The 4 Most Important Questions to Ask When Hiring an Interior Designer

Selecting the right interior designer for your new home can seem challenging at first, and you might even start to wonder whether you should hire an interior designer in the first place! However, don't lose your momentum. A good interior designer that understands you and your vision may be more valuable to you than any piece of furniture money can buy.

Interior design projects last for a couple of months, even years, in some cases, so make sure you get to know the designer before hiring them. There is a good chance you will spend a lot of time discussing the project with them. Hence, it is a disservice if you hire a designer with a good reputation but with whom you do not communicate well.

Here are a some important questions to ask when hiring an interior designer for your home that can help you figure out if you have stumbled upon the right one.

Communication is key during a design process

So, start by asking...

What is your personal design style?

Asking for elaboration on their aesthetic principles and stylistic preferences will help you figure out if you are a good match. Some designers are adamant about keeping within their preferred style. Other designers mash up styles freely. You need to be clear about what you want out of a designer. Are you drawn to minimalistic, futuristic, or traditional designs? Eclectic or simplistic? French Provincial or Americana?

Moreover, take a look at the designer's portfolio before contacting them, but don't base your decision exclusively on what you see there. It is much safer to hear from the designer directly what interests them and what they can do for you.

What design services do you offer?

The designer you have contacted might not even be able to execute what you have in mind. Furthermore, you will be able to assess how the designer perceives and markets themselves.

For instance, you might be interested in hiring professional help concerning furniture. However, you might stumble upon an outstanding designer who specializes in interior architecture. Even though you may have no use for their services, you should take advantage of this. Ask this designer to recommend someone who stands out in this field.

Image from pexels

How do you present your design concepts?

The way the designer presents their design solutions is essential for your decision-making. In fact, it is best when the designer uses different media to develop the project and acquaint you with it, so be sure to ask them what they customarily use. Do they only supply you with drawings and sketches? Are they supplemented with 3D animation? Could they integrate your mood board into their design process?

New technologies are a welcome part of communicating with clients, but never the only one. Whereas 3D digital designs can be helpful in seeing whether the lighting is done right, it should never totally push out the traditional presentation from the designer-client communication.

Innovative technology brings a design presentation to life

What happens if I do not like the design?

Unfortunately, clients are sometimes dissatisfied with the end product. This can happen, and it is not necessarily a bad thing. It may simply mean that the vision you have only has not yet been realized and that it needs more discussion, fine-tuning, and experimenting.

Designers should welcome constructive criticism since it is in their interest that they do their job impeccably. Furthermore, no matter how much you may be eager to start remodeling your new home, you need to consider that Rome wasn't built in a day.

That is, you cannot expect the interior designer to come up with something brilliant in a few days. It is a process, and you as a client should relish in the process as well. What's more, try to let your hair down after you move into your new home. Entering into the process of refurbishing or remodeling your new place right after you move in could result in an interior design that is rushed or subpar.

For this reason, you should be patient - use the days after the move-in for researching interior decor styles, renowned designers, famous furniture designs, etc. This way, you will be prepared to ask important questions when hiring an interior designer for your new home.

Other topics to review with your potential designer include their schedule and availability, typical project budgets he or she works within and whether they plan to design the project or pass it on to staff members.

There’s certainly a lot to discuss. Do your research, take notes and be as clear as you can when communicating. Good luck!

Until next time,

Adrienne