Five Terrible Misconceptions About Interior Designers.

The right interior design can transform a drab, dated and dilapidated interior into a stylish, cozy and welcoming place to enjoy. The problem for some is that even when they want a professional looking space, many don’t often consider hiring a designer.   

Why? 

It may be because of the myths and misconceptions that have latched onto interior design services over the years. While some may have a small grain of truth, most highly exaggerated. Let’s displace non-truths with some discourse on the subject.  

Myth #1.” I can’t afford to hire an interior designer. “

An interior design firm is like any professional business. They will scale their work to fit the needs of the client. We have clients who just need help in establishing a general direction, while some others want to have us take their vision and create a master design plan. Design professionals are particularly cost effective when there are complex issues to address such as the remodel of a kitchen or an addition to an existing residence. Plus we are often called up to help select the team of contractors to ensure that the design is implemented correctly and the work is done appropriately.  

The real value of an interior designer is how much they can save in  on costly mistakes or by offering alternatives that you may not have considered for the interior while keeping to a desired budget.

Myth #2. “My place isn’t good enough to hire a design professional.”

An experienced interior designer has the vision to see the potential of your surroundings. That is one of the most important components of design we bring to the table every time we start working with a client.  We also know how important it is to not “over-design” the real estate.  Everyone wants an interior to look great but you also want to get back a return on the investment you make in the design should you decide to sell.  

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Myth #3. “I can do it myself so why would I want to hire a designer?”

Shopping for furnishings and fabrics can be fun for many.  And the Internet has opened the doors to many more options for the consumer than in years past. But designers have relationships with suppliers and vendors that can provide items you might never be able to find yourself in the retail establishments. 

And when it comes to the other elements of design, interior professionals will first consider how a space is to function, rather than how it will look.  Designers will also address the needs for lighting and maintenance and will ensure a home is a place to live safely and securely, no matter the age or ability. Plus in this age of technology, planning a “smart home” can mean simply getting the outlets and connections located ahead of time to operate the TVs that might hang on the wall and the appropriate placement of your computer, printer, modem and other tech equipment so it can be used effectively. 

Myth #4. “Designers’ personal own homes are picture perfect.”

You’ve probably heard the expression, “A cobbler’s children go without shoes.”  For many of us in the profession, this is very true.  It also means the last home we design is usually our own.  Most of my own design colleagues have homes that are a collection of furniture, accessories and art that have been assembled over time. While that doesn’t mean that the space is picture perfect, it is usually just perfect for, that is, until such time that they find another piece to bring into the home and make space for it.

My own home is a unique time capsule, with pieces that have become treasures to enjoy from a variety of resources as diverse as Baker, Schumacher, West Elm, IKEA and Palecek.  When mixed with an antique Coromandel screen, an Asian tapestry rug, a contemporary white leather sofa and an odd collection of art and object d’art, it reflects my own individuality.  

Keep in mind something else we truly believe in: Design is always an evolution, changing with the times and subject to a sudden inspiration. The best interiors are never meant to be static.  They should develop, grow and change with the owners and occupants. 

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Myth #5. “Designers will do what they want + not what I will want.”

Being a good designer means listening carefully to the client and understanding the client’s objectives long before we put pencil to paper or use a computer mouse to draw a space and create the design on a computer screen.  There certainly are designers who have a single style and taste, just as you find in clothes or cars. Ralph Lauren is a good example.   But in our office, we strive to create a space that is unique to the client.  This ensures that the result is an interior that reflects the needs of the client and showcases their personality.   

You should also remember, once you have selected your designer, let them do their magic. With three decades of work, we can say that none of our projects look like any of the others.  Want proof? Check out our portfolio of design projects.  You will see a great diversity in our designs, each just as unique as the client. 

And finally, if you've done your due diligence and you like your designer, relax, enjoy the journey and take their advice. That's why you hired them in the first place.

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