5 reasons an interior designer can help you
So why do you need a designer?
Most of us know whether we like colours or neutrals. Most of us know whether we like a minimalist or a maximalist scheme. Most of us know what we like and what we don’t.
A trained interior designer has the experience and skills to create spaces that look great, and are functional. A successful end result depends on optimal furniture layout, the right lighting, and the selection of harmonious colours, textures and patterns. But it’s not all about aesthetics. The process starts before the builder walks through the door. Here’s a list of skills and services an interior designer should offer:
• Supports clients in nailing down design goals and requirements;
• Analyses the use of the space, and draws initial sketches to help brief architects;
• Work with architects, builders and trade professionals to ensure the goals are achievable and meet planning and building regulations;
• Create a design concept, which is further developed to include sketches, samples and other elements to help a client visualise a space;
• Designs cabinetry and furniture, recommends suitable fixtures and fittings;
• Creates supporting documents for the builder to assist project management of the process.
It’s not an exhaustive list, but it gives you an idea. It’s not just about the colour of the paint!
So, starting at the beginning, it’s really important that architects and interiors designs work hand in hand. While architects may primarily look at the outside of a building, their designs have a huge impact on the internal space, for example, where windows and doors are placed. And although interior designers primarily look at the internal space, moving internal walls, windows and doors to meet a client’s design requirements, has a huge impact on the external look of a build.
Here's five reasons an interior designer will be able to help your build or renovation:
1. Save you money: Although hiring an interior designer is an expense, they will be able to create designs that suit your brief, preventing expensive mistakes and providing access to trade-only providers.
2. Save you time: Interior designers take the project management hassle off you. They use their industry contacts and knowledge to short-cut the time you spend searching for the perfect sofa. There is an exhausting range of options out there, so your interior designer will be able to create a clear vision and plan.
3. Save you stress: Putting a design together is often like juggling. Where should the light fittings should go? Will the furniture fit? Is the window in right place? Does this cushion go with these curtains? You get the picture. Interior designers help you see the wood for the trees, and eliminates a level of stress and anxiety.
4. Give you personalised style: Designs from interior designers are not pulled from magazines. They are based on a client’s brief and are individual, so you know you’ve got a unique design based on your space, how your use it, your personality and how you want to feel in it.
5. Give you creative design: From the braid selection and the design of the window treatments, to the handles on the kitchen doors and the routing of the woodwork, each element is carefully selected with attention to detail. Add to that, your interior designer will have innovative solutions for tricky spaces.
Essentially, an interior designer is a resource that will help you achieve your interior design goals, by guiding the decision-making process from the initial idea to the unique finished design you can enjoy.
If you’d like to discover more about how an interior designer can help your project, please drop me a line (helen@athomebydesign) or phone 07971 719357 for a chat.
