The Truth About Interior Designers

The idea of an interior designer is equally glamorous to some and completely intimidating to others.   Neither are right.  In the first place we are often drudging around construction sites which puts a severe limitation on fabulous shoes.  Clue #1: If a designer is prancing around a in-progress job site on a pair of 4 inch heels – common sense is not their forte.

Latest fabulous shoe from Alexander McQueen.

Don’t let our rapid fire questions or apparent abrupt movements from one topic to another come off as aloof.  Good designers have to think at least five steps ahead, understand construction, color, design, and time management.  We have to understand exactly how a decision will impact another, and another, and another.  Clue #2: Multi-tasking and organizational skills are a must.

Interior designers are problem solvers first.  They provide a service like any other professional: doctor, lawyer, or psychologist.  But here are some items often forgotten among the perception of us flitting around from one color swatch to the next spending our clients money without relief.

• Interior designers aren’t just for the wealthy.
• You can hire an interior designer for just an hour or two.
• Interior designers will do room color consultations.
• Interior designers will work on just one room if that is all you want.
• Interior designers unusually save you money.
• Interior designers often have sources for items not available to the general public and at prices less than retail.
• Interior designers create solutions to simplify your life.
• Interior designers want to help you develop and implement your style, not impose theirs.
• Interior designers can help stage a home for selling or a party.
• Interior designers can and like to work with a budget.
• Interior designers usually know and work with the best contractors.
• Interior designers will do shopping consultations.
• Interior designers can help you use your existing pieces in a new way or in a new home.

In the end it comes down to relationships.  Talk to different designers to develop a rapport and learn how they can help you.  Interior designers want to provide a valuable service, get paid for it, and at the end of the day have happy (repeat) customers.