THE 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE HIRING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER (bet you can’t guess #3!)
1. Collect Images That Inspire You.
This is where you get to dream! Don’t worry about the images being consistent, or if the images “go” together. Cast the net wide and save anything that resonates with you and makes you feel happy, inspired or peaceful! Your expert designer will help you combine your selections together into a beautiful and cohesive design plan that will harmoniously bring together all the looks you love.
The best online sources to find images to inspire your design project are Houzz and Pinterest.
On Houzz, click the “GET IDEAS” button on the top of the home page. Then select from the rooms you want to get ideas from. You can even use the “filer” tools to narrow it down even further. When you find something you like, click the little heart icon so you can save it to a folder.
On Pinterest you can use the search bar, just like you use Google, then simply type in whatever you’re looking for! For example, “White Kitchen with Light Wood Floors.” When you find something you like you can save it to a board. Pinterest recently started allowing users to create sub-boards within one board so you can organize by room or style better. I love this new feature and am happy to show you how to do it!
When you’ve got all your images selected you can then share them with your chosen designer.
2. Get clear on your budget & don’t be afraid to share it.
Budget clarification is just as important as design & style clarification. Proper budgeting will get you to the finish line without cutting corners or having to stop before the project is complete (no one wants that!).
In my 20-year design career, I’ve found that prospective clients are often reluctant to share their budget because they aren’t sure of what their budget “should” be. Please don’t be afraid to share what you’re comfortable spending on your new living space. Designers are here to make your dreams come true at a cost that works for you. An experienced professional will always be willing to work with you to create a budget that helps you move forward with confidence.
3. Interview Designers To Work With.
Selecting the right Designer for you is vitally important and I recommend you interview a minimum of two. You’re going to enjoy a very close working relationship where you’ll need to make some high stakes decisions, so it’s crucial to make sure you work well together.
The MOST important thing to look out for is: does this prospective designer really listen?
The home you are creating is a unique expression of you. You want to work with someone who is deeply interested in creating a home that is the beautiful physical representation of your vibe and life story. For a designer to create that, they must be authentically interested in you, who you are, and what your dreams are.
If a designer has a “signature look” they may not be as versed with creating artful spaces with range and let’s face it…we all like different things! No two humans are alike, so your home should be as unique as you are.
If you’re interested in learning more about working with me on your dream interior design project, I’d love to hear from you! To learn more or schedule a consultation, please visit rejoyinteriors.com/getstarted or message me on Instagram @rejoyinteriors !