So you’ve decided that you can’t live another day in your current home!
Nothing goes together, there’s no cohesiveness to your style and you have no idea how to create the look you’re after – time to call in some professional help!
I get it, biting the bullet and deciding to hire an interior decorator can be daunting. You’re not sure how the process works, how much it’s all going to cost and you may feel a little embarrassed (please don’t be!)
To make the decision process easier for you I have listed some top tips to consider before hiring an interior decorator to ensure you get the best out of your experience.
Be clear on your needs
Something many people don’t realise is that interior decorators and interior designers are different.
Whilst both professions are similar in many ways, an interior decorator is responsible for dressing a space for example deciding on paint colours, furnishings, decor, floor coverings and fabrics.
Whilst an interior designer will assist with this, they are also concerned with the way a space is laid out and used and work closely with architects and builders.
Before contacting a designer or decorator it helps to be clear on what you want help with so you know which profession will suit your needs best.
Image by almostmakesperfect.com via Pinterest
Do your research
The right decorator is like a shoe, you need to find one that is going to be the right fit.
Not all will suit your style and personality so it’s best to do your research first to find who you resonate with the most.
Check out their portfolio and previous work to see if their style matches what you’re after and don’t be afraid to contact them for an informal chat.
Many interior decorators offer an obligation free chat so you can get to know them a bit better and see if they’re the right person for you.
If you don’t know anyone in this profession, another good way to source a decorator is by referral or by reading online testimonials and reviews.
Image by kathykuohome.com via Pinterest
Understand your style
Whilst an interior decorator will work with you to understand your interior style, it makes their lives and job a lot easier if you have an idea of what you like and don’t like.
It helps to collate images of styles, homes or interiors you’re drawn to using platforms such as Pinterest or magazines so that the decorator has something visual to reference and to ensure you’re on the same page.
It’s also helpful to have an idea of your interior style as different decorators work with specific styles which may make your decision easier when you’re deciding who to work with.
Image by thesavyheart.com via Pinterest
Set realistic time frames and budgets
This it probably one of the most important tips to consider before engaging an interior decorator or designer.
Although it can be exciting to get started on a project it’s important to be clear on your budget and ensure that this allows for the decorators service fee or hourly rate, cost of materials and any contractor fees that may be required.
Although interior decorators will do their best to work within a set budget you need to be realistic on what you can achieve on the budget you have.
If you have a set time frame that you would like a project finished in, look at engaging a decorator at least 8 weeks in advance to ensure their availability and allow enough time for concept designs, revisions, ordering of products and the final installation.
Image by Pure Salt Interiors via Pinterest
Unfortunately like anything worth while in life, every thing involved in a project takes time and some things are out of a decorators control – like a pandemic!!!
So it pays to be patient and remember they aren’t magicians.
If you would like to book in for your own free 30 minute interior decorating consultation, click on the link to lock in your spot.
For more decorating and styling tips, you might like to check out ‘Tips and Tricks for Decorating your Home like a Pro’
Image and Brand Credits – almostperfect.com, kathykuo.com, thesavyheart.com, puresaltinteriors.com and Pinterest
