Interior design is a professional service that is on the rise and gets a lot of attention. More and more people seek expert advice about the interior design of their new home or office. Luckily, there are many options for everyone to get professional services from an interior designer.
Still, how do you find an interior designer that is good for you?
Furniture stores
Many furniture stores can offer basic design services and expert advice to their clients. This is often a convenient low-cost option that can get you some professional insight. You should have in mind, however, that this can severely limit the design potential of your interior space.
Furniture stores are interested in making a sale, and the employees often get a bonus for closing a deal. This is why they would only offer you brand products that you can find and buy on the spot. This may not always work in your best interest, as store-bought furniture may not always meet all your specific requirements, as we have already discussed in a recent blog post.
It is highly possible you miss out on the chance of getting a custom design solution that will perfectly fit in your interior space and suit all your personal needs.
Custom furniture shops
Another option would be going to a local furniture maker. Many custom-made furniture shops have a team of designers who can tend to all your needs and work out a thorough design solution. In addition to project development they can also take care of all remodel works and furniture production.
This option can certainly get you an individual approach and a personalized design solution. Still, it is good to be aware that custom furniture shops aim at getting more orders, so they will make sure to pack your design with all custom-made furnishings. This may put a burden on your budget when the truth is that some cheaper options may easily be found in mass-produced furniture stores.
Many furniture shops promote free project development if you place an actual order on your custom designed furniture. This seems like a good deal, but it is good to have in mind that there is no such thing as a free lunch. It is just that project development is so complex, that with a free project you will either get poor design quality or pay more for your actual furniture order fulfillment.
Independent designers
A third option is to hire a freelance designer or an interior design studio. Independent designers are not bound with fixed manufacturers or dealers, so they will make sure that they propose ideas and find solutions that best accord with your design brief and budget constraints. What is more, they work with expert contractors and leading dealers, which is guarantee for the excellent quality of the end result.
Independent designers and design studios can offer individual approach, creative ideas, options and alternatives, and will work hard to earn their fee and justify your trust in them. As far as designer rates go, they vary within a large range, so it is advised that you research different options.
It should be noted, however, that an investment in interior design is well justified. The total cost of your design project will actually make up a very small percentage of your remodel budget, and the benefits of working with an expert professional are priceless. Sometimes interior designers even offer special discounts to their clients on buying interior design products from partner dealerships.
Interior design is a professional service in which the client’s personal needs and preferences are essential, as they show the way a project should be developed. It is extremely important that you find a designer that shares your aesthetics. That way you can be sure that your project is in good hands and you will be completely content with the final design.
It is good to pick out a couple of design studios or freelance professionals based on their design portfolios and contact them in person to discuss all details about project development, deadlines and costs. Preliminary talks can not only provide answers to the questions asked, but also reveal important details about the designers’ professional ethics and customer care.
It may also be a good idea to research recommendations and online reviews about your shortlisted designers. You now have all the information you need to select an interior designer that is right for you.