How to work with an interior designer to get what you want
‘Too expensive’, ‘unnecessary‘, ‘indulgent’, ‘they’ll make it look too cookie cutter’…
If you’re like me, and you have a penny pinching and ever-so-slightly control-freak of a partner, you would have heard all the excuses as to why engaging an interior designer is a shit idea.
But (as usual), I know better. I know that when you engage someone who is a professional in their field, it will be cheaper and easier than going it alone.
Don’t believe me? Read on.
You need to speak the same language
This will be the trickiest bit. As it is with all relationships – communication is key. Do they understand your vision, are they listening to you instead of putting their own ideas forward without thoughts about yours – do you have the same sense of humour? (Trust me, this is important. My Gen X sarcasm has caused much confusion with Millenial tradies. They’re not sure if I really dooooo want a big, marble, nude, greek statue of my hubby in the front yard…or if I’m kidding! PS. I’m not kidding. PSS I am. Gen X Sarcasm)
Create a Moodboard before they get there
In order for you to really communicate what you want – make it simple. Pick out colours and furniture, finishes and decor and put it all together in a folder or on a Pinterest Page. It doesn’t matter if nothing matches or you can’t get it to look right – that’s the job of the interior designer. This allows them to see the inside of your brain – no matter how nuts it is! – so they know what they’re working with and what you want. From there – they will ask questions and refine the moodboard to get something more practical, cost effective and do-able.
Be super honest about your budget
Your Interior Designer will need to know the level of finishes and items they’re looking for. There’s a massive difference between top-of-the-line and budget. Also be clear on the things you’re happy to indulge in as opposed to the things you would rather save on. Your designer will give your advice about this. Remember at the end of the day – you’re paying for this. You need to be comfortable with the spend. So make a budget, discuss with everyone involved in financing and stick to it. Communicate how much you’re willing to delete the original fabric of the building. Some builders like to rip down and start again – if you want to keep the character of your home, you’ll need to tell them.
The contract
Designers work in different ways. Some will need a flat design fee while others may charge hourly depending on how much work they need to do at different times. Once you sign the contract, the designer will start ordering so make sure you’re ready to go when you sign. It’s game on!
The results
The Designer will come back to you with a plan. They may use illustrations or a refined moodboard – they may use software such as SketchUp Pro or Autodesk Revit. Discuss this at the beginning to ensure expectations are met. There will be an opportunity to feedback and to go back and forth to refine the design. Once design is finalised – your designer will project manage to ensure all trades are hired and produce the correct result and all ordering is done properly.
Having someone pull together all your ideas and refine them into a design is a smart way to get the home finishes that you want. Build trust with your designer by keeping up to date with payments, getting to them back within a reasonable time frame and making definitive decisions to move forward and your experience will be a smooth and satisfying one.
Thanks for reading, Jen
Have you had a positive experience working with a designer? Let us know in the comments below!
