FAQ’s

Interior designers and interior decorators are two distinct professions within the field of interior design. Each has its own set of responsibilities and qualifications. The key differences between the two occupations are the individual’s education and scope of work.

Interior decorators are the people you call when you want to make your home look beautiful. They arrange furniture, color schemes, fabrics and decorative elements to create visually pleasing environments. They work with existing architectural features and layouts to create a space that reflects your personal style.

Interior designers have a broader scope of work than interior decorators. They consider not only the aesthetics of a room but also the functional and structural elements of the space. This includes space planning, layout design specifying materials, coordinating with architects and contractors and, on occasion, ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations.

The most important thing to do before you hire an interior designer is to understand your scope and budget. Make a list of everything you want for your space and take time to prioritize your list of needs and wants. Try to narrow down your taste as well. Many styles can look good in a space, but they often don’t look good together.

In general, the more time you spend narrowing things down beforehand, the less time a designer has to spend narrowing it down for you. Narrowing down your taste can also help you find designers that suit your style as well as your budget. Although most designers can work in various styles, you’ll find that everyone has their niche.

A great resource is social media as many designers now have Pinterest boards and Instagram accounts that can give you a good sense of their portfolio.

The most important part of hiring a designer is finding someone who matches your personality and communication style. You will likely spend a lot of time with this person. Make sure you feel comfortable around them and can communicate your desires and needs clearly.

Pros

For instance, the possibilities are endless when you decide to DIY your home’s design. Save money by designing your interior space to suit your needs and style preferences. In addition to being cost-effective, you can achieve a custom look in less time than it takes to book an appointment with a professional designer.

Hiring an interior designer has many advantages when designing your home. They have the experience and tools, but most importantly, they are trained in all aspects of interior style and design. If you have ever tried to do any home decorating on your own, you know there is much more than just picking out colors or items to put in your house. To achieve the look you want and ensure that every space is perfect for your lifestyle, it sometimes takes an experienced professional to help you through it.

Cons

Going the do-it-yourself route can be a good way to save money on interior design costs, but it’s not without its drawbacks. While you may save money, there is no guarantee that you’ll get professional results. Additionally, it can be difficult to effectively coordinate paint colors, furniture styles and home décor when doing it yourself.

There also can be many cons to hiring interior designers. When hiring an interior designer, consider the time they will take to complete the project and their quote/cost. You can also lose some control over your design if the designer is given free rein to make all decisions.

Most designers will require a deposit at the beginning of a project, typically 10% although with smaller projects it is sometimes higher. After that, you will pay the remainder in installments which are outlined in the contract and are usually based on project milestones. Keep in mind that designers will sometimes request a 50% payment upfront on all furniture purchases as well.

Having a knowledgeable professional to help you navigate the design process can make things less stressful and will often save you time and money. If you find that you are particularly indecisive, don’t have much time on your hands or are looking to undertake a large project, an interior designer can be well worth the added cost.