Are you ready to make a change in your home? You might already have a vision for your space or perhaps you have no idea where to start. Whether you need lots of guidance or just a little direction, hiring an interior designer can help simplify the design process, keep your project in budget, and provide you with a more beautiful, functional space than you could have imagined on your own.
But to find a reliable, skilled professional who understands your needs, there are a few things you should consider. Before you invite an interior designer into your home, follow these essential steps to ensure you’ve selected the best person for the job.
6 Key Considerations When Hiring an Interior Designer
1. Set a budget.
Before you hire an interior designer, set a budget that you’re comfortable with. At first, you may have one dollar amount in mind that represents the entire price of the project. But to keep costs more realistic, we suggest that you develop a comprehensive budget that includes everything from furnishings and accessories to the designer’s fee.
If you aren’t sure how to calculate those costs on your own, your interior designer should help you estimate them. At Pierre Jean-Baptiste Interiors, we’ll discuss potential designs for every room you want to enhance, then break down all costs to generate approximate pricing.
Once you develop a budget, communicate those numbers openly and honestly to your designer, so they know exactly how far you’re willing to go.
2. Create a flexible time frame.
A full renovation takes a considerable amount of time, and the design is only a portion of the plan. There’s also furniture procurement and construction, which can include custom millwork. From the very beginning of your project, you should have a conversation with your designer and contractor to develop a rough timeline. At this point, you can communicate any strict deadlines to avoid misunderstandings later on.
When interviewing designers, ask about their typical process and get an estimated time frame for your project. These days, with delays caused by the pandemic, we find that most multi-room projects take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.
3. Browse online portfolios.
Once you’re confident in your budget and reassured by your project timeframe, it’s time to explore your interior design options. Start by browsing designers’ online portfolios to better understand their styles. This may even help you develop a stronger sense of direction for your project.
Some portfolios offer a range of design styles to showcase a designer’s breadth of work and adaptability. However, other portfolios will depict a designer’s signature style that can’t easily be replicated. Ultimately, you want to hire an interior designer with a style you appreciate.
4. Read reviews.
You’ve compiled a list of a few designers whose portfolios you love. That’s a great start, but you shouldn’t hire an interior designer on appearances alone. Your designer should be dependable and easy to work with in addition to having a great eye for design.
The best way to ensure your designer has a stellar reputation is to read honest reviews from other people who have used their services. Website testimonials are also helpful, You’ll also benefit from combing through the internet searching for the designer’s Google reviews, flip through their Instagram page, search for them on Houzz, or call them directly to ask for references.
5. Feel for chemistry.
Having chemistry with your designer may not be as essential as some of these other considerations, but it’s key to forming a solid relationship. After all, you could be working with your designer for a year, so it’s important that you synergize and feel comfortable giving your honest feedback. And in all likelihood, your interior designer is gauging if you’re a good match for them, too!
6. Prioritize trust.
Trust is the most important factor when hiring an interior designer. Welcoming a designer into your home or business is inherently intimate, and you should have full trust in their abilities. Find an interior designer you can lean on for advice and know that they’re prioritizing your best interest.
When you work with Pierre Jean-Baptiste Interiors, you get a team you can depend on. We value full transparency and organize our systems and processes so that our clients can follow along with us throughout their entire projects.
If this is your first time hiring an interior designer, make sure you take each of these steps into consideration to ensure a smooth process from beginning to end. And when you’re ready to start your next interior design project, you’ll know to contact us.
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Looking for ideas for your project? Check out: more work here.
