Myriad design ideas, countless paint finishes and a wide range of furniture pieces to choose from – these are only a few facets of interior decoration. Putting together these pieces of the décor puzzle require expertise, skill, and imagination. Interior designers are qualified experts who come with a wealth of knowledge about the industry and help you decode interior designs. Before entrusting an interior designer with the responsibility of transforming your personal space, it’s prudent to consider the following points:
Identify your requirements
Before you even begin considering potential interior designers, ask yourself – what is my style. It’s important to assess your requirements so you can hire a designer best suited to your style. While some designers have their specific styles, keep your eyes open for the one who you feel comes closest to your preferences.
Seek recommendations
After making a note of your needs and style, you may ask friends, family and relatives for possible leads. First-hand experiences can reveal a lot about the interior designer’s style of functioning and track record. It’s a good idea to call up past clients or even better, visit them to see the designer’s work first hand.
The Internet is brimming with options and is a good place to look up interior designers and latest décor trends. Some solid research on their background and portfolio will also throw light on their reputation among clients and peers.
Meet the interior designer
Once you have shortlisted an interior designer, try and understand his/her aesthetic sense and work methodology.
Remember you are on the lookout for a designer who is receptive to your ideas and design needs and will work within your comfort zone. Establishing clear communication will go a long way in strengthening mutual trust before actual work on the project begins.
Set a clear budget
Nothing is in place if the budget has not been decided. Defining budget and timelines are paramount as most misunderstandings arise from lack of clarity on one or both these counts. It’s imperative that your interior designer and you thrash out the financial minutiae and project timelines right at the beginning to avoid any confusion at a later stage.
While some designers ask for a fixed fee for all services, others charge an hourly rate. Some designers may ask for what is known as ‘cost-plus’.
This fee is charged to buy furnishings and décor items, and the designer also adds a mark-up to this. In some cases, designers use a combination of fee structures, such as charging a fixed fee to develop the initial plan and a cost-plus to execute it.
Insist on designs and inventory
As a client, you have the right and responsibility to ask for a visual representation of the project that may be in the form of designs and blue print. Ensure that the design of the house is in accordance with local and municipal laws. It is vital to understand the structure of the house to avoid any mistakes that might land you in a spot of bother later.
You may also want to check with the interior designer about the materials being used to do up your space. An inventory of finish, colours, and codes will help you keep a tab as well as come in good stead upon unavailability during the project.
Sign the contract
To seal the deal, sign an agreement or contract with the designer which explicitly details all the work that has been agreed on.
A contract is documented evidence of your design requirements and the designer’s commitment to meet them over mutually agreed time and cost. Remember to mention in the contract how the designer will deal with last minute changes on the requirements. Having the budget, timelines and other conditions in writing help maintain clarity and trust through the duration of the project.
Conclusion
After meticulously going over all the above steps, once you have an interior designer, keep your doubts at bay and trust him/her to do the best possible job. Your tastes and sensibilities may differ, but keep the communication channels open always. A good interior decorator can save you lots of time and some headaches with their vast knowledge and practical tips. So be sure to hire one who understands your style and works as your partner through the journey of designing your space.
