The time has arrived for you to say “adios” to your 1970s laminate kitchen countertop with peeled edges. Now, you need an interior designer: someone who listens to you, who gets you, and who can magically create your dream home. Once you’ve found him or her, the key to a successful project is communication to ensure you get the results you expect.
Here are seven tips to collaborate with your interior designer to keep your project on budget, on time, and on spec.
1. Let your interior designer know how you want to communicate.
Whether this is by text, email, phone, or even weekly meetings, knowing your preferred mode of communication and having a conversation will build your relationship, leave less room for misunderstandings, and provide an outlet where you can quickly clear up issues.
2. Be honest about what’s working and what’s not working.
Instead of keeping quiet and hoping that the issue resolves itself, speak up about your concerns. Some changes take time and may be expensive to fix, so the sooner you discuss the problem, the better.
3. Be open…
Interior designers create dream homes for a living. You’ve trusted this person with your time, your money, and your space, so keep an open mind regarding his or her suggestions. Your designer may have experience with a certain space and might envision something much better than what you originally imagined.
4. …but be firm.
With that being said, be willing to stand your ground if you disagree with the aesthetic direction. Ultimately, this is your home, and you will need to live with the consequences of the design choices.
5. Schedule weekly updates.
To ensure that your project stays on budget, ask the designer to update you periodically. This way, you’ll know in advance if something comes up that may require a little extra money than you’d originally anticipated, and you can rejigger your budget and expectations accordingly.
6. Be clear on the payment arrangements and fee structure.
Arrangements vary from hourly rates to fixed fees. Remember that interior designers can charge for time spent working on diverse aspects of your project, including resourcing, meetings, photocopying, emails, and phone calls.
7. Be honest about your budget.
Chances are that your interior designer has worked with someone with a similar financial background in the past; don’t be embarrassed to share your constraints. Be upfront and specific: the designer needs to know what he or she can accomplish while staying within your budget.
Ready to work with an interior designer? Contact our professional team at Ron Nathan Interiors to discuss your project in detail.
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