With the rise of Pinterest and various other platforms that allow us to filter through an array of design ideas and styles, we can’t help but fancy ourselves DIY pioneers. We glance at an aesthetic that calls to us, feel inspired, and boldly embark on our personal home renovation journeys. While it is possible for you to create something special by yourself, you might find unexpected issues along the way, or you may even discover you’ve bitten off more than you can chew with a particular project or its scope. Enter the interior designers. These are experts in their field and do more than simply tell you which colours and textures blend well together.
In fact, they possess knowledge and expertise that no amount of Pinterest pins can mimic, and this is why luxury interior design demands their presence and input. Finding one with adequate experience and knowledge can be difficult, especially if you have no clue where to start. For that reason, this article will help enlighten you on the importance of having an interior designer by your side, and show you where to find one that aligns with your design goals and style sensibilities.
Startlingly, the reputation of interior designers has become quite negative in mainstream media that almost borders on villainy when, in reality, their sole purpose is to assist you in making your design goals as achievable and seamless as possible. There are some misconceptions to be aware of, so before we expound on the virtues of interior designers, let’s quickly run-through some of the most common misconceptions:
They understand that trends are ever-changing and trying to keep up with every emerging trend will be exhausting, if not impossible. So, their objective is to ensure your taste is incorporated into your home with a timeless style that won’t necessitate constant upgrading.
There are many more myths and misconceptions, but these are some of the ones you’ll hear most frequently. Now that that’s out of the way, allow us to explain why hiring a good interior designer is crucial for your next project.
These individuals are professionals in this industry and have studied the art, processes and methodologies of design. This means they don’t only know which colours and textures work together, but also know how to incorporate your personal taste in everything you want.
Designs you never thought would be something you’d like can suddenly become a breathtaking monument of your individuality, with the help of a designer. Their knowledge ensures that you get quality work instead of quick fixes or cheap alternatives.
Since this is their business, they have spent years building a network of connections to ensure their clients receive quality materials and excellent service. Approaching vendors as an individual may lead to you being overcharged or your orders taking less priority, but your interior designer knows how to get around potential obstacles and how to handle any setbacks to avoid your time and money being wasted.
There is so much that goes into interior design, from measurements to mood boards, price comparisons, brand knowledge, floor plans, and more. These are things we don’t always have time to research thoroughly, which is why it helps to delegate these tasks to a seasoned professional. Missing even one step can completely throw off your entire plan and either hit pause or reset on the whole renovation.
Not only can they get you exceptional quality at the best possible rates, luxury interior designers can also ensure you don’t waste your money on items that will need frequent replacing. This not only saves you money to begin with but also in the long run. You also avoid making costly mistakes, for instance, structural damages, so you can trust that the money you do decide to spend under advisement is all that will be needed.
You need to ensure the abilities of the interior designer you’re hiring align with your vision and budget. It can be a huge time and money waste to appoint someone to relieve the burden of your renovation or design project only to later discover what their limitations are. Therefore, there are key factors to consider prior to making any commitments.
They may possess a keen eye for style and functionality, but they are still here to make your design dreams come true. For that to happen, you need to be able to provide them with proper guidance, so gather a collection of images, textures and whatever other references which can be helpful in steering your designer in the direction you need them. It also helps to let them know anything you dislike about your current space and see if there’s anything they can incorporate that will elevate that space.
Scour the internet for any recommendations on good interior designers and the services they offer. It’s also essential that you know what services you actually need because there’s no point in paying for a package that includes an extensive amount of services you don’t actually need. This is why you’re going to jot down everything you need and research which designers offer those services. It helps to establish what you cannot do without and what you would like to have prior to the hiring process, as you don’t want to be coerced into getting unnecessary extras.
After all, interior designers are creatives, and any quality creative has a detailed portfolio showcasing their previous work. This helps you ascertain the quality of their work as well as their creative range. If you see a designer only works with a certain style, that might mean they are less experienced in incorporating variation of styles. Business reviews are essential, as you need someone whose clients were so satisfied that they actually felt compelled to provide feedback for anyone considering using that specific designer. They are your only exposure to actual past clients and what their personal experience entailed. Sometimes, the pictures of the final creation are breathtaking, but the service delivery may have been strained.
A consultation is vital, as this is your opportunity to meet with prospective experts and give them everything they need to let you know if they are capable of meeting your expectations. It also allows you to see if your personalities are compatible, as you will be working alongside this individual for a while, and the last thing you want is for your project to come to a halt because the person misunderstood or never had a clear idea of what you wanted, or you simply don’t work well together. This is when you’ll provide them with all the research you’ve gathered so they can see what is expected of them and let you know whether this is attainable.
We’re all different and function differently, so you won’t necessarily gel with the first designer you sit with. Perhaps their work is impressive, but their attitude is insufferable. It’s imperative that you establish whether your working relationship will be collaborative and professional from the get-go, because disputes and head-bashing will only lead to delays, or worse, an unfinished project.
While it’s impossible to know everything about the service your interior designer will offer or how smoothly this process will go, there are a number of red flags you can look out for as guidelines.
These are:
These are recipes for disaster, and it’s best to keep searching than to settle for one that hits even one of these red flags.
When we refer to a lack of transparency on the part of the interior designer, we’re referring to them being dishonest about challenges and sometimes even solutions. You might even notice that certain important details remain concealed, like feedback, project updates, or the general scope of work.
This refers to just that—failing to communicate effectively. This is when you have to chase after them for updates, or they wait until the last minute to inform you of changes, challenges, or anything related to your project.
This is extremely worrisome because any client of theirs understands the weight a great review carries for the sake of future business and would be more than happy to recommend them to a friend or leave a positive review. If your interior designer doesn’t have that, you may have to concede that their service may not have been as stellar as they’d like to portray.
The final decision can be made after all the above boxes have been ticked. Remember that an impressive interior design studio is not enough to ensure you will get the quality you deserve. But when you find your ideal designer, understand that they are your creative professional and rely on your guidance as well as their own expertise. Allow room for creative freedom and be open to exploring designs and textiles outside the confines of what you think you know.
FCI London has more than 40 years in the luxury furniture and interior design industry, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted name in London.
We are the foremost lifestyle and furniture house in London, and our designers have an abundance of experience in creating luxury interiors both large and small. Our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen and designer brands from all over Europe are at your disposal, and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us.
Visit our 30,000 sq. ft. showroom and immerse yourself in an array of contemporary and traditional furniture pieces. You will also appreciate the expert advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers steering you closer to your design goals.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D rendering and project planning and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible.
Book your appointment today!
If you need advice on your layout, then take advantage of our free interior design consultation. Simply make an appointment to visit our award-winning showroom and our expert team will walk you through all your options.
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