5 Things Most People Don't Know about Interior Designers

Updated April, 2021

Interior design is so much more than picking pretty paint colors, mixing pillow patterns and selecting a sofa, a table, a lamp, a rug, a chair for a particular room. The most important thing to know is that working with an interior designer is an intimate collaborative process where we bring your vision to life seamlessly throughout the project so that you can enjoy the process and the rewards without the overwhelm.

 But did you know there are more than 64 steps a designer must take to prepare the initial conceptual design for just one room? Today, I’m sharing 5 advantages of working with a designer that will not only demystify the design process but give you a behind the scenes of what we really do as creatives.

1. Managing All Project Components to Eliminate Stress

As an interior designer, we fully manage your project after learning your needs and desires for your home. The project management phase kicks off with the execution of floor plans and elevations. We make all selections of furniture, tile, lighting, etc, right down to every fabric and finish. We meet with tradespeople to review our design plan, solicit quotes from them and act as your advisor/liaison to ensure that the project is properly executed. We prepare written quotes and detailed proposals, place orders, as well as coordinate, oversee and track deliveries. We orchestrate the installation and styling, then handle all deficiencies at the end of the project. That’s a lot of orchestrating, if I do say so myself!

2. Expanding  Access to Vendors and Trades

One of the big benefits to working with an interior designer is having access to-the-trade vendors, giving you the ultimate boutique and “magazine worthy” experience for your home. But here’s the catch. Just because we have the backstage pass to the best artisans and products around the world doesn’t mean that a particular “one-of-a-kind” piece is the right fit for your home. The interior designer has keen knowledge of how the pieces and the parts work together that complete the story for the space. It’s really about establishing a harmonious balance as one piece communicates with the other in a mysterious alchemy of the whole, in an impressive way.

3. Bringing Expertise and Experience to All Projects

For me, one of the most rewarding parts of being a designer is working with architects and craftsmen. I love communicating with builders and contractors, getting into the nitty gritty of the project, creating solutions, designing the intricate architectural elements of the space with them, all on your behalf. Keeping an eye on your project from start to finish and working collaboratively with the building trade also keeps things moving smoothly, on time and on budget.

4. Saving Time from Start to Finish

An interior designer knows exactly how to manage your project efficiently. We start with the end goal in mind then reverse engineer the project, always keeping the big picture in mind.  Monitoring the status of curated custom pieces, working with workrooms to make sure the product is designed according to our specifications, is essential to maintaining a well orchestrated plan. We’re on-site on a regular basis to monitor progress, getting weekly updates and photos from the builder and craftsmen, saving you time and avoiding the imposition.

5. Transforming Lives through Beautiful Spaces

As a mother of three adult children, I understand the importance of home as a place to create special memories with your family. A home that matters and reminds your children of you. As an interior designer, I partner with homeowners who live robust lives yet strive to bring sanctity, as well as beauty and freshness into their homes. Together, we capture the spirit of the home, and create spaces that invite family and guests to stay and linger longer.

Lastly, the design process is exciting and emotional. Expect to be amazed and awed by the beauty of your home and don’t be surprised if we are true friends by the end of your project. I can’t wait to get to know you better and to create beauty in your space. Our online consultations can be equally as personal and boutique, because we care! If you’re looking for a quick room refresh, consider our online expert color consultation services for an updated look without the cost of full service.

 If you think your next project could benefit from an interior designer, let's get in touch.

 Warmly,

Audrey

PS: Wherever you are in life, remember to make your home the best it can be.