Behind the Curtains: What Interior Designers Really Do and How to Find Your Perfect Match
So, you're thinking about either trying your hand at some do-it-yourself interior design or bringing in an interior designer. Let's be honest, we've all gotten lost in the world of Pinterest and believed that we could do it all ourselves. However, before you grab those paintbrushes, there's more to those amazing room pictures than meets the eye.
This is where the interior designer comes in – the unsung hero behind those envy-inducing spaces.
Let's take a closer look at why these design experts are the real MVPs of the interior décor world and how to find the perfect one for you!
So, What does
an interior designer do?
In the realm of interior design, I see myself as your personal guide, trendsetter, and overall coordinator for your living space. An interior designer isn't just a decorator but a professional with a wealth of expertise.
They breathe life into your space by creating a harmonious, functional, and uniquely tailored environment, always considering your preferences and needs. Their expertise lies in optimizing space and strategically arranging furniture and decor to perfect flow and functionality. Additionally, interior designers possess an innate ability to harmonize colors, curating a palette that captures your individuality and adds vibrancy to your space. They also offer invaluable assistance in choosing furniture that aligns with your style, budget, and spatial requirements. Proficient in lighting design, they skillfully balance natural and artificial light, ensuring your home is illuminated to perfection. Furthermore, they have a keen eye for curating decor accessories, such as rugs and artwork, that add the final touches to elevate your space. Above all, interior designers excel in project management, orchestrating seamless coordination with contractors and suppliers to bring your vision to life.
That said, different designers offer various services, and the best one for you depends on your project's scope. JKB Home Design provides three tailored services to meet your project needs: Full-Service Interior Design, Floor Plan & Furniture Installation, and Design Advice Consulting. For more information on each service, please click the links below.
The INvestment
The investment can vary widely based on the designer’s experience, the scope of the project, and your location. It can be quite personal to an individual’s brand, and there are many ways designers choose to charge; commonly, they charge an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the project cost. I won’t get into specifics here. What I will say is to make sure you are asking important questions about the overall costs at the beginning of your search for a designer and are planning accordingly for the financial piece of your project. There are TWO crucial pieces I want to emphasize - one is the design fees, and the other is the furniture investment. There is often confusion surrounding these two-line items that are often overlooked or misunderstood during the financial planning process.
At JKB Home Design, after our initial consultation, we offer a customized proposal that will outline all of the deliverables for the project, and we give what we call a Design Fee Estimate. This is precisely that, an estimate of how much the design fees will be to complete your project based on the agreed-upon scope of work. Although our firm operates on an hourly fee structure, we realize that clients want to know how much something is going to cost from the onset of the project. My aim is to ensure that the client is given an estimate of what they will be spending on the design of a project upfront - this is time spent designing, not constructing - this can be confusing to some clients, so we like to make sure we call it out at the beginning. Another area that can cause confusion is the cost of the furnishings or what we call the Furniture investment. One of the tools I find most beneficial is my furniture planning guide, which can provide you with an idea of how much you should set aside for your actual pieces of furniture. You can ACCESS IT HERE.
Choosing an Interior Designer
Finding the perfect interior designer is similar to finding a best friend. It's essential to find someone who understands your style and needs while also helping you make tough decisions. Take your time with this decision and start by exploring designer portfolios and browsing Instagram and Pinterest. If you come across a home design you love, ask the owner who they worked with. Check Google and Yelp reviews as well. Since this is a significant investment that will last for years, take your time and don't rush through the process.
When you've found a few designers you like, first schedule a Discovery Call. Most designers offer this for free and it allows you to chat with the designer, tell them about your project and hear a little bit about how they work. If it feels like a good fit, we recommend you schedule consultations. At JKB Home Design, our in-home consultations start with discussing your goals and vision for your design project in more detail. From there, we determine which service is best for your project and customize a proposal based on the scope of the project. The in-home consultation typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours and is the time to get to know each other. During these consultations, feel free to ask any questions you may have. This is the time to find the "click" moment and discover the perfect designer for you.
The Process
Collaborating with an interior designer is a process that begins with an initial consultation. At JKB Home Design, our process looks something like this. During the initial consultation, you'll share your design vision while the design team familiarizes themselves with your space and personal style. Following this, we will present a custom design proposal that aligns with the project and outlines the scope of work. Once the project begins, we create a Concept Design that includes mood boards, color palette, suggested floor plan and layout and initial investment. Sometimes we will include sketches or even 3D renderings to help convey the design ideas. If the initial concept doesn't align with your vision, revisions will be made. Upon approval of the concept, we move into what we call the Detailed Design Phase, where we develop the design even further and specify actual materials and products specific to the design as well as finalize the overall investment for the project. Once the design is finalized, we handle all the sourcing and shopping. The next phase involves the implementation, where we coordinate with contractors and suppliers to oversee the installation and setup. Finally, the big reveal! Your newly designed space is ready for you to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
As a final note, I want to emphasize the value of hiring an interior designer. While it may initially appear to be an indulgence, it's actually an investment in creating a home that is not only visually appealing but also functional and a true reflection of your personality. It's important to fully understand the profession, costs involved, and processes, as well as to find the right designer who aligns with your specific needs and vision in order to achieve your dream home. If you're ready to transform your living space from ordinary to extraordinary, it might be time to enlist the expertise of professionals.
If you have any lingering questions or if you're eager to kickstart a design project, don't hesitate to REACH OUT.
