Working with an Interior Designer Part II

Helpful Hints for preparing to work with an Interior Designer.

Now that you’ve hired an interior designer to make magic in your home, here are a few things you can do to prepare for your meetings.

Consider the consultation fee as an investment: You gain equity in your home when it’s designed and implemented correctly.

Have a budget: Tell the truth about what you want to spend. Designers know how to save and when to splurge to create your desired look. But they need to know your level of expectation to guide your product purchases.

Prioritize: Make a list before the meeting. You’ll get more accomplished by organizing your many thoughts.

Do not be intimidated: No need to clean your home before the designer arrives. To serve you best they need to see how you truly live.

Trust the designer: They have your best interest at heart and want you to be happy in your home. They should listen well, communicate clearly, and offer creative solutions in keeping with your vision.

Trust your gut: Make sure you feel comfortable and can share your thoughts freely. The Client – Designer relationship can become very personal.

Share your ideas: Save inspiration photos that reflect what you love and want in your home. Designers can interpret your imagination into your space to achieve the look you want.

Share all your current furnishings: It is rare for someone to purchase everything brand new. Your collections reflect your life. Designers love to let your personality shine by incorporating treasured old belongings with new things for unusual outcomes.

Be open: The designer should encourage you to stretch your boundaries here and there. No doubt, they will come up with surprising and interesting out-of-the-box ideas.

Be honest: It’s ok to initially say, “I don’t like that idea.” But understand that later, after thinking about what the designer suggested and being open-minded, you may find yourself leaning in their direction – or not!

Remember: The magic happens because designers deliver dreams! Are you ready to wake up to the possibilities for your home?

Be sure to read: Working with Interior Designer Part I

Lisa Stewart is an interior designer serving the Triangle area of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC.