How Do I Work With An Interior Designer?

Since we've covered the long list of what to expect and not to expect from your interior designer, here comes the next part - what your role is and how to work with an interior designer to make life easier for the both of you! Working with others is sometimes tough, but it's always an experience. However, it's always challenging and intimidating to hire someone to work on something close to you.

To ease your worries and problems, we've come up with a few easy yet important tips to keep in mind when working with an interior designer for the very first time.

1. Be Realistic (With An Open Mind!) It's important to be realistic in terms of design and budget. Sometimes, designers are frank and blunt to tell you what your budget can achieve, and trust us, they aren't lying to you. Due to TV and media shows on interior design, most times you can find yourself watching an ID show where the designer is able to complete an entire house for under $20,000 and only within 2 months!

TV shows are just at it is - 'shows'. You can't expect your designer to be able to do the same as what you saw on TV, it's sometimes not realistic. But then again, every project and house is different and the best way to avoid any dispute is to get your points straight on the design you want and what your budget is. Don't be afraid to voice out your opinions!

Additionally, as much as we preach how important it is to find a designer that fits your style - let's be honest, there isn't someone 100% compatible with how you think. Your designer might pick or show you some designs or furniture you don't love in the first place, but don't be so quick to say no. Take into consideration and discuss with them why they picked the piece, and maybe you'd appreciate it in the end.

Another thing worth mentioning is, do your research before hiring an interior designer. You've got to understand what your interior designer will cover and do for you, instead of expecting endlessly from them. Interior designers work with their own carpenters, contractors and what not, so it's easier and only right for them to supervise their own subcontractors. It's going to be a difficult process for your designer if you decide to use your own carpenters as they aren't used to working with them.

2. Communicate and Be Decisive We're being super repetitive here - you've probably already heard this a thousand times. But it's true, true, and true! No matter how many times we say it, communication is definitely key. The key to harmony between you and your designer is being 'decisive' and not being 'picky'! Being decisive and firm can help make your designer's job easier.

That being said, if you have something you're unsatisfied with or not exactly sure of, it's best to tell your designer the earliest as possible. The earlier you tell them, the faster they can patch it up. Particularly, anything that involves the structure or basics of a home should be decided quickly and firmly - don't be indecisive and make changes at the very end, it's going to cost you time and money! It's one thing to move the door from left to right, but it's another thing to move it after it's installed. Plus, changing decisions after purchases are made can be a troublesome thing.

3. Plan Your Budget Wisely Work with your designer and clarify from the very beginning what your budget is, and discuss with your designer what you'll be charged for and how the charges apply. Besides charges for the furniture, you'll have to discuss in detail for the designs, site visits, workmanship, carpentry and much more!

Moreover, there's also charges for different materials, custom furnishings and much more. To plan wisely, you'll have to go in-depth with your designer and let them know what they can do with your budget or what pric