Are you gearing up for a home renovation project? Have you spent hours swooning over your perfectly-curated Pinterest board titled "Living Room Reno", or found yourself frolicking through the paint swatch aisles of your local hardware store? You may have even watched every episode of "Fixer Upper" in preparation, but you just can't decide whether or not it's worth it to hire an interior designer to help you along the way.
Taking on a home renovation project may seem very simple in the beginning, but the truth is that any renovation, no matter how simple it may seem, can become very stressful very fast. When it comes down to it, if things aren't done right your project can quickly turn into a costly nightmare. Hiring a professional to design your space can truly make all the difference in seeing your vision come together, with details planned out and executed the first time around.
Today I'm going to outline the top 10 reasons to work with an interior designer, and I think a few of them may actually surprise you!
1. Save Money
Yes, you read that right! Adding a design service to your project can actually SAVE money! It may sound strange, but working with a designer can help you avoid costly mistakes in your renovation and add tremendous value to your home by doing your project right the first time. Not only that, but a designer often has access to discounts on thousands of interior products and vendors - some being trade-exclusive! Interior designers have a vast knowledge of the products available and the value they can bring to the project and can help you to make wise decisions along the way.
2. Save Time
A home improvement project typically takes many hours to plan and execute, hours which most individuals just don't have to spare or would rather spend doing something else. A designer has the ability to swoop in and plan your project efficiently while collecting product samples, purchasing and delivering products for you, installing and/or coordinating with contractors to help execute the design, and troubleshooting any problems that may occur during the project. This not only frees up your time so that you're able to spend it doing other things, but it may make the project much more enjoyable for you!
3. Details Make The Design
The little details are what truly make a space, but they can also be the biggest stressors in a home improvement project. You probably have a Pinterest-perfect vision of what your dream space should be, but there are thousands of decisions that need to be made along the way to translate that vision into a reality. Consider the small but mighty details such as selecting room mouldings, coordinating colors with existing elements in the space, the transitions between flooring, how many light fixtures you need and what color temperature bulbs work best, finding the perfect white (have you SEEN how many different shades of white there are?!) and the list goes on and on. Having a designer by your side takes the guesswork and the stress out of making these detailed decisions; they can be your guide from the first swing of the sledgehammer right down to placing the last decorative touches.
4. Being A Liaison
Interior designers often have wonderful networks of quality tradespeople and contractors that they can refer to get the project completed, and ensure the job is done right. Not only that, they can also help to arrange and communicate with those contractors to install the design, meaning you won't have to worry about having to learn how to talk construction jargon or make a hundred calls back and forth - that alone can save you a ton of time, not to mention unnecessary stress! The efficiency and communication between a designer and these contractors is often times incredible because they have worked together before and know what to expect from one another, which is invaluable when it comes to your renovation project success.
5. Customized Process
You don't have to be in the market for a full-on renovation to find value in working with an interior designer. Whether you're just looking for window treatments for your living room, help selecting a few light fixtures, or need the scoop on the best backsplash tile, a designer may be exactly what you need to help make a confident decision with your home update. Remember, designers have access to many products (often at discounts) and can help you with all aspects of your project - no matter how big or small they may be!
6. Tricks of the Trade
Designers are trained and well-versed in making smart decisions when it comes to planning your space. They use industry-standard guides and resources to ensure that all codes are assessed and met within your project - this becomes especially important in kitchen and bathroom design, or any other space that requires more extensive planning. Because it is a designer's job, they are typically comfortable with and efficient in designing and troubleshooting awkward and tricky spaces - most designers are even excited by the challenge! Many designers often network and learn from other designers and tradespeople or take classes to help keep them current with what is going on in the industry - their extensive knowledge can be a tremendous asset to you throughout the process of your renovation.
7. Visualize Your Space With CAD Views And Design Drawings
It is invaluable to be able to actually see the final product of your home renovation before ever lifting a hammer. 3D CAD (computer-aided design) views and renderings created by designers are perfect for those that have trouble visualizing a space's potential, and this alone can be immensely helpful in avoiding bad design decisions. These 3D views can even include your current furnishings, right down the the specific pattern in your favorite rug, or heck, even your own family photo!
8. Quality
Say "so long" to the days of ordering furniture or fixtures only to have them arrive and not be of the caliber that you had hoped. A professional designer can sniff out quality interior products because we work with them on a daily basis. Interior designers have a lot of resources and the knowledge to quality-check products before recommending them for a design. I will never recommend a product that is not of the level of quality I demand for my own home, and this makes an incredible difference in the end result of a revived space.
9. Unique + Personalized
In my opinion, one of the most valuable perks of working with an interior designer is receiving a space that is beautiful, functional, and most importantly, custom-tailored to you. Here at Revive! Interiors, I begin each and every project with a detailed questionnaire that allows me to get to know you! I ask questions about you, your family and pets, your lifestyle, and how you want the space to work and function for you. Those answers guide my design process from start to finish to ensure a final space that is a perfect reflection of you! It is my biggest passion to create spaces that feel unique to you with a few unexpected elements throughout. I want you to feel comfortable and proud of your new space, and have it blend seamlessly into and enhance your everyday life.
10. Have Fun!
While home renovation projects can be expensive, stressful, and very time-consuming, I believe the design process can also be SO enjoyable. It's my absolute joy to help alleviate the work, and remove the stress from your plate so that you can get excited about your space!
If you have any questions about working with a designer, or if you're ready to embark on your own home renovation project, please let me know in the comments below or send me an email at katie@revivebydesign.com - I can't wait to get started in helping you fall in love with your home!