The value of hiring an interior designer
Stanley Ambercrombie, one of the most influential design writers of our time and the editor for Interior Design magazine said it best. "Art is worth paying for because, in these days of social discontent and random violence, in these days of homelessness, drugs, guns, and pandemic, when our urban environments are becoming gradually more brutalized, we increasingly need both physical and mental refuge from that brutalization. We need the solace of interiors that are not only intelligently functional but also intelligently artful. In these days more than ever, the art of interior design is worth paying for, because a heightened quality of life is worth paying for." I agree wholeheartedly.
I think the interior design industry has gotten a bad reputation over the years, where people have misconceptions about interior designers pushing their vision onto clients, only sourcing high-end furniture that cost tens of thousands of dollars, and unethical practices when that is not necessarily true. Not every designer is considered a “high-end” or luxury designer. Many designers specialize in different niches and work with budgets of all levels. It’s about finding the right interior designer for your project.
And interior design can be difficult to measure. A beautiful and functional space is intangible. It's not a physical object like an iPhone or a blouse that you can quantify. Therefore, it’s difficult to place value and the overall impact of interior design in terms of dollars unless people have been exposed to the industry and have experienced the transformation and how their lives have been positively impacted after a home remodel.
For many people, the fear and cost of hiring an interior designer outweigh not only the increased value of their home, but also the improved quality of life that comes as a result of that transformation. The real value is in the relationships, connections, and experiences an interior designer offers, what the designer can achieve for you, and how they can change and elevate your life for the better. That’s priceless.
Miss Alice Designs with a Client
Here are 20 positive benefits of hiring an interior designer that you may not have thought of.
1. Improve and elevate the quality of your life.
An interior designer can significantly improve and elevate the quality of your life by creating functional, comfortable, and beautiful spaces that positively impact your physical and mental well-being. It’s the joy you feel when you walk into your newly remodeled kitchen or the calm and relaxation you feel when you step into your new bathroom sanctuary. A well-designed space helps reduce stress and anxiety, promotes rest and rejuvenation, inspires and motivates you to become your best self, enhances productivity, and fosters a sense of comfort and belonging.
2. Professional knowledge, skill, and expertise.
An interior designer doesn't simply pick out colors or arrange furniture. They bring many skills to table. They have a deep understanding of design principles, spatial planning, code requirements and environmental regulations, color theory, and the ability to manage projects and communicate effectively with everyone involved on the project. They have the background, knowledge, and expertise to pull a design together into a personalized, thoughtfully curated, and cohesive vision that reflects your tastes. A good interior designer continues their education in order to stay up to date with new materials, technologies, and trends.
3. Help identify and clarify your design vision.
An interior designer can help you identify your project and clarify your design vision especially if you have no idea where to begin or if you're feeling overwhelmed. A designer can guide you in articulating your ideas and preferences. He or she can interpret your lifestyle, tastes, and functional needs into a cohesive design plan that reflects your unique style and makes your space work better for you. They can help you gain clarity on your vision. If your vision is too large to undertake at one time, your designer will work with you to break your project into phases that are manageable for your budget and your well-being.
4. Offer insight regarding a realistic timeline and budget.
An interior designer can help you navigate the process of transforming your home. A large part of a designer’s role is to manage clients’ expectations and help them understand not only the entire process, but what a realistic budget and timeline for your project is. He or she will provide guidance regarding what you should allocate your budget for, from high priority to low priority. In addition, each component has to come together at the right time, so the process cannot be rushed. Great design takes time, and the amount of money you’re about to invest in your home deserves some extra attention to detail, quality, and patience.
5. Create a design plan you are excited about.
Once the scope of work has been determined, your designer will gather information about your tastes, needs, and lifestyle and get to work. The goal of an interior designer is to create a well-designed concept, vision, and plans that will solve your problem, is both beautiful and functional, and truly define what home means to you. Most of all, it's about the collaboration between both the client and designer, involving the client throughout the design journey, from initial concept to final execution. It should be a fun and educational experience.
6. Come up with fresh, unexpected ideas you haven’t thought of.
Sometimes we are used to seeing things as they have always been, so it can be hard to picture anything different. One of the key benefits of hiring an interior designer is their ability to think outside of the box - bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas that you might not have thought of on your own to a project. They can see potential and solutions that you might overlook. Staying true to your style is vital in the overall plan, but a little nudge or a small push slightly outside your comfort zone is a positive thing and can be very rewarding.
7. Guide you to making the right design decisions.
You’ll be faced with a lot of decision-making, more than you can imagine, from finishes to hardware, grout, cabinetry, patterns, to placement of items, and much more. It can be stressful and overwhelming when you are faced with hundreds of decisions. An interior designer acts as a guide, helping you make informed decisions for your family that align with your vision and needs for a space. Having a guide greatly reduces your physical, emotional, and mental load so you can focus on what matters most.
8. Source and purchase all materials (procurement)
A full-service interior designer plays a crucial role in sourcing and purchasing materials for a project and managing the procurement process efficiently. He or she will specify each and every item in the approved designs for your sign-off. They leverage their industry knowledge and trade relationships to find the best options for your project. One change, such as a different chair or wall color, can affect the entire design. An interior designer will source everything from custom pieces to in-stock to off-the-shelf items. They also assume the responsibility of placing all orders on your behalf and tracking the status of all open orders.
9. Inspect delivered items.
In addition to sourcing and purchasing materials, a full-service designer will coordinate delivery of all materials, taking special care of quality control and preventing potential issues before they reach you. Your designer will carefully examine every delivered item for damage and discrepancies, ensuring it matches the specifications of each piece. If it is not in perfect condition or up to standard, they coordinate a replacement with the vendor, arrange for the item to be shipped back to the vendor, and come up with a resolution that works for all parties involved if a replacement is not possible.
10. Deal with damaged goods.
No project is perfect, but sometimes there are situations that come up when furniture and materials arrive damaged, or accidents occur during installation. Whether an item is missing, incorrect, or damaged, your designer can handle order discrepancies and problems for you. Acting as the point-person, they will contact the appropriate vendor to initiate a resolution to the problem by coordinating replacements, arranging for pickup of old items, and more, saving you the headache and time spent going back and forth between the vendors. Managing the entire procurement process from start to finish saves you a lot of time, energy, and stress, so you can continue living your life with peace of mind.
11. Team of reliable tradespeople and vendors.
An interior designer has a dependable team of professionals whom they know and trust, leading to a smoother project execution. They have built and nurtured this team over time through years of experience to deliver exceptional results. An interior designer knows which trade professional understands the value of a material, how to properly install it, and if it requires any special preparation and finishing. They can also advise as to how much material is needed to complete the job. This team of professionals covers artisans, craftsmen, suppliers, and vendors for furniture, millwork, fabrics, flooring, lighting, and workrooms for window treatments, and much more.
12. Troubleshoot and solve design problems.
In my opinion, a design project is mostly 10% percent design and 90% execution of that design. Problem-solving is a huge part of an interior designer's job, from space planning to functionality, materials, and construction. There will most likely be unforeseen events that will occur, as no project is perfect. Account for physical site conditions like unstable soil, changes in regulations, supply chain disruptions, unexpected structural issues, or human errors. Keep in mind that some occurrences are beyond anyone's control, such as bad weather, manufacturing schedules, damages, etc. Your designer should be able to troubleshoot well under pressure and work to resolve issues as quickly as possible, which works for all parties involved.
13. Project Management.
Project Management is a critical component of any design project. A full-service interior designer can provide project management through the meticulous planning, organization, scheduling, coordination, execution, and delivery of all aspects of the project, from initial concept to final completion, between all parties involved. The designer acts as the contact person for trades, deliveries, installations, and vendors, taking the burden and stress off you.
14. Construction Administration.
In addition to project management, a full-service interior designer plays a significant role in construction administration, particularly when it comes to overseeing the implementation of the approved design plan. Your designer acts as a quality control mechanism, regularly visiting the construction site to monitor progress, check the quality of work performed, identify potential problems, and solve any issues that come up. He or she acts as a liaison between you, the contractor, vendors, and trade professionals, ensuring the design vision is realized during the construction phase.
15. Keep the Client’s best interest in mind.
As a designer, keeping your best interest at the forefront of a project is crucial for building strong relationships, establishing trust, ensuring satisfaction, and achieving successful results. A good interior designer prioritizes your goals, experiences, and preferences - working within your budget and offering insight and guidance on where to best allocate resources for quality pieces like a sofa, while also identifying where more cost-effective options can be used, like a side table. Being transparent about the budget is crucial to avoid disappointment later, so it's important to speak up and be honest with your designer.
16. Access to trade-only resources not available to the public.
Some suppliers and vendors will only work with professionals in the trade, such as designers, architects, and contractors. Some of the many benefits of working with an interior designer who has access to trade-only resources include a wider range of quality materials, custom options, competitive pricing, exclusivity, and elevated customer service. Having access to pieces that are unique and one of a kind provides another element of personalized and bespoke aesthetic to your project.
17. Saves you time and money.
You only know what you know. An interior designer has not only gone through educational training, but also has years of experience and knows what to expect during a renovation project. A designer helps you not only avoid costly mistakes, but also optimize your budget and streamline the design process, saving you time and money in the long run. They also bring expertise and efficiency that can significantly reduce the time you spend on a project. While hiring a designer is an added expense, their expertise is truly worth the value.
18. Prevent costly mistakes.
There is no doubt that undergoing a home renovation is physically, emotionally, and financially draining. It can be overwhelming and stressful, but being patient throughout the process is key. An interior designer helps prevent common pitfalls, whether it's purchasing furniture that is the wrong scale, picking the wrong rug size, choosing the wrong paint color, or selecting materials that don't last, and much more. In my experience, costly mistakes result from clients trying to rush the design and construction process, delayed decision-making, constantly changing minds, and making purchases outside the approved design plan. It's important to be honest with your designer and patient.
19. Finishing touches that truly elevate your space.
The finishing touches are the last layer that transforms a well-designed space into a beautiful and functional home that reflects everything about you. This involves selecting and arranging decorative elements like art, accessories, textiles, and greenery to elevate the space and create a cohesive, personalized look. An interior designer makes sure every last detail has been carefully considered and nothing has been overlooked.
20. Offers an experience that can transform your life.
An interior designer offers an experience that can genuinely transform your life by creating spaces specifically tailored to your needs and preferences. Their goal is to guide and support you in every aspect of your project from start to finish to achieve your vision - your dream home, while making it a positive and fun experience for you. A designer understands the investment of time, money, and energy that you are making in your home, so they strive hard to create spaces that not only looks beautiful and functional, but more importantly, enhances your quality of life. For me, a home is not just a physical refuge where we reside, but also the feeling of safety, comfort, and love that we cultivate within our physical space and also within ourselves.
If you want a designer’s expertise to help guide you in transforming your space and are ready to jump in with your design project, please contact me for a 30-minute discovery call. To schedule your call, click here.
