8 Myths About Working with an Interior Designer—Debunked!
Today, I thought I would talk to you about some common misconceptions the general public often has when it comes to working with an interior designer.
Like I mentioned in a previous post 25 benefits of hiring an interior designer, there are a few myths floating around about what it’s like working with a full-service interior designer. I’m here to debunk those rumors and hopefully set the record straight by providing some honest insider information!
1. Hiring an interior designer is too expensive.
A lot of people may be surprised to learn that working with an interior designer can actually help them maximize their budget in ways they may not have considered on their own. Your designer is able to assist you with allocating the funds you have available for your project. Their goal is to keep you on track and on budget.
Hiring an interior designer is a part of the overall investment you are making in your home.
Hiring an interior designer is a part of the overall investment you are making in your home.
Keeping your home updated and in good repair maintains its value. A designer can help you make smart design decisions whether you plan to remain in the home long term or are considering a move sometime soon.
Another aspect of this misconception is that designers only work in million-dollar homes, that’s simply not true. All homes are worthy of interior design services. In more modest size homes a designer can really help you maximize the space you do have and increase the overall functionality.
Whether you have 1200 square feet or 12,000 square feet, the selection of materials is vital to the outcome and success of your project. Your designer has expert knowledge of what finishes work best in particular areas of your home. They also have access to a wide selection of sources and vendors not available to the public. Sometimes similar looking materials can be found at a variety of price-points that accommodate your budget, this can contribute to the uniqueness of your aesthetic.
2. I will have to buy all new furniture.
I’m not sure where this myth originated from but an interior designer can recommend what pieces you already own to reuse in your new design plan. It also depends on how much of an impactful change you would like to see at the completion of the project. Also, keep in mind what motivated you to begin your update in the first place. Some pieces may just be at the end of their life and need to be replaced.
Reupholstering a beloved piece may be an option if the structural frame is of high quality. Replacing the entire piece with comparable quality may exceed the cost of reupholstering. Your designer can assist you in determining which is the best route to take.
Refinishing case-goods may be a way to inject new life into a well-used piece. Again, depending on the quality your designer will offer insight into whether you should attempt this yourself or turn it over to a professional.
In the end, your designer will help you stay focused and keep in mind your goals for your home. They will help you identify and set realistic expectations while respecting your budget.
3. I can get the same level of service from a furniture store for free.
(Oh lordy, where do I begin!)
When my business was in its infancy I actually worked at a retail furniture store that offered design services, so I’ve seen this from both sides. I chose not to participate in the “in-home design” program my employer offered for several reasons.
This is a relatively new service stores are offering to stay competitive. In my experience, some team members were hired prior to the installation of these services. Associates do not always have an extensive design background and they may be more sales-oriented. Many of my colleagues expressed frustration over the lack of corporate support and understanding about what’s really required to provide a professional level of elevated design services.
The truth of the matter is there comes a point where the associate’s hands are tied in regards to what level of service they can provide to the customer. A project can easily grow in size during an in-home consultation and the retailer’s product assortment may not cover the entire scope the customer wishes to address.
One of my personal frustrations was feeling limited in my sourcing options. I could only offer customers products that were carried by my employer, eliminating a massive amount of potential.
All of this being said, when I’m sourcing from a big box store I love to partner with a knowledgeable and talented associate. Maintaining these relationships benefits my clients in multiple ways. These team members are familiar with the selection of inventory, quality of their product, and its availability, increasing the level of service I’m able to offer my clients!
It’s a win-win for everyone!
4. You don’t need to get a designer involved until your new house is completely built, or all the decisions for your renovation have been made.
If you’re building a custom home your architect may have an in-house interior design department, but if not it’s a good idea to bring in your own interior designer at these beginning stages to help keep the project authentic to you.
Most builders restrict you from bringing your own interior designer to design meetings and site walkthroughs. This does not prevent you from consulting with one before you begin the building process. Your designer can help you review floor plan options and select the best layout package for you and your family long term. Either way, you’re asked to make a lot of decisions in a short amount of time which can be very overwhelming. It’s hard to visualize how your decisions will look at the completion of the project.
Often times there are limitations as to what materials are being offered by the builder. If you’re not totally satisfied with the builder options consider selecting the least expensive choice and make upgrades in the near future. Sometimes making an upgrade during the building process results in being charged a significant additional fee. Waiting to make upgrades can be a more cost-effective route. Your designer is there to work for you as your advocate.
Renovations can be just as massive of an undertaking as new builds, whether you’re talking about adding an addition to your home or taking the house down to the studs. A designer can help you re-work the floor plan to offer a better layout, recommend materials and finishes, and yes, furnish the interior from top to bottom. While your contractor may be able to assist with material selections, their main focus is on construction and installation.
A small-scale renovation benefits just as much from design input as large-scale projects. Refacing a fireplace, or adding built-ins deserve as much attention to detail. Involving an interior design sooner rather than later can offer a great deal of value and design insight.
5. You’ll have zero input in the overall design.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that your designer works for you.
They may ask thorough but seemingly random questions and listen carefully to your responses. A designer is paying as much attention to what you don’t say as to what you do say, finding patterns, and compiling ideas.
Their goal is to provide you with a design plan that focuses on your aesthetic and lifestyle. Designing for the long term, they’ll create a fresh and updated look that reflects your personality.
6. All a ”decorator” does is pick out pretty things.
Hah! Long gone are the days when “interior decorators” spent their days picking out paint and playing with delicate fabric swatches. The profession has evolved quite a bit, in college I actually had to write a paper about concrete!
There are many less glamorous and unknown sides to an interior designer’s job. They research and become familiar with which are the best companies to use, who you might want to stay away from, and who provides good customer service. A designer is always learning about new technologies and elements of the profession.
Most designers aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. They’re at the job site on delivery and major install days; carrying tape measures, drills, hammers, whatever the job requires of them that day, their tool kits have it all.
A designer must be a master organizer and time management specialist. They’re working with clients, trades, and vendors and have to foster effective communication between all parties.
7. You can have a room or entire house designed and completed from top to bottom in just a few weeks!
I understand we live in a time of “instant gratification” where everyone wants things done immediately. At the click of a button, your order can be delivered to your home in less than 24 hours! It’s kinda crazy when you think about it!
The reality is all the elements of a customized and completed design solution tailored to your unique needs and family’s particular lifestyle take time. Design is not what you see on TV, there are entire production teams and work crews that have labored tirelessly behind the scenes for months to prepare.
Other elements that will impact your timeline are the availability of your designer and the preferred trades, timely client decision making, custom furniture production, and delivery schedule of materials.
8. A designer’s house looks like a magazine.
Number 1. A designer is their own worst client. Number 2. We spend all of our time and energy focusing on other people’s homes, our own projects tend to fall to the wayside.
The truth is we also have budgets. Our active imaginations can sometimes prevent us from committing to one plan in our own spaces. Think about it, we’re constantly sourcing new products for our clients. Just as a design is decided upon for our own home along comes something new that pique our interest.
Why is it so easy for me to focus on my client’s spaces and not my own?! Ugh, maybe one day 😉
I hope I was able to clear a few things up for you and offer some insight into the life of an interior designer. Was there a myth or two I forgot that you’re just aching to know if it’s true or not? Leave me a comment below and I’ll get back to you soon!
