The Top 4 Questions Our Design Firm is Asked All the Time
From what I have gathered over the years, many people have misconceptions about working with an interior designer. And if you don't know anyone who's worked with a designer before, you can only base your ideas on how we’re represented on television (which is nothing like reality).
So today, I am answering 4 of the top questions I get asked as an interior designer, and the answers may surprise you! I’m clearing up any misgivings and giving you a better picture of how an interior design firm functions in real life.
1. How do I know if I need an interior designer?
Without a designer, you risk the potential of a poorly executed space. After making a significant investment, that sounds like a major disappointment. Whether it’s for new furniture and soft goods or an entirely new kitchen, all design projects require attention to detail. Designers ensure that the work goes smoothly without mistakes, stays on time and within budget, and the outcome exceeds your expectations.
Hire an interior designer to ensure your dream home becomes a reality and doesn't look like a DIY project. In addition, you’ll avoid dealing with the time and headache associated with all the small details and decisions (what a relief!).
2. What does a typical investment look like?
Your investment depends on the scope of the project and desired outcomes. Our design firm works best when we have a blank canvas. That is not to say we can only create beautiful spaces if everything is replaced or renovated. In fact, we love incorporating a client's existing pieces into a new design so long as it doesn't compromise the final look.
For us, starting with a blank canvas means having the freedom to explore all potential opportunities for a room's design, down to the throw pillow embellishments. In the words of furniture designer and architect Charles Eames, "The details are not the details. They make the design." To achieve this level of unique design, we prepare potential clients to have an investment minimum of $30,000 per room, excluding kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Where do you source products?
Aside from having a professionally designed space, working with an interior designer means purchasing products only available to trade designers. We primarily source from trade-only manufacturers due to the unmatched quality, customer service, and cutting-edge design.
While this means there aren't physical showrooms for us to take clients to, we attend the world's largest furniture market two times a year in High Point, NC, to see the latest and greatest new pieces and to meet with vendor representatives.
4. How do you capture my design style?
Before the design consultation, you receive an in-depth questionnaire that gives us a great introduction to your family, lifestyle, and design preferences. We use these responses to gather ideas to bring solutions that match your needs and desires. Then we can make the most of the two-hour initial consultation.
During the consultation, we will walk through the space together while diving deeper into the questionnaire responses and our initial thoughts. We also utilize any inspirational imagery you may have to help create the design aesthetic. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Have more questions? Let's schedule a free discovery call. There, we will answer all questions you have about working with us so that you can determine if we are the right fit for your design needs.
Until next time,
Donna
