How to Choose an Interior Designer
So, you’ve decided it’s time to spruce up your space and bring in the big guns – an interior designer. But wait, how to choose an interior designer? How to make sure you find the right one without falling into the design disaster trap? Fear not, for I am here to guide you through this journey with my years of experience working with clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Hawaii, and other locales. With more than 20 years of experience in interior design and house flipping, here are five learnings:
Tip 1: Swipe Left on Design Disasters
Ah, yes, the design disaster – a term I’m all too familiar with. My own apartment has been through more design faux pas than a catwalk in the dark. To avoid this tragic fate, do your homework. Check out potential designers’ portfolios. Make sure that their design aesthetic fits with what you’re looking for, and if not: swipe left faster than you do on a questionable dating app profile.
Tip 2: Budgeting Blues
Picture this: you’re staring at a gorgeously designed living room, imagining yourself lounging in luxury. Then reality hits – you need to watch your bank account. Been there, done that. Set a budget and stick to it. Your wallet and sanity will thank you later. A good designer can work wonders within your financial boundaries without turning your dream home into a financial nightmare. That said, it’s good to also understand how different designers charge for projects. I’ve laid much of this out in a recent blog about understanding interior design costs. (BTW this blog focuses a lot on the New York City market as I work often in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but many of the same concepts are the same in other areas.)
Tip 3: Chemistry Check
Finding the right designer is like finding the perfect dance partner – chemistry is everything! Schedule a meeting, grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger), and see if you vibe. Your designer should understand your style quirks and eccentricities, and you should feel comfortable enough to spill your design dreams without judgment. If the conversation feels as awkward as my attempts at small talk, it might not be a match made in design heaven.
Tip 4: Reviews, Darling, Reviews
In the age of the internet, information is power. So are there other resources on how to choose an interior designer? Yes, read reviews, testimonials, and any design gossip you can find. If a designer has left a trail of disappointed clients, it’s definitely a red flag. Opt for someone who has glowing reviews and a reputation for transforming spaces into works of art that fuses functionality.
Tip 5: Consultations: The First Date
Think of the initial consultation as a first date – awkward yet exciting. This is your chance to get to know your potential designer, spill your design fantasies, and see if they can turn them into a reality. If their design ideas leave you more bewildered than my attempts at assembling IKEA furniture, it might be time to politely decline a second date. (Speaking of IKEA, have you seen the story IKEA did about my Brooklyn Brownstone gut renovation? Check out that link to the story. And here’s more background on the brownstone project itself. (It’s a beautiful Airbnb space.) Let me know what you think!)
How to Choose an Interior Designer: Final Thoughts
And there you have it: How to choose an interior designer doesn’t have to be a daunting task (I should know as an interior designer myself). Follow these tips, trust your instincts, and remember: while no one is perfect, you should feel heard and seen in your design wants and needs! I’m always so excited to see people rediscover a space with the right interior design so, happy decorating!