Have you ever thought about working with an interior designer? Were you put off thinking that it was going to be too expensive or that your home was not grand enough to warrant such attention?
I get it.
Before becoming a designer, I had many of the same reservations and had to learn from my mistakes – the hard way. Today, with the right education, knowledge, experience, and connections, I help people – just like you – create the look they’ve always dreamed of having and design the living experience they’ve always desired.It’s time to dispel the misconceptions about what it’s like to work with an interior designer.
Going at it alone is not easy to do successfully – or is it necessarily the cheaper option, leading to the best results. It’s a big undertaking that involves a huge amount of time, a lot of stress, and tons of decisions. Here’s what you need to know, so that you can make the best decision for your project.
Myth No. 1: An interior designer is too expensive
This is probably the most common assumption that people have about interior designers, and it keeps many from seeking out our help in the first place. But what would you say if I told you that smart homeowners hire interior designers to SAVE money?
By working with an interior designer, you’ll make more savvy, informed decisions and purchases, and avoid falling prey to salespeople with limited design expertise, whose primary concern is to promote and sell their goods.
I always focus on helping my clients to see the bigger picture in their design project, and not to get too caught up with a specific detail or purchase.
It’s always about how all the individual items come together as a whole. I try to maximize the budget by knowing where to save and where to splurge. With a specific design plan and vision, I help you avoid the mistakes that inevitably happen with DIY design.
With extensive trade resources and a network of contacts, you’ll get the best choices and work with trustworthy individuals. The costs of going at it alone can often exceed the cost of hiring a professional, and the results are worth the investment.
Myth No. 2: My home or project is too small and not worthy
EVERY home deserves to shine. I give each client the same undivided attention and approach every project with the same enthusiasm, regardless of size or where it’s located. Working with a designer should perhaps feel special and exclusive but SHOULD NOT BE exclusive, only available to a certain type of person. It is always an honor to work on a client’s home, whether that be a small room in the basement or the entire house.
Myth No. 3: An interior designer will dictate their own style
A common misconception is that the designer will call all the shots, causing you to lose control over the design of your home.
It’s your home and the perfect design scheme should be one where your personality is expressed, your lifestyle is respected, and one which excites you and leaves you eager to experience it.
Good communication is at the core of my design process. Above all else, listening to and understanding a client’s wishes are vital to being able to execute a design that will resonate with them.
I like to work as a team, insisting on a collaborative relationship every step of the way. I enjoy how each client leads me in a different design direction because each client is unique, and I love to embrace their individuality in my designs.
Myth No. 4: An interior designer will replace every piece of furniture for the sake of it
Many people believe that interior designers are very “salesy” and like to make you buy everything that’s new – including items you don’t really need, resulting in higher expenditures and leaving you with a feeling of overwhelm.
I provide a comprehensive design plan that ensures that the right purchases are made. Because every item has a part to play in the design scheme. If it isn’t necessary or doesn’t enhance the design scheme, then why bother having it?
I love to incorporate a client’s treasured pieces whenever possible. It always helps to make a space feel that much more special and tells the story of who they are.
There are however times when the cost involved in refurbishing an older piece outweighs the benefit it provides. I will always be honest about what’s involved and help you to make the right decision for your space and family.
Myth No 5: I don’t need an interior designer…I can do it myself
I’d like to set the record straight. DIY decorating often results in unnecessary purchases that are meant to correct that “something’s missing” feeling often experienced on completion of a project. But trust me: Buying more does not resolve core design miscalculations.
While you can do it yourself, it’s important to understand that your home is one of your biggest assets. Working with a designer helps to protect your investment and enhance its value, in addition to delivering fabulous results.
With the rise of HGTV, Instagram, and Pinterest, homeowners feel more empowered than ever to undertake their own home renovation and decoration projects. The perception is that interior design looks easy and will be fun.
The social media merry-go-round is brilliant at selling the perfect design look but doesn’t teach you the skills to achieve it. The reality is that it takes skill, experience, planning, technical knowledge, and strong vendor relationships to ensure a successful outcome.
Although many people have a little bit of “designer” in them, it is important to remember that good taste does not transcend knowledge and design experience. Design mistakes are costly. My advice is to do it once – but do it right!
Nothing makes me happier than helping clients live beautifully and seeing them find enjoyment in their homes. My greatest strength is my ability to connect with different people, to really listen to them and deliver exceptional service that shows them how much I care.
I always strive to make the design process fun and as stress-free as possible. Whether you need a quick consultation, a small space makeover, or a whole home renovation, I am here to help you create the look you’ve always dreamed of having and design the living experience you’ve always desired.
Ready to get started? Don’t hesitate to email me or you can book a complimentary discovery call on my website to begin our design journey together. Let’s bring your design dreams to life!