Interior design is an art and a science, and the best designers work directly with you to find out your preferences and elevate them through design. Whether you’re looking to design your home a fresh, or want to hire someone to establish your business’s interiors, there are a few simple things you can look out for to find the perfect interior designer for you.

Become aware of how they’ll work financially

Although it’s not the sexiest part of the interior design process, a designer’s approach to finance can be a make or break. Sometimes designers work on an hourly basis, and sometimes they prefer to collect a flat fee for a project. Discuss with them their fee structure and hire a designer whose financial plan works for you.

As well as this cost, which covers the work of the designer, you’ll also have to pay for the furniture, decor and supplies they use throughout the process. Find a designer whose preferred price points sit comfortably within your budget and they’ll design you a room that doesn’t break the bank.

What services do they offer?

Depending on the scope of your project, you may require more or less services. It’s essential to find someone who is able to do the whole job.

If you are renovating your whole home, secure an interior designer who is able to work as a project manager and liaise with contractors for you. They should have skills in architectural drawing and the technical side of things, proving themselves an asset to your project.

If you’re just looking to update a room, consider a designer excels at producing great design concepts. They’ll take into account your preferences and create a finished product you’ll love to live in. A person may have completed masters of project management could also help you to deliver your work on time and help to reduce the cost.

What have they done in the past?

The surest way to determine if a designer’s style will work with yours is to see examples of their past work. Browse their website or ask if you can see a portfolio of past clients. If the photos they present don’t quite match your style, don’t despair; it doesn’t matter so much about colour palettes and such. It matters more that the designer can follow technical guidelines and create rooms that come to life.

Do they specialise in the area you’re looking for?

Some interior designers only work with commercial projects, which means they won’t be well suited to a home design. However, if you’re looking to update your retail or office presence, such a designer would be the perfect asset for you. It’s all about finding the right designer who will suit your needs to a tee.

Understand your own style

You most likely know what you like when it comes to interior design – or at least, know the styles you gravitate towards. But do you understand why you like them? Being able to articulate what it is you like about a particular style means that the designer you hire can make suggestions that you might not have thought of yourself. If they know the why and not just the what, they can create designs for you that really speak to your core interests.

There is a number of things to consider when hiring an interior designer. Although it’s an artform on the surface, there’s a science to determining which designer will best fit your needs and tastes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, Fairhaven Homes recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and that you seek independent legal, financial, and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.