Making The Most Of Your Smart Decision To Hire An Interior Designer

So you've decided to hire an Interior Designer-good move! Now what? Before you start planning your "reveal" party, you'll need a basic understanding about the process to ensure that you get the most design for your dollar and that you have a fun and fabulous experience, no matter what type of project is ahead of you.

You'll need to learn the basics of choosing the right design professionals, establishing a budget, outlining the details of the contract, considering your lifestyle and communicating your challenges.

Choosing the Right Designer: Beyond the Portfolio

Professionally trained Interior Designers have undergone extensive training in the various elements of modern and historical design, art and architecture. They have a basic foundation of knowledge that allows them to develop concepts in a variety of styles that range from traditional, contemporary, art deco, eclectic-or a combination of several styles.

That being said, not every designer's talent is right for every project. For yours, you'll want to choose someone whose portfolio "speaks" to you in a positive way. As with every profession, designers tend to develop personal styles that carry over into their projects. It could be the sense of clarity and order you see in the furniture arrangements, or maybe it's a color palette that's used in a unique way. It could be the modern touches worked seamlessly into a roomful of antiques, or the interesting textures of the fabrics.

Referrals are the best way to find a designer, so if the home of a friend or colleague appeals to you, by all means ask them for the designer's number! You can also visit Web sites to get a better feel for the designer's talent and personal style. Expect to spend a bit of time on the phone discussing your project with the designer and/or completing a questionnaire that will give them a better feel for your tastes and your project prior to the kickoff meeting.

You're looking for someone you instantly trust and respect, who communicates excitement about your project, no matter how big or small, and who trusts and respects you as well. After all, this person is transforming your most sacred and cherished space!

Establishing a Realistic Budget

Everyone has a budget, so don't feel bad about setting yours in stone?or tile, or brick. No matter what the amount, your designer should help you get the best value and the highest quality possible. Be wary of anyone that summarily dismisses your grand ideas based on budget alone: A first-rate designer will work hard to achieve your key design goals, perhaps by spreading the job out over time or suggesting alternative solutions for your project.

A great benefit of using a professional designer is that she has access to materials unavailable to the general public, so no matter what your budget, your home will feel unique and very "you."

Your designer will also manage the entire process, whether it involves space planning, lighting design, purchasing, ordering, selecting finishes or monitoring the construction and installation of the project elements.

Outlining Terms of the Contract

Make sure you read and sign an official contract before any money exchanges hands or work begins. In addition to the legal aspects, a contract summarizes the plans you've been discussing such as your budget, design fees, accountability regarding subcontractors (painters, carpet layers, etc.).

You've selected the designers and signed the contract ? now comes the fun part!

Considering Your Lifestyle

Your home environment should complement and support the way you and your family really live ? or really want to live. For example, if you're starting a home-based business, you might turn your cluttered garage into a functional office. If your spouse loves to cook, you might knock down a wall so the under-used formal dining room becomes part of the kitchen. Many families make the mistake of letting the layout of the home dictate their activities vs. reorganizing the space to embrace their lifestyles.

To ensure that your designer understands how you live now and how you want to live, share as many details with her as you can. Also share your personal tastes so she can incorporate them into the designs. If you hate plaid, tell her now, before she gets too deep into the first draft.

To help you better prepare yourself, answer these questions before you have your first meeting with the designer:

• Are you a creative person? In what ways does your home limit your creativity or your hobbies?

• Do you like the present color palette? Does it need updating?

• Are they any rooms that feel cramped or stuffy? Any rooms that feel empty, cold or unwelcoming?

• Is adequate, well-organized storage a problem? Can you find things when you need them?

• Are your bathrooms functional, pleasing spaces? Do you or family members have special needs (e.g. grab bars, easy-entrance shower stalls, etc.)?

• As you walk through your rooms, jot down your favorite qualities about each. Do you like the proportions? Is there adequate ventilation and lighting throughout your house?

• Are there any rooms that you don't use regularly? Could any of these rooms be used for more than one function? Could any of these rooms be used for a completely different function?

• Does your home balance open space and private areas?

• Does the entryway do its job of setting the stage for the rest of your home by welcoming guests and making a statement about the people who live there? If you normally come into your home through the garage, does that area welcome you?

Focus on Your Challenges

A designer works best when you share your "wish list," express your ideas, and then keep an open mind. That means communicating how you want to live in the space and then entrusting the designer to make it happen. After all, you hired this person for her experience, talent and vision!

For example, one homeowner hired a designer to help her reorganize her tiny office so she could be more productive. Instead, the designer suggested that she move her entire operation downstairs, into the den she used once every two months to watch movies. She did, tripling her space and doubling her productivity in just three months.

Contrary to TV, where designers admonish clients for questioning their plans, real-life designers understand that you're the person who ultimately needs to love the space. They want you to be happy and want you to give your input so you're absolutely thrilled with the results (and so you'll recommend them to your friends)! That's why they do so much probing upfront about your tastes and how you live, then incrementally present their ideas throughout the process.

Hiring a designer is like giving a gift to yourself! You made the smart decision to hire an Interior Designer, you've been smart about the planning process, and now you can rest assured that the time, money and energy you spend returns truly smart, stunning results!

About The Author

Karen Trubner-Kent
LLK Interior Design
The principals of LLK Interior Design (www.LLKInteriorDesign.com) have been creating beautiful, practical spaces for corporate and residential clients around the Puget Sound for a combined total of 16 years. Services include space planning, custom design, model home design, kitchen and bath design and residential lighting. Later this year they will appear in an episode of HGTV's wildly popular show "Designers' Challenge." In addition, LLK Interior Design participated in "Meet the Designer" at the Seattle Interiors Show in October 2003. The principals of the firm are members of the American Society of Interior Designers, the Master Builders Association and Built Green. LLK Interior Design's studio is located in downtown Bellevue, Washington, where they hold client appointments and monthly interactive Design 101 classes.

info@llkinteriordesign.com

---

A Look at Luxury Down Comforters

For those striving to create a bedroom retreat, a haven from the rest of the world, luxury is a necessity. Along with good color choices and fine... Read More

Furniture Bench - The Many Varieties & Uses For One In Your Home

Furniture benches are benches that can be used indoors and for literally any room of the house. For example, a furniture bench would work perfect for entry... Read More

Entryway Benches - Why Theyre a Must Have in Every Home

One of the easiest ways to leave a lasting, warm impression on first-time visitors to your home and to make those visitors feel welcome is to place... Read More

How to Build Your Own Cuckoo Clock

Of all the various kits available from hobby stores and websites across the Internet, cuckoo clock kits are very rare indeed. Why is this? Two reasons: one... Read More

A Look at Shiatsu Massage Chairs

The term "shiatsu" refers to a form of Asian massage. This traditional massage uses techniques of digging deep into the muscle tissue to ease out knots and... Read More

The Functions and Benefits Water Softener Salt

Hard water causes an array of problems in home and industrial settings. Soap doesn't lather or rinse well, clothing, skin, and hair feel stiff or sticky after... Read More

Tuscan Style Decorating - Three Essential

If Under the Tuscan Sun left you breathlessly and hopelessly in love with tuscan style decorating you're certainly not alone. The rolling hills and the call of... Read More

Practical Feng Shui ? Debunking the Myths

Most of the information that is available concerning Feng Shui is highly over-simplified. It often comes in the form of out-of-context eastern principals, mixed in with basic... Read More

A Look at Computer Desks for Children

Children's use of the computer has increased tremendously. To meet the requirements of young users, manufacturers are re-designing computer desks. The main requirement of a child's computer... Read More

Reasons to Consider a Professional Designer for Your Interior Decorating Project

When one is considering a new look for an existing room the question always arises, "Do I need to hire a designer for my new project"? This... Read More

What Should You Know About House Flooring

Having a nice house is everyone dreams. In fact, everybody wants to have their own house. Unfortunately not everybody is fortune to have a house of their... Read More

Freestyle with Metal and Format: The Milan FuoriSalone 2005 event.

This Italian lifestyle project, underlined by the aroma of espresso coffee, is divided into three thematic areas showing different ways of rendering the multifaceted personality of today's... Read More

Decorate Like You See in Magazines & Books?

Have you ever wondered why interior designers place slippers on the ottoman in magazine photos? They do it to make the staged setting look as if it's... Read More

Home Decorating: Planning Lightning

When you are choosing a bathroom light fixtures or lightning for any room in your home, the first thing to take into account is how that room... Read More

Home Decorating For Smaller Spaces

"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with this quote, it's normally associated with gifts not home decorating, but it should be.A one or two... Read More

The Benefits of Waterbed Sheet Sets

It is a good idea to purchase a full set including a comforter when buying waterbed sheets. Buying waterbed sheet sets is more economical than buying all... Read More

The Benefits of Ozone Air Purifiers

Ozone air purifiers or "ozone generators" are known for their effectiveness at reducing and masking the smells of new carpet and acrolein, a chemical partly responsible for... Read More

Add A Splash Of Color To Your Bathroom With A New Shower Curtain!

If your bathroom is looking a bit tired, but you don't have the money to spend on refurbishing it, then a simple touch such as adding a... Read More

The Benefits of Granite Kitchen Sinks

If you are looking for durability and easy-to-maintain features in your kitchen sink, then granite is the choice for you. Granite composite sinks resist the rigors of... Read More

Blackout Blinds

Tired of waking every morning with a stripe of blinding sunlight across your eyes? Or perhaps you need a way to dim the lights in the baby's... Read More

Summers Unexpected Outdoor Candelabra

For picnic tables, decks, porches, patios, and sidewalks, decorators are using an unusual source of candle lighting. Fireplace candelabra-those candle holders intended for fireplaces-have moved outside for... Read More

A Guide to Kitchen Sinks

In any household, a kitchen sink is one of the central fixtures and always sees plenty of action. It is used both for preparing food and for... Read More

Do You Really Want The Ceiling Fan Above The Bed?

I love the decorative look of a ceiling fan as much as the next person, but there are things to consider when you put one in your... Read More

The Basics of Cigar Humidor Care

Seasoning a Cigar HumidorTo keep the things we cherish in our lives working properly, there is an element of regular garden tending that needs to be undertaken.... Read More

The Benefits of Exterior Shutters

When you see a house for the first time, one of the first things you notice are the windows. Are they big or small? Are they a... Read More

The Benefits of Laminate Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo, a grass once conjuring up images of Pandas and rickety boats, is now being used to make quality wood floors in many North American homes. Bamboo... Read More