Whether building, renovating or redecorating your home, choosing a designer for your project is crucial. The right interior designer for you will listen and adapt to your needs, help liaise with builders and architects, and assist you in creating a fresh space that fits perfectly with your lifestyle.
To avoid making your starting point too overwhelming, you’ve got to know how to do the research. Our team at Cheltenham Rd is more than happy to compile the following tips for how you can make the right choice.
Knowing your needs
You may find that the more design portfolios you look at, the more you will learn about what you want to see in your project. We hope that you keep this step in mind throughout your interior design journey.
Consider the budget for your project. Design choices may involve some compromise. In this case, the best interior designer for you will be imaginative, prudent, and discerning about the areas of your home to invest in and where you can save money.
Think about your project’s scale. Good interior design is about exceptional visualisation and the making of thousands of small decisions coming together in one cohesive design. The larger your project, the more we advise finding someone who has a lot of experience in this area.
The research stage
Here is our easy step-by-step guide for finding the ideal designer.
1. The power of word-of-mouth
A great place to start is to ask your friends and family about their interior projects. What was the impact of their designer? Find out from the people you trust the kind of relationship they had with their interior designer. The way to find the best designer is to look out for someone who came across as knowledgeable and invested in the interior design projects they assisted. Further, look for someone open to your ideas.
2. Conduct background checks
Make sure that any potential designers you come across hold interior design credentials and experience. Interior designers, unlike interior decorators, have an understanding of building requirements, have good spatial awareness, present practical and functional concepts, have skills in liaising with clients, and can project manage the other stakeholders involved in the project.
The best interior designers will be able to adapt to your look, feel, and style requirements. However, it can also be fun to find someone who is on the same wavelength as you. Visit open homes, look on websites, and peruse the portfolios of designers whose work you find the most interesting.
Look for positive reviews and a range of different styles, then compile a list of designers whose vision you think aligns with your own.
Have a look at what Cheltenham Rd’s designers can offer
The designers at Cheltenham Rd, for example, plan high-end, full-home renovations as well as individual spaces. All staff are University qualified.
3. Meet some designers
We suggest that you arrange a consultation with at least three designers. Come prepared with questions, a mood board or Pinterest image, and a clear understanding of what you w are aiming to achieve. Don’t be afraid to ask for client testimonials; this is expected and shows that you take your project seriously.
Watch out for anyone who tries to push their preferences on you; there are so many great designers out there who genuinely want to help you accomplish your goals!
Take note of the kinds of questions and ideas designers provide relating to your project. Do you feel seen and heard when talking about your project? How do you want your lifestyle reflected in your space? Do their ideas have a solid rationale that fits with what you want? Are they aware of current trends while remaining mindful of styles that are classic and timeless?
Ensure that your availability, budget, and timescales align. Further, note their values. Perhaps you want someone who places a high priority on environmentally conscious materials or someone who focuses on the need for a family-friendly space.
Total honesty about your requirements from the beginning is a great way to ensure that you find the right interior designer for you. You will know you’ve found the right designer when you feel comfortable collaborating with them.
Your interior design journey
We are confident that by following the advice we have provided for your search for an interior designer, you will find the perfect person for you and your project.
We cannot emphasise enough the importance of knowing what you would like for your home. The beauty of being honest about your budget, for example, and discussing your wishes when collaborating with an interior designer is paramount. However, having ideas with an open mind and trusting your designer is truly beneficial. In doing so, you will have a fantastic relationship with your chosen designer, and your experience throughout the project will be just as fun and satisfying as a result!
Here at Cheltenham Rd, we take a personalised approach to collaboration with clients. We would love to help you create the home of your dreams.
Get in touch with us today if you want to know more.
