Is this your first time hiring an interior designer or are you already hired one before, it is normal to be overwhelmed. There is so much you have to think of, from your budget to match your creative approach to theirs.
Before entering into this kind of partnership, you have to understand the kind of questions to ask. We are here to help you. We chatted with a few amazing designers who kindly shared their on what to ask before signing any contracts.
Ask yourself first: Why would you hire a designer?
Interior designer Benji Lewis said that your first question should be to ask yourself why are you hiring an interior designer. Do you want to know about space planning or do you need the whole design?
The answer will make your research more active and will allow you to find the perfect designer for your project.
Lewis says, ”Don’t be vague with what you’re after and ask your designer where their strengths lie.’‘ Once this is sorted, it is time to trust the designer. He adds, “There will be frustration all around if once you’re engaged them, you run around sourcing goods yourself. It’s a waste of everyone’s time and the fastest way to a fallout.”
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What is my budget to achieve the look that I want?
The second thing to do is to consider how much you’re willing to spend on the design of your dreams. Tara McCauley, interior designer and founder of Tara McCauley, LLC, says that one of the biggest mistakes she notices when clients attend the first meeting is that they don’t have any budget thing on their mind.
She said it is not advisable to expect your designer to decide what the design will cost. She says, ”Asking a designer what the budget should be without providing much context is too open-ended since it’s all relative.”
McCauley is right because there are so many factors to consider from the customization to the quality of pieces, also the variety of vendors.
If you don’t know what you want to spend, McCauley suggests having examples of certain rooms that you’re ready to share. This can help you understand what you’d need to spend to get this look.
What is your communication style and what about the updates you provide?
If you’ve worked with a disorganized interior designer, it truly can be a nightmare. To avoid this, Olma Fuentes, the founder and principal of Deni+Dove Interiors, says it is essential to talk about communication styles.
“The last thing anyone going through a home remodeling or renovation wants is to be left in the dark regarding the status of their project,” Fuentes says.
Fuente suggests addressing not only the frequency of updates but also how they like to talk whether it is by phone, email, or in person. This often comes down to personal likes and you and the designer must be on the same page.
“You want to work with a designer who is well-organized and communicates frequently,” Fuentes says.
Do you have a team of contractors you work with?
Interior designer Nikki Klugh suggests inquiring about your potential designer’s pre-existing connections and preferred team. This will allow you to think about who will you need to source on your own.
Klugh also wants you to ask how your designer chooses their team or they want you to build one of your own.
What about the fees?
While it is important to know your budget, it is also essential to understand how much your designer will charge and what their different fees mean.
“Many designers will use different fee formulas including charging hourly, applying a flat fee service, or even using a hybrid of both methods,” she says.
What services will you get?
Once you have confirmed your budget and know the fee structure of your designer, there might still be some more questions that you are required to ask. Anthony Carrino, interior designer and ambassador for Polywood, says it’s necessary to clarify what, exactly, is included in the fees that you pay.
“Do they provide detailed design drawings? Renderings? Do they handle all procurement and logistics?” Carrino says.
Asking this question will allow you to understand the timeline and the general process from the very first communication.
What is your design process like?
Knowing a designer’s design process is one of the best ways to set your expectations. Within this question, Fuentes says there are other questions that you have to raise too.
“How long does the typical project last? How will the designs be presented? What are the various stages of a design project?” Fuentes says. He also notes that the project can last anywhere from many months to years depending on how complex they are.
Can you share testimonials from past clients with me?
Klugh also reminds you to ask for testimonials and recommendations from past clients- although it is super important to read the lines as you assess. He suggests looking for common remarks or nods toward things that you might not like as a client.
“If several past clients have the same issue, this might be a red flag,” Klugh says.
Will you allow my input?
If you have an idea about how your home will look and would like to contribute to the process, Fuentes says this is important to explain from the very first meeting.
She says, ”While interior designers generally welcome client feedback and a reasonable amount of direction, many designers will only take on a client if they are mostly given autonomy over the project.”
Difference between interior designer and interior decorator
If you’re thinking of bringing about a new change in your space and realize that you need help, you start looking for professionals but then notice that there are interior designers, and then there are interior decorators. Then you have new questions: “What’s the difference?” And more importantly, “Which one do I need?”
Many people often think these two terms as the same thing but that’s not entirely true. While there are many similarities regarding their jobs, there are differences as well.
What is an interior designer?
An interior designer mostly works closely with architects and other professionals to create an interior space that is safe, functional, and beautiful. They do so with extra expertise in developing floor plans and using design programs.
What is an interior decorator?
An interior decorator is a professional skilled at making your space beautiful using style, color, furniture, and accessories. They have a great professional relationship with furniture makers, upholsterers, and other home decor professionals to create interior spaces that are visually pleasing to their clients.
FAQs
Q: How much experience do you need to be an interior designer?
A: Many states require that you have a bachelor’s degree, pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, and have at least two years of design experience to become a licensed interior designer.
Q: Do interior designers earn more than interior decorators?
A: Due to their advanced skills and qualifications, interior designers often achieve higher salaries or can charge more.
Q: What is the process of working with an interior decorator?
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