Interior Designers

What’s the difference between interior designers and interior decorators?

These two closely related professions are often mistaken for the same thing, however, there are some significant differences to be aware of before deciding which to hire. An interior designer, sometimes known as an interior architect, can run full renovation and structural design projects, and will use specialised knowledge of interior architecture, construction systems and components, building regulations, materials and furnishings to arrive at your dream home design. Interior design companies are able to plan spaces and room functions down to the last detail, and can help design and renovate interiors, from initial planning phases to placing the last decorative accessory. A decorator on the other hand will typically be involved only in the aesthetic layer, the “look and feel” of a space, and won’t be able to assist in renovations that require structural work. Interior decorators normally come on board after all structural work is complete. So choose your interior designer according to the type of work you need.

Why should I hire an interior designer?

They say life is what happens while you’re busy making plans. Some of us are just too preoccupied with a career and/or family to think about colour schemes, wallpaper, flooring and lighting. A professional interior designer can save you bags of time, stress and months, if not years, of living in a half-finished home. It’s their job to stay on top of the latest trends and to have contacts and visual references coming out of their ears. Interior designers can also save you money, by sourcing products via trade contacts or offering affordable alternatives to blowout iconic designs.

How do I choose the right interior designer for my home?

Good design and visual inspiration are all around us. Start by searching for interior architects and interior designers on Houzz. Keep a lookout for images of rooms and features that you really like and save them to your Ideabooks to begin to develop an understanding of your own style and taste. If you notice that photos from the same interior design companies are popping up regularly then that is a good hint that they could be your perfect design match. You can feel most confident if you hire an interior designer or interior design company that has completed work similar to the look and feel that you desire, whether that is a mix-and-match lounge oozing mid-century modern style, a pale and interesting minimalist bedroom with shots of colour, or a beautiful space inspired by Scandinavian design.

You may want to check if your designer is a member of the Society of British and International Design (SBID) or The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). Both are a benchmark of quality and reliability. And check if your interior designers can offer you the right type of service – some companies are design only, while others can oversee the whole project. If it is the latter that you seek, make sure any sub-contractors used are fully accredited and it is clear who they are supposed to report to. If late alterations are made to the plan, the contractor should receive a change order, thus minimising the risk of a dispute about what was and wasn’t agreed to after the start date.

How important is the personality of my interior designer?

You will be working closely with your chosen interior designer, so personality fit is key in this relationship. You should have a rapport with your preferred designer and feel that they understand your vision. Interior designers are problem solvers, and you are looking for someone who is a good collaborator that will inspire confidence and encourage you to make your own decisions. Interior designers should be sensitive to your personal tastes yet keen to help you discover new designs and take you out of your comfort zone. They should ask a lot of questions and be interested in your lifestyle, which should dictate your home environment and not vice versa.