HOW TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Even though we haven’t met, I feel like there are a few things I know about you. I know you’re design savvy. I bet you love home magazines, design blogs and a fashionable Instagram feed or two. I’m sure there’s a running list of things you’d love to change in your home so that it better reflects who you are. And I know the main obstacle holding you back from those changes: time.
Trust me, you’re not alone. Everyone who lives in the Washington, DC metro area leads a crazy busy life. And making changes to your home takes time, a lot of time. It can get overwhelming real fast; visiting show rooms that don’t always have what you want, sorting through hundreds of fabric swatches, finding the perfect paint color, weighing quality versus price regarding furnishings, finding qualified tradespeople and then finding even more time to pull it all this together.
Whew. Exhausting.
But don’t worry, there’s hope. A good interior designer can solve all this and more. Here are a few tips for finding the right designer for your project.
Photo: @stacyzaringoldberg
SHOP AROUND: You should definitely talk to more than one designer. Check out their online portfolios, their website testimonials and their Instagram feeds. Schedule a call to ask questions about billing, processes and project time frames. If they don’t check your boxes, keep looking.
PERSONALITY FIT: Selecting someone to work on (and in) your home is difficult. You need to be comfortable with that person. Make sure they get you. They must be a good listener. They need to understand your life, your family, your interests and your style. (Do your pets go on the furniture? Do you want display your Chinese Ginger Jar collection? Do you need a reading nook that’s all your own?) They need to create a space that’s yours, not theirs.
Photo: @stacyzaringoldberg
BUTTONED UP: A good interior needs to be more than just creative. They need to have the ability to seamlessly manage your project from concept to completion. They also need to have invested in the non-glamorous side of design through business systems, processes and regular communication to ensure that when the job is complete, every tiny element of your project is polished to perfection.
THE FINE PRINT: Understand how the designer estimates and bills for their design services. Transparency is key. No surprises. Have them step you through their contract so everyone is on the same page before you sign any agreement.
HAVE FUN: This is an exciting adventure with the right guide. A good designer will confidently lead you through the entire design journey making it a positive, enjoyable experience. This will leave you with all the time you need to live your best life.
Photo: @angelanewtonroyphotography
It’s time to love your living space! The hardest part is getting started and now that you’ve read this, consider yourself on your way.
Photo: @angelanewtonroyphotography
As you start your search for an interior designer, we’d like to throw our (stylishly fabulous) hat in the ring for your consideration. Our studio, Manlove and Company Interiors, was named Best Interior Designer 2022 by Arlington Magazine. We’ve been helping busy individuals in the DC metro area create uniquely personal living spaces since 2007. And we’d love to help you, too! Contact us and let’s see what we can do for you!