A little while ago I received feedback from a client that got me thinking. They said “Ricci brought ideas to the table that we had never thought of and she delivered a completely finished room that is both functional and beautiful.” It got me thinking: “Why do people hire designers?” Honestly, this client’s comment summed it up pretty well. When you are approaching your home design you may wish to forego the luxury service of an interior designer. Whether that‘s because of budget or other reasons, I want to talk a bit about why and how investing in an interior designer is worth your time and money.
8 Reasons to Invest in an Interior Design Professional
1) Project Management.
No matter how small your project, there are dozens, or sometimes hundreds, of details. Every aspect of the design, from the initial decisions to the coordination of contractors, demands your time and attention. For some, this project management adds a ton of stress, while others may not mind so much. But everyone has busy schedules that can delay projects for months and months.
An interior designer takes all of that off your hands and becomes the project manager of the whole process.
2) Stress-free Process From Start to Finish.
As your project manager, the interior designer is instrumental in ensuring your project goes smoothly and with relatively little stress to you. Any small bumps, issues, or hassles are handled completely by the designer.
3) Complete Focus on Your Home.
One of the primary reasons any professional is hired for a job is because that is what they do. What I mean is, you have your job, family, friends, and other interests that you want to focus on. While a designer’s job, every single day, is your project. Their 9 to 5 is working on your home to ensure that it is both functional and beautiful. This means that your focus can be on other things and your home project can still be completed!
4) Experience.
Another reason to hire a professional is because they have experience. This is, after all, what they do every day. A mysterious plumbing problem to us is a plumber’s average Tuesday. For designers, questions of proportion, scale, color, balance, and more are all just part of the job. Designers can quickly spot what needs to change and how to optimize a space because that is what they specialize in.
5) Resources.
One thing nearly every client loves doing is flipping through the fabric sample books. And I honestly can’t blame them! The great thing about a designer is the wealth of resources that comes with them. Custom options, trade discounts, vendor-only options, behind-the-curtain knowledge, and so much more is at your disposal when you hire a designer.
6) Network.
Similar to the wealth of knowledge is the catalogue of professionals. Hiring contractors can be tricky. You want someone you can trust, but how do you know until they’re in your home? Hiring the designer means, to some extent, hiring their network and team of professionals they’ve already vetted and worked with. This doesn’t mean you can’t hire a contractor you already know and love, but for services you’ve never hired for before, an interior designer’s network is invaluable.
7) Collaboration.
Designers help you shape your vision as your design partner by your side. Ultimately, this saves you time and design missteps. For me, collaboration is the value I offer clients because, no matter how much expertise I bring, you are the ultimate expert in your home and style. Together, we create the home atmosphere you desire and need in order to live your best life.
8) We’re Here Through It All.
There is a designer for every project, large and small. From someone just starting out, to more experienced homeowners looking to finally get that last room decorated. Most designers are versatile and more than able to walk you through the process of designing your whole home. There are also designers who specialize in certain areas: for example kitchen and bath only, sustainable design, residential, commercial biophilic design, modern, classic, etc. Finding a designer who suits your needs perfectly may take a little research but is possible!
Interior design really is an investment, but it’s well worth it. A designer is a professional who can offer you lots of help in every aspect of your project. For me, I believe that the heart of a home is found in the personal touches —whether it’s a nod to your culture or a cherished item with a story. I enjoy incorporating meaningful and thoughtful elements into each design plan. That’s why I am passionate about collaborative design and bringing the best resources and advice to the table for every client.
