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 interiors 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 and decorators can also save you money, 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 or interior decorator so personality fit is key in this relationship. You should have a rapport with your chosen 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 decorators and 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.

How much does an interior designer cost?

Some interior design companies and interior decorators will charge an hourly consultancy rate, particularly if you can’t clearly define scope of the brief. Others prefer to take a percentage of the total project cost, which can vary from 10-20%. The key thing is to be very clear about your budget and your scope from the start, to ensure your designer can advise you on what is achievable. And remember, their contacts will probably save you money. A contingency fund of 10-15% is also recommended, especially if open-ended structural work is involved.

What are some of the important questions to ask interior designers or interior decorators?

• What relevant professional interior design qualifications do you have?
  
• Are you a member of BIID or SBID?
  
• What will be your level of involvement in the project? Are you design-only or do you offer project management too?
  
• Do you offer a free initial consultation?
  
• Will I be able to see materials samples as well as illustrations and a schedule of work at the outset?
  
• Have any of your previous interior design projects involved making structural alterations to an existing property?
  
• Which sub-contractors do you intend to use and why? Can I see examples of their previous work?
  
• How often will we be meeting to discuss progress and how many site inspections will you carry out?
  
• Is your quote fixed and VAT-inclusive? What is not included?
  
• What is the proposed completion date and what happens if you do not meet that?
  
• Do you have professional indemnity insurance, public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance?
  
• What happens if there is a dispute regarding the designs or the quality of workmanship?
  

Start searching for an interior design professional in your area who can bring life to your interiors and reinvent your home for you. Look through reviews, projects and ratings to decide on the best interior designer for your taste and style.

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