Hiring an interior designer:
PeaceOfHome
5 years ago
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Hiring an Interior Designer - how? process? costs? what to expect
Comments (6)I live not far from you (Westchester County) and although I interviewed a number of interior designers when I moved into our home a few years ago, I could not find one that both 1) shared my aesthetic AND 2) was somewhat sensitive to price considerations. I had a decent-sized budget, but I also believe that the more affluent the area in which you live the more some service providers make judgments about what you can and should be paying. I am also bad with scale, and was quite fearful of picking the wrong sized things. I ended up having a designer/salesperson from a furniture store come to my house, measure and lay out some room plans for me. The service was free, and although of course they hope that you will buy all of your furniture from them, there is no obligation. I did buy quite a bit from them, but I also bought plenty from others. I didn't love everything they suggested, but it was helpful to the extent that once I saw the room plans, I knew at least what size coffee table, chairs, etc. I should be looking for. It's probably not as effective as getting a good interior designer, but it's definitely better than flying blind. If you go that route, my advice is to talk to furniture stores that carry a number of different furniture brands (Safavieh in Stamford and Connecticut Design Center in Norwalk come to mind in Fairfield County), rather than a store that only carries its own line. I think that way the result will look more collected and less like a furniture showroom. I used Stickley Audi in White Plains and was satisfied. Some stores offer the service for free, and others charge a few hundred dollars that will usually be applied as a credit against furniture purchases....See MoreHow to hire a designer??
Comments (7)I am not an interior designer but I work with many highly talented and notable ones in the NY/CT area. And word of mouth is definately the norm here. If you have a friend or neighbor (whose interior you like) that may be a start. And go to their websites, if they have one, to get a sense of their style, learn thir credentials. For most, they offer a free initial consultation, sometimes for the first hour, sometimes they treat it like an interview and don't time the meeting. Here is where you will find out ther pay structures, like do they charge by the hour, or whatever. How will they work out a budget for you, Ask about their sub-contractors; painters, upholsterers, etc... Google "decorators" in your area and check out those websites or call them and see how they work. A Showhouse or House Tour are also good ways to see their work and actually meet them. There is no right or wrong way to find an interior designer (diff. from an interior decorator). I think sometimes it's just a gut feeling. In my business it's almost all word-of-mouth, so if there is a good designer in your area and you ask around, you'll probably find them. And finally, do not mention the inheritance......See MoreHiring and interior designer for a pre-construction house
Comments (6)Yes, I do think it's a good idea. The house I recently bought had a designer involved from the beginning stages. The couple that started construction got transferred right before closing and never purchased the house. Can't tell ya how grateful I am that the couple hired a designer to select all the finishes and even lighting. The only thing that is a miss in my house is carpeting in bedrooms. That was done last and the construction manager chose the carpet -- it doesn't work well with the travertine. But, hey, it's not bad and I'm not complaining. Just can't help but wonder what the designer would have chosen....See MoreHire interior decorator/designer
Comments (1)There are some but to be honest I would never work on line with a client. Seeing a space in real life is IMO the only way to do the job. If online is what you want why not just pick everybody’s brain here fpr free....See MorePeaceOfHome
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