Photo by Hutomo Abrianto on Unsplash
1) Decide how you want to pay – Flat rate vs. by the hour
Figure out how you want to use the designer in order to determine which payment option will be most cost effective. If you know that you will need a lot of hand holding look for someone with a package deal and a flat rate. Otherwise, paying by the hour could get very expensive.
On the other hand, if you know you only need help with a few key decisions then an hourly rate could be perfect. When you don’t need as much guidance a package might be too much. An hourly rate can also be a more cost effective option if the designer has junior associates working with them. Their are usually separate rates for the junior and the principal. The junior rate is often much less.
2) Be upfront
This is super important. Whatever crazy ideas you have? Share them. A good designer won’t judge but will help you achieve your goal in the most aesthetically pleasing way. Also important, ask questions. Even the dumb ones. You’re paying for this so get your money’s worth.
3) Keep an open mind
Don’t automatically dismiss any suggestions. You’ve hired someone for their expertise so at least let their ideas marinate for a bit. During my session she suggested I use the closet area next to the bathroom for laundry. Behind the closet was an used area I was going to capture to make the bathroom bigger. It never occurred to me that I could use it for laundry.
4) Manage your expectations
Hate to break it to you but this isn’t going to be like HGTV. They spend tons of money on production to animate their designs to snazz them up for the telly. You might not even get 3D renderings but that’s okay. The purpose is to get an idea about layout, space planning and what colors and patterns will work for your space. A mood board or a 2D drawing is plenty useful.
5) Get them in early
If you can get them in before you start the project then that is ideal. It could save you time and money. It also gives you a clearer picture to communicate to your contractor. In addition, you might find that it sparks your creativity and your project could move in a whole different direction.
Final thought
All in all I thought the money was well spent. It was great to talk to an expert about what we wanted to do with our space and get an accurate rendering depicting those ideas. After seeing the plans the interior designer drew up the hubs creativity sprang into gear and he drew up his own plans for the space. We were able to use both to have a productive conversation with our contractor.
Have you worked with an interior designer before? What was the process like for you?
