Choosing the right interior designer!

This article is provided by Zara.

If you are planning a major remodeling project in your home, then you might well decide to get some professional support in the design and planning stage. Using an interior designer can be a great idea, in order to have an end result that is worth every penny you have spent. 

There are plenty of designers out there, all keen to get your business, so how do you go about choosing the right one?

Work out the job spec.

It is all too easy to call up an interior designer without any real idea of what it is you want, beyond “interior design.” Take time to work out the kind of assistance you need. Do you already have a good idea of what you require in terms of the overall type of design, carpet or laminate flooring and so on, or do you need the designer to help out/ take the lead with those sorts of ideas? 

Scope out your project in as much detail as you are able before you start talking to designers, so that you know what sort of expertise you really need. 

Get recommendations.

Ask your friends, ask your family, and do not forget the power and majesty of social media! You need someone who will be reliable and has a good track record. 

If personal recommendations come up short, check out the professional body to find an accredited interior designer near you. 

Check out their portfolio.

Any good designer will be only too happy to show you a portfolio of their past work. While a picture might paint a thousand words, there is nothing like the real thing, so ideally, you might even be able to view some of their actual work in a show home or similar. 

This will give you an idea of the designer's overall style and experience, and whether they are a good fit for what you have in mind. Also look at their qualifications, professional credentials and accreditations. 

Do not forget the human factor.

Design is highly subjective, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You will be working collaboratively with the designer, and it is far more of a partnership than a simple provision of services. It is therefore of huge importance that you “click” personality wise, and feel that this is somebody with whom you will be able to communicate openly and comfortably. 

Sort out the numbers up front.

An interior design service is not going to be cheap, and at the end of the day, the designer is there to earn money. Make sure rates and billing patterns are completely agreed and transparent up front. For example, will the designer charge a flat fee, or will it be a daily or hourly rate? 

If you have a set budget in mind, do not be shy about sharing it so that everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. When you are ready to proceed, have a contract drawn up and read through it carefully before any work commences, so that everything runs smoothly and there are no misunderstandings or disagreements later on.