As a homeowner, hiring a designer can be a great way to elevate the look and feel of your space. However, before you even reach out to one, there are a few things you should consider to ensure you get the most out of the experience.
#1: BUDGET
Before you start the design process, it's important to allocate a budget for your project. It doesn’t matter at this point if you don’t know how much things cost. What you need to be clear on is how much YOU are willing to spend. What is the absolute maximum budget you’re able to allocate to this project overall? This will help you and your designer make choices that are in line with your financial goals right from the beginning. Being open and honest with your designer will allow them to provide you options that are realistic for you.
#2: STYLE
Take some time to think about what style you want to achieve in your space. Consider your personal taste, the architecture of your home, and any existing furniture or decor that you want to keep. Sharing your design ideas and inspiration with your designer will help them understand your vision and create a cohesive design plan. Again, it does not matter if you're not sure how to describe your design preferences, you can still express them visually. Collect photos of spaces that are beautiful to you. Start to notice what colours you prefer to have around you. What textures do you like or dislike? Do you prefer specific patterns? Geometric over floral, maybe? This allows the designers to nail down your design style early on in the process. Eliminating the need for revisions will save you on additional design fees.
#3: TIMELINE
Determine how much time you have to complete the project. Do you have a specific event or deadline in mind? Make sure to communicate this with your designer so they can plan accordingly and work within your desired timeline. With that said, you should still be realistic with your expectations and always allow a buffer for unexpected delays.
#4: FUNCTIONALITY
Consider how you use your space and what activities take place there. This will help your designer create a functional design that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you have young children or pets, your designer may suggest specific durable fabrics or materials to withstand more wear and tear. If you're renovating your kitchen, your designer may suggest changing the existing layout to increase counter space or offer room for better traffic around your appliances.
#5: COMMUNICATION
Think about how you expect to be communicating with your designer. Are you looking for someone to take care of the project for you and update you when necessary? Or are you looking to be a lot more involved? Before hiring a designer, make sure you feel comfortable communicating with them. Ask about their process, how often you can expect updates, and how they handle any issues that may arise. A good designer will listen to your needs and concerns and keep you informed every step of the way.
By deciding on these five things before even reaching out to a designer, you’ll be able to quickly find the right one for your specific needs. And this is how you’ll create a successful partnership and achieve the design of your dreams. If you’re curious to find out more about how we can take care of your project check out our blog on How We Work: Our Streamlined Process.