It’s fair to say that our homes are one of our most personal and important spaces to get right. It should work effectively in both function and feeling. Our homes support our memories, present needs and future dreams. It is a space where we can be ourselves.
When planning any home updates or embarking on renovating, it’s important to surround yourself with the right professionals. Here are my tips on how to find the right interior designer for you.
Dining room design and styling by Catriona Archer
1. Why hire an Interior designer?
If you are already reading this article, it’s likely you are already considering hiring a designer. You a likely to already know that hiring a professional can save you time and money in the long run, especially when juggling a busy professional and family life. Hiring the right interior designer helps make the project run smoother, avoids costly mistakes and helps you create an interior that functions and feels to its best and hopefully exceeds your expectations.
Dining room design and styling by Catriona Archer
2. Scope and Budget
Having a clear scope and budget width will help you find a designer with the right skill sets.
- Are there areas of the project you are looking to do yourself?
- Perhaps you just wanting some inspiration and guidance?
- Or are you looking for someone to take control of the whole process, from start to finish?
- What is your overall budget?
- Do you have a clear opinion on how much you want to spend on new purchases, or are you looking for someone who can prioritise your overall budget to help you make it go that extra mile?
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer. Kitchen: (Schmidt Bristol)
3. Where to find an interior designer
If you’ve not worked with an interior designer before or don’t know of one you feel a connection with already within your social network, the process can feel daunting. But don’t worry, I’m here to help. Houzz is a useful online site that helps bring homeowners and professionals together, with a comprehensive list of portfolio’s and architects, interior designers and landscape designers in the Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire area. Social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest can be helpful to shortlist interiors in your area and gain a flavour of their portfolios.
Local magazines are a great source of inspiration too, both as hardcopy and online. They regularly feature local interior designers from the area. It’s worth looking up their special Interiors Issues that are published several times a year, as these hold a variety of local trades you may need for your project. (The Bristol Magazine) (Bristol Life) (Bath Life) (Bath Magazine) (Wiltshire Life) (Somerset Life)
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer
4. Reviews and recommendations
Speaking to previous clients or trades who have worked with certain designers in the past is obviously a reassuring tool, but for many, this option is not always available.
I have seen just how important my reviews and awards on Google and Houzz have been to clients who contact me for the first time and gaining their trust. Google and Houzz have effective Review Listing features. It’s worth looking for common phrases or points that past clients make in their reviews to help gauge how the designer works, whether they are legitimate reviews and whether the designer is the right fit for you.
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer
5. Getting to know the designer
You are likely to be spending a lot of time with the designer, and together create something truly personal and meaningful for you, your family and friends to enjoy. Having an initial conversation with your shortlist of potential interior designers or decorators is clearly an important step in the decision making process. Depending on the size of the project, this could be just a phone call, a conversation online or a face-to-face meeting.
Styling by Catriona Archer
6. Style and substance
There are often certain interior design styles that you will gravitate towards for your project, but don’t feel forced into pigeonholing yourself into one set style. It’s OK to make it more individual and personal than this.
Designers who can work within a broad variety of styles are likely to provide the flexibility you may be looking for. A good designer will be able to quickly get a sense of your personal style from your existing environment and from some astute conversations during the early stages of the process.
A really important element to the design process is making sure you are comfortable with the interior designer you choose and knowing that you can speak freely and openly with them is. Go with your gut feeling.
Bedroom design and styling by Catriona Archer
7. Inspiration
Gather inspiration from different sources and don’t over-think it. Instagram, Pinterest and magazine tear sheets are all helpful tools. I often find that certain garments my clients wear can often give a good indication of their style preferences. What exactly are you attracted to in a certain picture? Does it evoke a certain feeling? Are you attracted to contrasting colours? Or maybe the calming textures?
Gaining this insight will not only help clearly identify the designer that you resonate with, it will also help the designer understand and interpret these ideas during the design process – Removing misunderstandings and saving you time and money in the long run.
Bedroom styling by Catriona Archer
I offer a flexible, affordable interior design and styling approach, from a one-off half day consultation to full end-to-end services. Working in the Bristol, Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire for over 10 years has given me experience with a broad range of projects, styles and budgets. Feel free to contact me for an informal, no obligation chat.