It is a common misconception that interior designers are extortionately expensive and unaffordable. Thought to be a luxury service that is out of reach to the many and assumed affordable only to the rich and famous. It is my mission to clear this stigma and prove it wrong, helping people to understand the benefits using an interior designer can offer, the worth of the service and how it can even save you money! In order to do this, I have listed my TOP 10 benefits of using an interior designer below… but first, let me just explain a little more…
Over the last 100 years, interior design has become more popular in demand. Yes, by the rich and famous to begin with, but not everything is glitz and glam, large flamboyant crystal cut chandeliers and gold guilt (unless you want it to be!)…
In more recent times, we have become more aware of our surroundings, our need for them to evolve and cater to our busy lifestyles. The need for space, organisation, practicality, functionality and to feel relaxed, comfortable and at peace in the safe-havens we call 'home'. All of this, even down to décor colour choices, can so greatly affect our health and wellbeing, which, with the stresses and pace of life today is so very important.
But, where to begin? And how to go about it? And what colour or pattern to go for? Which are the best products? Where will I find the time and how much will it cost?? Maybe I could tackle it myself??? …and the thought circle continues…
The idea of commissioning an interior designer can be daunting for those that have never worked with one in the past, but the benefits are well worth it. Here are my TOP 10 benefits of using an interior designer…
1. Time & Cost Saving
One of the biggest myths is that hiring an interior designer costs more, whereas professional design help can actually save you money. As I do for my design packages, an interior designer will often provide a price for the overall cost of the project - working from the brief to set realistic bundaries from the off and staying within budget throughout. The use of their professional experience and knowledge can actually save you time and effort, as well as reduce any unnecessary expenses.
If you go for the DIY method, the cost of a designer's fee is obviously eliminated straightaway. Sadly, however, the equation is not always so simple. You will end up spending a lot of time on planning, allocating funds, doing research and so on. Hence, hiring a designer is often the better solution and can actually help you avoid making costly mistakes.
2. Adding Value
A professional designer will offer expert advice and knowledge, helping you to add value to your home and increasing the house’s net worth in the long run. With the help of pre-sales styling, an interior designer can also help you to sell your property if it is struggling on the market, increasing your chances of a quicker sale and the possibility of a higher offer.
3. Identifying Your Design Style The world of interior design is huge! There is an overwhelming choice of products available at our fingertips, but having such an extensive and varied selection to chose from can make it so much more difficult to decide! A professional designer will help you define your tastes, which will give direction in the design choices.
4. Visualise Your Design Designers are able to do everything from space planning and furniture layouts to new cabinetry designs, product and fabric selection; bringing your project to life so you are able to see, agree on and be confident in your design before the physical transformation commences.
5. Taking the weight off!
There is no need to stress – we’ve got you covered! We can provide the knowledge, guidance, paperwork, recommended trades and in some cases, even the procurement, decorating and styling!
6. Access to Trusted Home Improvement Professionals & discounts!
That’s right! Not only can we point you in the right direction where recommended trades are concerned, but we can also help to save even more money where trade discounts are available!
7. Not Just A Beautiful Space!...
Good interior design isn’t just about making a space aesthetically pleasing to the eye – obviously, that is an absolute MUST, but it is just as important that the space works for you. Every inch must be well thought out and utilised to it’s maximum, within the brief. Whatever the use of the space, it must be designed with practicality and functionality at the forefront, giving you ease and comfort if your every day life!
8. The Perfect Fit!
Your Designer will conduct a full survey of the space to be designed, recording all room and feature measurements. This will mean that absolutely everything within the design will fit bespoke to that space, giving the impression that the room was in fact built around the furniture, not vice-versa!
9. Energy efficiency
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore – it’s a way of life. Living in an energy-efficient way has become something people are adopting more and more.
If you are eager to build your home in an energy-efficient manner and want to do your bit to contribute towards the environment, it’s best to go with an interior designer. A design professional isn’t just aware of the latest industry trends, but also the best ways to convert your home into a recycled, repurposed, and sustainably managed environment.
Depending on the extent you are wanting to go to and the areas you wish to make more sustainable, you can expect some of these solutions to come at a higher cost to begin with, but can rest assured that you will be saving money in the future as you will be consuming less energy, so a sound investment!
10. You’ll get it RIGHT!
Doing things yourself means taking on a lot of risk, and there’s no guarantee that it will come out the way you anticipated. (Not to mention the time you’re spending to make everything come together or the stress of figuring things out when they don’t go as planned).
Working with a designer means that the project will be well thought out from the off, and the improvements made within your living space can truly enhance your day-to-day living.
Upfront & Personal!... The rates to employ an interior designer vary from company to company. My personal consultation rates are based on £30 per hour. If you decide to proceed with my design services, the initial consultation will be provided completely FREE! My design packages are adaptable, offering the choice of either a basic or full package option. Every commission is priced per job as a one-off fee that is pre-agreed prior to any work commencing, so there are no hidden surprises!
So, there it is! Everything out there in one hit! I hope, if you had any doubts, that this has helped to make you feel more comfortable with the idea of using the services of an interior designer. There is no price on your happiness and wellbeing, but we can invest a little to enhance these things and why not!? We deserve to invest in ourselves from time to time! I just hope that this article has gone some way in reassuring you that it does not need to cost the world!
Enjoy your weekends everyone!
Nicola x