Making The Most Of Your Smart Decision To Hire An Interior Designer

So you've decided to hire an Interior Designer-good move! Now what? Before you start planning your "reveal" party, you'll need a basic understanding about the process to ensure that you get the most design for your dollar and that you have a fun and fabulous experience, no matter what type of project is ahead of you.

You'll need to learn the basics of choosing the right design professionals, establishing a budget, outlining the details of the contract, considering your lifestyle and communicating your challenges.

Choosing the Right Designer: Beyond the Portfolio

Professionally trained Interior Designers have undergone extensive training in the various elements of modern and historical design, art and architecture. They have a basic foundation of knowledge that allows them to develop concepts in a variety of styles that range from traditional, contemporary, art deco, eclectic-or a combination of several styles.

That being said, not every designer's talent is right for every project. For yours, you'll want to choose someone whose portfolio "speaks" to you in a positive way. As with every profession, designers tend to develop personal styles that carry over into their projects. It could be the sense of clarity and order you see in the furniture arrangements, or maybe it's a color palette that's used in a unique way. It could be the modern touches worked seamlessly into a roomful of antiques, or the interesting textures of the fabrics.

Referrals are the best way to find a designer, so if the home of a friend or colleague appeals to you, by all means ask them for the designer's number! You can also visit Web sites to get a better feel for the designer's talent and personal style. Expect to spend a bit of time on the phone discussing your project with the designer and/or completing a questionnaire that will give them a better feel for your tastes and your project prior to the kickoff meeting.

You're looking for someone you instantly trust and respect, who communicates excitement about your project, no matter how big or small, and who trusts and respects you as well. After all, this person is transforming your most sacred and cherished space!

Establishing a Realistic Budget

Everyone has a budget, so don't feel bad about setting yours in stone?or tile, or brick. No matter what the amount, your designer should help you get the best value and the highest quality possible. Be wary of anyone that summarily dismisses your grand ideas based on budget alone: A first-rate designer will work hard to achieve your key design goals, perhaps by spreading the job out over time or suggesting alternative solutions for your project.

A great benefit of using a professional designer is that she has access to materials unavailable to the general public, so no matter what your budget, your home will feel unique and very "you."

Your designer will also manage the entire process, whether it involves space planning, lighting design, purchasing, ordering, selecting finishes or monitoring the construction and installation of the project elements.

Outlining Terms of the Contract

Make sure you read and sign an official contract before any money exchanges hands or work begins. In addition to the legal aspects, a contract summarizes the plans you've been discussing such as your budget, design fees, accountability regarding subcontractors (painters, carpet layers, etc.).

You've selected the designers and signed the contract ? now comes the fun part!

Considering Your Lifestyle

Your home environment should complement and support the way you and your family really live ? or really want to live. For example, if you're starting a home-based business, you might turn your cluttered garage into a functional office. If your spouse loves to cook, you might knock down a wall so the under-used formal dining room becomes part of the kitchen. Many families make the mistake of letting the layout of the home dictate their activities vs. reorganizing the space to embrace their lifestyles.

To ensure that your designer understands how you live now and how you want to live, share as many details with her as you can. Also share your personal tastes so she can incorporate them into the designs. If you hate plaid, tell her now, before she gets too deep into the first draft.

To help you better prepare yourself, answer these questions before you have your first meeting with the designer:

• Are you a creative person? In what ways does your home limit your creativity or your hobbies?

• Do you like the present color palette? Does it need updating?

• Are they any rooms that feel cramped or stuffy? Any rooms that feel empty, cold or unwelcoming?

• Is adequate, well-organized storage a problem? Can you find things when you need them?

• Are your bathrooms functional, pleasing spaces? Do you or family members have special needs (e.g. grab bars, easy-entrance shower stalls, etc.)?

• As you walk through your rooms, jot down your favorite qualities about each. Do you like the proportions? Is there adequate ventilation and lighting throughout your house?

• Are there any rooms that you don't use regularly? Could any of these rooms be used for more than one function? Could any of these rooms be used for a completely different function?

• Does your home balance open space and private areas?

• Does the entryway do its job of setting the stage for the rest of your home by welcoming guests and making a statement about the people who live there? If you normally come into your home through the garage, does that area welcome you?

Focus on Your Challenges

A designer works best when you share your "wish list," express your ideas, and then keep an open mind. That means communicating how you want to live in the space and then entrusting the designer to make it happen. After all, you hired this person for her experience, talent and vision!

For example, one homeowner hired a designer to help her reorganize her tiny office so she could be more productive. Instead, the designer suggested that she move her entire operation downstairs, into the den she used once every two months to watch movies. She did, tripling her space and doubling her productivity in just three months.

Contrary to TV, where designers admonish clients for questioning their plans, real-life designers understand that you're the person who ultimately needs to love the space. They want you to be happy and want you to give your input so you're absolutely thrilled with the results (and so you'll recommend them to your friends)! That's why they do so much probing upfront about your tastes and how you live, then incrementally present their ideas throughout the process.

Hiring a designer is like giving a gift to yourself! You made the smart decision to hire an Interior Designer, you've been smart about the planning process, and now you can rest assured that the time, money and energy you spend returns truly smart, stunning results!

About The Author

Karen Trubner-Kent
LLK Interior Design
The principals of LLK Interior Design (www.LLKInteriorDesign.com) have been creating beautiful, practical spaces for corporate and residential clients around the Puget Sound for a combined total of 16 years. Services include space planning, custom design, model home design, kitchen and bath design and residential lighting. Later this year they will appear in an episode of HGTV's wildly popular show "Designers' Challenge." In addition, LLK Interior Design participated in "Meet the Designer" at the Seattle Interiors Show in October 2003. The principals of the firm are members of the American Society of Interior Designers, the Master Builders Association and Built Green. LLK Interior Design's studio is located in downtown Bellevue, Washington, where they hold client appointments and monthly interactive Design 101 classes.

info@llkinteriordesign.com

---

Better Links Directory

Oriental Area Rugs - Know Before You Buy an Oriental Rug

Did you know that you can usually tell the country... Read More

What a Five-year-old Taught Me About Decorating

My 5-year-old grandson is getting his own room. He's very... Read More

Magic Carpet Ride?

There are hundreds of choices carpet choices out there! How... Read More

Jazz Up Your Room With Folding Screen Room Dividers

Using a room divider or folding screen can be a... Read More

Preserved Flower Candles

Putting flowers in your candle will add a unique look,... Read More

Finding a Bamboo Flooring Supplier

Bamboo, a type of grass that grows all over China... Read More

Creating Positive Environments for Home and Office

From the office cubicle to the executive penthouse suite and... Read More

Seven Ways to Emphasize a Decor Style

After searching decorating books, using trial and error decorating, and... Read More

How to Buy Discount Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is a relatively new alternative to standard hardwood... Read More

Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look

Open Windows ? Curtains fluttering from a warm breeze ?... Read More

Tiffany Lamps - A Timeless Treasure

Among the varied accomplishments of it's inventor, the lamp was... Read More

Go Vintage When Decorating Your Hearth

With the weather cooling, it's time to put on the... Read More

Ceiling Fans: Past and Present

Philip Diehl first invented the ceiling fan in 1882, around... Read More

Create the Right Splash With Bathroom Accessories

When decorating your bathroom, it is important to choose practical... Read More

An Introduction to Massage Chairs

A comfortable recliner is the prime parking spot for many-a-man.... Read More

Newest Craze in Decorating is Silk Flowers in Acrylic Water

They look so lifelike, that time and time again people... Read More

Beautiful Lighting Tips 101 - A Crash Course in Lighting Design

Many people cannot immediately identify why they may like or... Read More

Summer Decorating Tips To Cool You

Redesigning your home for summer gives you the opportunity to... Read More

Bollywood Boudoir... On A Budget

"Bollywood" is the next really big thing in interior decor.... Read More

Beach Theme Bedroom

Using accessories is a fun way to accent your bedroom... Read More

Contemporary Grandfather Clocks

The name "grandfather clock" instantly conjures up images of a... Read More

The Benefits of Exterior Shutters

When you see a house for the first time, one... Read More

Turning Your Childs Room into a Mysterious Jungle

(When designing a child's room, you want to create an... Read More

Why Silk Plants Instead Of The Real Thing?

Should I buy silk plants and flowers for my home... Read More

Update Your Home Decor Using Colorful Rugs

Retro, checks, black and white...looks like MOD is back. A... Read More