Your home is most likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make. And honestly, if you’re asking yourself if you should hire an interior designer , you know that a well put together, serene, and beautiful home is essential to creating a home and life you love. After all, success starts at home….

Although, creative by trade, like many other service  professionals, an interior designer will provide a level of expertise that will help you avoid costly mistakes, provide exclusive access to resources , and a concierge style execution.

What does that mean ? Beyond project initiation , you typically don’t have to lift a finger. You just sit back , wait to be presented amazing design ideas, and then say yes !

However, modern day technology and the “DIY” phenomena has kind of blurred the lines of who and what an interior designer really is.

So let’s address a few myths:

1) An interior designer is  a personal shopper

From conception to installation an interior designer provides a client experience.  I often tell my clients during our initial consultation that I will be spending quite a bit of time getting to know them, and by the time that last piece is installed – quite a bit of time in their homes. Every client is different and the design process is  built around your very unique lifestyle, wants, and desires.

If you are only shopping for the best deal, hiring an interior designer is probably not for you. As an interior designer I focus on finding that balance between my client’s desired level of luxury,  process, quality and a turn key service with minimum interruptions to their peace of mind and very busy schedules.

This requires clients who are open to best recommendations , are able to be decisive (some need a little guidance, ha! ) and who values experience.

At first glance , a well designed home may just seem appealing to the eye. But loving where you live , having cohesive function , and an oasis to call your own, allows you to show up as your best self in life . Interior design is indeed holistic and it requires a more emotional connection than just shopping for furniture deals.

2) Hiring An Interior Designer is Expensive

Imagine you decided to head your own  kitchen renovation with no prior experience. There are tons of decisions to be made – the layout, the aesthetic, the function, and on and on.  You are managing all the contractors running in and out of your home, and are honestly ready to pull your hair out ! 😬

You miss one little measurement on an approval and boom, that change order turns into a five figure disaster. What a nightmare , a very expensive one…

Through my experience I find that providing my clients with project management beyond the design phase is invaluable and they will agree. I come with my own  group of experienced trades, artisans, contractors, workroom,etc . and oversee the installation of each, providing consultation to them when needed. Trades whether from my team or vetted by the client typically seek out my opinion , approval and expertise during that project management phase , which helps us to not only work cohesively to provide an amazing client experience but avoid costly mistakes like the one in the scenario above.

An interior designer is an investment,  who helps you to make the most efficient use of your time and money.  An investment you will be happy you made when you are saved from expensive mistakes, life disruptions, safety concerns/compliance issues, etc.

3)I can do it myself….

This is such a loaded one and a huge misconception. Remember that interior design is a professional service and many designers have a number of trade specific degrees , associations, and certifications under their belt to boot, which is a huge indication that DIY is just simply unrealistic.

Instagram is over saturated with homeowners with a great sense of style, color and form,  whom “did it themselves” ….. and I am always left with that underwhelming this is straight out of Wayfair or Ikea feeling.

I can’t count the number of clients who have called me and told me they tried to DIY and wasted so much money on things that had fallen apart or just didn’t come together the way they anticipated.

Interior design is art at bare minimum.

Experienced interior designers will be able to provide exclusive to the trade only resources that you are simply not allowed access to. Hence, why people seek out interior designers for that custom and unique finish that can’t be purchased with “add to cart”.

Imagine, that gorgeous sofa, velvet tufted with the fringe bullion skirt that you can’t find anywhere, that will just go perfect in your living room, that you keep dreaming about.  An interior designer most likely made it and you will never ever find another one like it! 😌

If you are worried if your designer will be able to grasp your taste or even comfort , don’t be. We take detailed notes about your lifestyle, family situation, color and texture preferences, and overall preferred design aesthetic. I even take my really picky clients to designer showrooms to test proposed sofa cushions to make sure they will be happy with it before purchasing .

Also, Mood boards and 3D renderings are becoming best practice to make sure designer and client are on the same visual wave before that first purchase order is even drafted. An experienced interior designer with a good process will be able to  provide a detailed proposal inclusive of visuals to set your mind at ease

Did we debunk those design myths you’ve heard yet?

Most may not be knowledgeable of the interior design process or the real value Interior Designers provide behind the scenes, ask your designer about their process upfront!

Transparency is my #1 priority during projects because I want my clients to know exactly what is going on, and how we are moving it all along for them. I find that knowledge of the design process makes for a much better client experience and clients who are more than excited to get started , and keep coming back.

As you can see, an interior designer can not only help your create a beautiful and invigorating space but also eliminate the stress and expenses typically experienced by homeowners during the renovation and redesign process. Investing in their expertise is well worth it !   So are you ready to hire an interior designer ? Click here to get started.