Ah, full service design. It’s a beautiful thing; I mean the idea of a turn-key service where all your design needs are handled from idea to installation is awesome! However; its not for everyone.
What is for everyone? Having a lovely home that fits your style and budget. And sometimes, this doesn’t require hiring an interior designer or decorator for full service.
In fact, there are some people whom would be better served with an alternate design option that allows them to save money and get a look they enjoy outside of full service.
Who are these certain folks? Read on to find out who.
Reason #1: You’re Not Ready to Make an Investment
Creating a budget to invest in your home and hiring an interior designer shows you understand the value in using a professional. When you work with an interior designer, you will receive a tailored end product that meets your design needs. It’s worth it, I promise!
However, there are some people who you can’t convince otherwise. They have no interest in making the investment and surely don’t see the value. However; interior design is just like any other profession. When you go to see a doctor, you expect to pay a fee. Or when you go to a hair salon, you’re expected to pay for the service.
The same goes for an interior designer! We ARE business professionals and create a beautiful experience for our clients. This is worthy of your time and investment!
Alternative Option: A consultation with an interior designer may be your best option. This allows you to get a feel for what a designer brings to the table and helps you to understand the process involved.
Having a consultation with an interior designer may also shed some light on your ideas and help you consider things you hadn’t thought about. And if beneficial, consider saving your money for full service in the future!!
Reason #2: You Love to Shop
Can you smell a sale from a mile away? Do you spend your weekend perusing your favorite home furnishing sites like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware? These stores are a great option for you because they allow you to get your shopping fix and offer free in-store design services.
Working with an interior designer on the other hand, is like dining at a 5 star restaurant. Each course the chef creatively prepares and serves is an experience; you don’t know all the details and magic of what goes into preparing the meal, even though the menu describes what to expect with taste.
Similarly, when a designer presents their design concept, we do not expect for clients to shop for the "ingredients." If you prefer to create your own meals, hiring an interior designer isn’t for you.
Alternative Option: Work with an interior designer on an as needed basis. This type of service is great for clients that have a project in progress but may need a second opinion on things like: selecting colors, furnishings, or finishing materials for a project. Check out my Decorator By Your Side services for more information.
Reason #3: You’re a Control Freak
Working with an interior designer requires a certain level of trust. After all, you’re letting this person into your home, your life and your wallet. As designers we understand this and make it a priority by juggling all the many pieces needed to turn your desires into a reality. However; in order to be successful at this, you have to let go.
Yes the process should be collaborative but there should be parameters with this. If you insist on being a coach instead of a team player, then you may need to consider other options.
Alternative Option: Design only consultations with an interior designer may be your best option. This allows you to dip your toes in the notion of working with an interior designer by allowing him/her to create a curated design plan for you. However; you’re ultimately responsible for purchasing said items and styling the space. Check out my E-Design Services for more information.
Reason #4: You Have Lots of Free Time
There is a lot of work that goes into designing a space. There is the design itself and then you’re sourcing items, purchasing said items and then the installation. Designers also pour time, money and effort into attending workshops and market to bring you the latest and greatest in home furnishings and solutions.
If you’re someone who has time and enjoys the idea of educating yourself on doing presentation boards, renderings and creating a design for your space, then you don’t need an interior designer.
Alternative Option: Consider purchasing blocks of time under Decorator By Your Side to help you fill in the gaps for areas you may need assistance in.
Reason #5: You Moonlight as a Hoarder
Interior designers are pretty creative at mixing your existing furnishings with new pieces if they fit into the design scheme. However; this isn’t gonna work if you insist on holding onto those dusty items from grandma’s basement that just doesn’t make good design sense!
If you prefer to keep every trinket and item from 20 years ago, then an interior designer is a no for you.
Alternative Option: Consider the Decorator By Your Side service. This option allows a designer to assist you with editing and styling your current furnishings and enhancing with new decor accessories.
Reason #6: You’re a DIY’er
As mentioned before, working with an interior designer under a full service project means the client never has to lift a finger. It really is a turn-key, concierge level service where we handle everything from designing, shopping, deliveries, installation and even dreadful returns for damaged items. Interior designers also work with reputable trades people who support those projects requiring a craftsman.
If you prefer to do all this yourself, then an interior designer isn’t the best fit.
Alternative Option: Consider a E-Design Package where a detailed design is created for you to implement yourself.
so…
Did you see yourself in any of these explanations? If so, that’s ok!
The beauty of the design industry today is that there are many ways that you CAN work with a designer. Although full-service interior design may not be the best option for you today, I encourage you to seek out a design service that both suits your personality and the beautiful home you desire.
