Dos and Don’ts of hiring an interior designer
Hiring an interior designer can be a big step towards creating the home of your dreams, but the process can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure about what to expect. To help ensure everything goes smoothly, here’s a handy guide with some essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind when working with a designer. (We’d also recommend checking out our fool-proof guide to the interior design process if you’re still feeling unsure!)
Do Provide a Floor Plan as Early as Possible
Providing a floor plan early on can save a lot of time and effort later in the process. If your project involves basic interior design or decoration with no structural changes, a simple estate agent's plan or even a hand-drawn sketch with some measurements will work fine in the early stages. However, if structural changes are involved, it’s important to bring in an architect to produce accurate plans before moving forward with your interior designer.
Rendered floor plan of our Ealing project
Do Be Clear with Your Budget
Being upfront about your budget is crucial for ensuring your designer can create a plan that works within your financial constraints. Having a clear understanding of what you're willing to spend will help your designer provide you with options that match your expectations and avoid any surprises later on.
Do Create Pinterest Boards and Pinpoint Concept Images
Pinterest is an excellent tool for expressing your design preferences. Creating boards with images you love and pointing out specific elements you enjoy (whether it’s colour schemes, furniture styles, or layout ideas) will help your designer get a sense of your taste and vision. Don’t be afraid to share these visuals early on!
Do Give Us as Much Information as Possible About Your Lifestyle
Every home is unique, and your designer will need as much detail as possible to create a space that suits your needs. Share information about how you use your space, whether you need areas for entertaining, a quiet retreat, or a family-friendly design. The more information you provide, the better the final result will be.
Do Visit Showrooms to Test Out Furniture
While online browsing can be helpful, there’s no substitute for seeing and testing furniture in person. Visit showrooms to get a real sense of the pieces you’re considering. This will allow you to touch and feel the materials, sit on the sofas, and experience the furniture in a way that images alone can’t provide.
Do Enjoy the Process
Interior design projects can sometimes be stressful, but they should also be an exciting and rewarding experience. Trust your designer and enjoy the journey of creating your dream home. With the right team, the process can run smoothly, and the end result will be well worth the effort!
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Interior design is a specialised field, and there’s a lot to learn. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something doesn’t make sense to you. A good designer will be happy to explain the details, and there are no “stupid” questions—understanding the process is key to making informed decisions.
Don’t Rush Decisions
Making good design choices takes careful consideration, so take your time making decisions. Rushed decisions can lead to regrets later on, and you don’t want to make a change that affects the entire design. As long as you communicate with your designer, taking a few extra days to mull over an important decision shouldn’t have a detrimental effect on the overall project timeline. If you’re unsure, it’s better to take that time to weigh up your options than to rush into something you might not be happy with.
Don’t Disregard a Designer Because Their Portfolio is Small
A designer’s portfolio may be small for many reasons, and it doesn’t necessarily mean they lack experience. Many newer designers have worked for established firms, and the work they’ve done under other names might not be included in their own portfolio. So, don’t discount emerging designers—they often bring fresh ideas and may offer more affordable services while still delivering excellent results.
Shameless plug here: Owl & Vine are one of those emerging designers, who, despite having a decade of experience under our belts, may not immediately appeal to potential clients because of our relatively modest portfolio. Give us a chance to prove that fresh, newly established design studios can produce a product just as beautiful as our more established competitors—and likely at a fraction of the price!
By keeping these dos and don’ts in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful collaboration with your interior designer. Remember, the more you communicate and the more involved you are in the process, the more likely you are to achieve a design that perfectly suits your needs and style. So, whether you’re revamping a single room or undertaking a full-scale renovation, follow these tips for a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Your dream home is just around the corner!
