Case Study 103: Do You Need An Interior Designer?

In this third addition to the Case Study Series, Michael Thomas, well respected and noted interior designer to the not-very-famous, provides his insight and important guidelines to all consumers about the need for an interior designer.   Enjoy.

It has become quite apparent that some people have no clue what interior designers do, how we work or why they should hire a design professional in the first place.  

As a result, many take on the arduous task of designing and creating interiors on their own.  However, without professional guidance and a master plan, it can be dangerous to create that interior.  Some might say life threatening.  Oh my.   

It can also be time consuming. Interior designers, with their knowledge and expertise, can help avoid mistakes and actually save time and money especially when those so-called “housewife decorators” put an hourly rate on their time! But then everyone knows that all an interior designer does is to travel from consignment shop to IKEA to design centers and go to the best parties...  and meet famous people at those parties...  and drive a BMW.......Oh, sorry, I got lost in my own fantasy.

So just how does one know if the services of an interior designer are really required?  I have assembled six key points to provide guidance on whether or not it might be in your best interest (and in the interest of all family members) to find yourself an interior designer.    

1. If you refer to the overstuffed recliner covered in a plaid bullet-proof Herculon as your mid-century artifact, you could probably use an interior designer.

2. If you believe that “green design” is painting walls and ceiling with Benjamin Moore Color : Lime Tart, you better start finding yourself an interior designer today.

3. If you use yellow bug light bulbs in your lamps because you like to set the right ambience for dinner parties, you might just need an interior designer.

4. If there is anything in your powder bathroom that is flocked, you might need an interior designer.  By the way, if the flocking is on the ceiling, it may be asbestos.

5. If you see plans marked “Reflected Ceiling Plan“ and get excited because you love  12” x 12” gold-veined mirrors above a bed, you might need an interior designer (sooner than later.)

6. And finally, if you consistently watch HG-TV because you want to learn to use a glue gun, you may not need an interior designer in the first place so not to worry about finding one.  
( And as a result, you might make the rest of the design community very happy. )


The End. 

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