How do I choose the right designer for me?
Welcome back!
This month’s blog post is all about helping you find the right interior designer for your project! Before we get into the body of this conversation, I just want to put a disclaimer out there that you won’t be compatible with all designers. There are so many factors that come into play when choosing a designer. Here are some of the most important variables that we will discuss in this blog:
Style: Aesthetics + Functionality
Personality: Communication styles + Character quirks
Price: Project budget + Designer fees
Style: Aesthetics + Functionality
Aesthetics is the appreciation of beauty. Functionality is serving a purpose. Combining these two allows you to get the look you want, which ultimately influences how you feel, while also serving the purpose that best fits your lifestyle. These are two of the most important factors, outside of actually being qualified to do the job, that a designer’s style should have on you.
I’ll post some photos of my work below, and I want you to take note of how it makes you feel. What are your likes and dislikes? Can you envision yourself in the spaces I create?
Kitchen - New Construction (see Fair Park in portfolio for more)
Principal Bedroom - Redesign (see Sukay Project for more)
Principal Bathroom - Renovation (see Castle Project for more)
If you answer yes to all of these questions, then you are on your way to deciding in your favor. If you answer no, then simply find the work of a designer who you can answer yes to. The yes will lead you to decide on their personality.
Personality: Communication styles + Character quirks
We all have different personalities and characteristics. As a designer, I can confidently say that no two clients are alike in style or personality. Designers are the same. There are no carbon copies. You will need to invest a little time in getting to know the designer you want to work with. One of the best ways to do this is by following them on social media, signing up for their blog, and even taking that first step and scheduling a Discovery Call.
Social media is just a part of the world that we live in today. Platforms like instagram, twitter, and Facebook allow us to see what that profiler allows us to see. If it’s a profile of an interior designer, or their design firm, you should be able to clearly see what they offer. There should be some post telling you about themselves, with a photo or video. Do they look like someone you could see yourself working with? How about the way they speak in their videos, does that attract you? Do they seem to know what they are talking about? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then they check two of the three boxes you are looking to fill. Don’t forget to check various sites for reviews of that designer. What are former clients saying about them? Answers to these questions should get you closer to a choice, and price, our next topic will help to finalize your decision.
Price: Project budget + Designer fees
Investment amounts for interior design projects are often misjudged. Clients often don’t realize how much a certain project will cost, unless they are accustomed to actively renovating spaces. It would be helpful to the designer you are considering to have a budget cost in mind. For example, if you are renovating your principal bathroom and want to spend $25K, the designer should be able to tell you how realistic that is based on the specification of aesthetic and function you want for the space. Does the designer you like work with project budgets under $30K? Do they take on one room projects? Do they take on projects in the city you live in? If the answer is yes to these questions, then you might have just found a winner.
Designer fees are not the same as budget costs. These fees are also outside of any material and labor costs. It is a fee for services rendered. We source, manage (projects and people and product), coordinate, order, receive, inspect, and install. There are even more verbs to describe what we do than just those mentioned. We bring value to every project. Is the designer that you are wanting to work with at affordable rate for you? Can you afford to do multiple rooms at once? Do you think they are worth their fees? If you answered no, consider selecting a different person of interest. If you have answered yes to all of these questions, you have found the right designer for you!
I hope this information has been helpful. If you have any additional topics that you’d like to discuss, please let me know in the comments below.
I’d love for you to join me over on social media. You can find all of my handles below:
Instagram: @brittanylyonsinteriors_
Facebook: Brittany Lyons Interiors
Pinterest: Brittany Lyons Interiors
Until next time…xoxo,
Brittany