makes a space look 'wow'.

Interior Architects on the other hand, are exactly that: designers of interior spaces. They often have to draw up plans, elevations, cross sections, construction details - to enable a space to be renovated or built. They have to have in-depth structural knowledge as well as knowledge of building codes and regulations to ensure things are constructed legally and safely. They are also clued up on space planning - ergonomic function-ability is vital in an office space or restaurant.

Where things get blurry however, is that many designers do elements of both. So you don't need to get an architect to redesign your kitchen, you can get the interior specialist - the Interior Designer - to do this.

Each designer has their own niche and skill-set and it is worth finding out exactly what your designer can offer, so you know it will match your requirements. Some specialise in kitchens or bathrooms, some only do residential homes, some only do commercial, such as hospitality, offices or retail and some love variety. 

Keep an eye out for Part 2: Why hire an Interior Designer? 

Mia x