Interior designers must understand their clients’ goals and priorities. This includes their lifestyle, how they use each room, and how long they plan to stay in the home. Many clients seek to improve the function of their space, organize their belongings, add storage, accommodate a new family member or create a new space for entertaining friends. Other clients want to create an updated look for resale value. Designers meet with clients in their homes or offices to learn about their needs and take measurements and photographs of the space.

Designers then prepare sketches, either by hand or using computer-aided design programs, to illustrate the proposed space changes. Clients review these drawings and suggest changes before a final design is approved. The furniture, colors, and textures selected by the designer are used in preparing cost estimates for labor and materials.

The cost estimates may be presented in a written report or a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel. For example, a designer might work with an architect, builder, and subcontractors to choose lighting fixtures that fit within an agreed-upon budget, considering other expenses such as painting costs. They may also help clients find furniture at different price points by working with various retailers. Designers usually purchase materials at wholesale prices from trade-only suppliers. Check here to learn more about jobs for interior designers.

What are the Benefits of Interior Designers?

1. High-level experience: Designers can bring knowledge of scale and proportion to your space that a decorator cannot. Architects, builders, contractors, and designers all have different skill sets, so you want to make sure you are choosing the right professional for the job.
2. Objective perspective: Do you like everything in your home? Chances are something is holding you back from doing just that. A designer can pinpoint any issues that may not be working for them and can help you explore options you may not have explored otherwise.
3. Cost savings: A great designer works with both a wide range of vendors and showrooms as well as local artisans who can create custom pieces to complete your look. This means they will have access to a wide array of products at prices that fit most budgets. This often results in fewer trips to stores, eliminating wasted time and money spent on gas or delivery fees.
4. Trade discounts: Many designers can leverage discounts from local furniture stores and other vendors because of their relationships with them and the volume of business they bring them. These savings get passed along to you, making your investment in design even more worthwhile.
5. Space planning: If you’re considering adding or changing walls, an interior designer can evaluate the space and let you know what can be done safely. They can also tell you where doors, windows, stairs, and closets should go for maximum efficiency.

Finally, interior designers are skilled and trained professionals who have the right expertise to create functional, visually appealing spaces. Hiring an interior designer is a smart move if you want to maximize your home’s potential and get your money’s worth.