Enhancing spaces
What do interior designers actually do & what am I buying?
When it comes to transforming your living or working spaces, interior designers offer a comprehensive suite of services that go far beyond what you might expect from an interior decorator. While both professionals play important roles in beautifying interiors, the scope and depth of their work differ significantly. Let’s dive into the extensive range of services provided by interior designers, which support a project end to end.
Space planning and layout design
Interior designers start by assessing the layout of a space, optimising it for both functionality and aesthetics. They ensure that the space is used efficiently and that the flow of movement within it is natural and intuitive, suitable for the tasks of the room.
Concept development
A core part of the job is to develop initial design concepts. These concepts are based on a thorough understanding of the client's preferences, needs and budget, laying the foundation for the entire project.
Furniture selection and customisation
Interior designers recommend, source and even customise furniture pieces to fit the overall design scheme. This ensures that every piece not only matches the aesthetic but also serves a functional purpose.
Colour consultation
Choosing the right colours can make or break a design. The right colour palettes can create the desired mood, whether it’s a calming blue for a bedroom or a vibrant red for a dining room.
Material and finish selection
Selecting appropriate materials and finishes is crucial for surfaces, furniture and decor. Interior designers have the expertise to choose materials that are both beautiful and durable.
Lighting design
Lighting can dramatically alter the ambience of a space. It’s important to plan and specify lighting fixtures and layouts to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of the space.
Kitchen and bathroom design
Specialised spaces like kitchens and bathrooms require careful planning of layout, cabinetry, fixtures and finishes. Bespoke design ensures they are both practical and stylish.
Window treatment design
From curtains to blinds, interior designers select and design window treatments that add to the overall design while providing necessary privacy and light control.
Custom cabinetry design
Bespoke built-in cabinetry can transform a space. A designer’s custom creation need to fit specific needs and enhance the overall look.
Art and accessory selection
The right art and accessories can tie a design together. With knowledge of off the high street companies, designers have access to a wider choice of providers and artists. By styling and placing these items thoughtfully they complete the aesthetic vision.
3D visualisation and rendering
To help clients visualise the final result, interior designers create detailed 3D visual representations of the proposed design. This helps clients make informed decisions and adjustments before the actual implementation.
Project management
Managing a design project from start to finish involves coordinating with contractors, vendors and craftsmen. An interior designer’s role is to oversee this process to ensure the delivery marries with the intended vision.
Renovation and remodelling consultation
For spaces that need structural changes or updates, interior designers provide expert advice on how to improve functionality and aesthetics through renovations or remodelling.
Home staging
Preparing homes for sale involves enhancing their appeal to potential buyers, maximising their attractiveness and value.
Ergonomic and accessibility design
Ensuring spaces are comfortable, efficient and accessible for all users, including those with disabilities, is a key consideration.
Branding and themed interiors
In commercial spaces, interior designers develop design concepts that reflect a brand's identity or specific themes, creating an environment that aligns with the business’s goals and image.
Consultation services
Beyond executing designs, interior designers offer consultation services, providing advice based on expertise and experience on design-related issues, and offering second opinions on client-generated ideas. Whether it’s eco-friendly design or renovation of heritage buildings, interior designers can specialise in many different areas.
It’s important to note that what you’re buying is a service - design experience and knowledge as well as creativity. You’re not always buying the end result but rather an end-to-end service.
You’re buying someone’s time and the value of that time is reflected in the price. Interior design is a luxury service, so the beautiful, fitted shelving you have at the end of the project will not be cheaper than buying something from a shop. In the same way, putting a flat-packed kitchen together yourself is cheaper than employing someone who has spent time understanding your brief, your needs and the space to create something bespoke, looking after the drafting, fabrication and installation.
While interior decorators focus primarily on the aesthetics of a space – choosing colours, furnishings and accessories – interior designers offer a more holistic approach. They handle everything from space planning and structural considerations to project management and sustainability. This comprehensive service ensures that every aspect of the design is well thought out and executed, resulting in spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and efficient.
Need to know more?
If you're looking for some inspiration and don't know where to start, why not book a consultation?
During this 90 minute (or so) meeting, we talk about a whole range of things relating to your project – e.g. scope, lifestyle, functionality, budget, aesthetic and so on. You'll come away with lots of initial ideas and inspiration.
Some people find the initial design consultation is sufficient for what they need and are happy to move forward on their own, while other clients prefer hands-on support for particular elements of their project or a tailored end-to-end service. If you need more support, the cost is deducted from your first design service installment.
