Finding an Interior Designer is Like Shopping for Shoes - There Needs to be a Comfortable Fit!

The search for an interior designer is like shopping for shoes. They come in all shapes and sizes, some more embellished than others, some designed to support you all the way to the finish line of the Boston Marathon . . . while others no farther than from the car to your seat, preferably located near the front door of the restaurant! Finding the one that offers both style and comfortable fit in order to meet your particular design needs doesn't just happen by accident . . . but is well worth the effort when found!

If you have not previously worked with an interior designer the process of finding one might be intimidating. The following are some things to consider, questions to ask, designed to aid you in your quest for the designer who will become your comfortable fit:

Whose house is it, anyway? It is yours, and should reflect your style, not that of the designers. Initially, when I am consulting with a client, our meeting may seem more like a game of Charades! Most people tell you they don't really know what their "design style" is, but they do . . . they just don't know how to express it! A good designer will see past that, knowing exactly what questions to ask, so together you can accomplish your goals.

Just like when you tear out a picture of a hairstyle and take it to the person who is designing your hair . . . do the same for your interior designer. Start compiling a folder of pictures - things that you both like and dislike. They contain clues which will greatly aid your designer in determining how to best reflect your design style.

Consider the affordability factor. Many people ask themselves if they can afford to enlist the professional services of an interior designer. You're asking yourself the wrong question! The question should be: Can I afford to do this project without enlisting the guidance of a professionally trained designer?!

Remember, a professional has been trained to assist you in setting realistic budgets and design goals for your project. With experience, they have the benefit of anticipating and avoiding costly mistakes, while also being able to optimize your budget in areas that you may not have even considered.

Do you like jigsaw puzzles? Statistics have shown that only 10% of people can visualize what a home will look like before it's completed. That means that 90% are out there floundering when making each design decision. Just imagine how frustrating it would be if you were handed 2500 little puzzle pieces in a box with no lid to show you how it should look when finished! When working with a designer that "fits", they will be able to supply you with the missing lid!

Less is often more! When in doubt, and without a plan to guide us , we have a tendency to want to over-do rather than under-do! But in the design world this is where many costly mistakes are made. By finding a designer who knows how to properly mix, layer,and blend furnishings and finishes, you will be able to achieve a complete look without the addition of "more stuff".

Do your homework. When looking for that designer who will be a perfect "fit" . . . don't just flip open the yellow pages and randomly point your finger. Ask around. If you are in a friends home and like what you see, get the name of their designer. If you see a model home that you particularly like, find out what design firm did it . . . and names of the designers who were specifically involved. Research local firms and inquire about their special areas of expertise. And be aware that there are many people who call themselves Decorators. This is not the same designation as a Designer. A decorator does not have to have the necessary education, training or credentials to carry this title.

Lifestyle is more than a new buzzword. Make sure that you clearly communicate to your designer, and they clearly hear, what your family's needs are when it comes to "Lifestyle"! Our homes have become our retreat from the chaos of the outside world, and should be designed to reflect those needs.

Warning! For complicated designs you should plan to hire someone who is qualified to work on projects which involve space planning, renovation, building and safety codes. Check their credentials.

And last, but certainly not least - COMPATIBILITY!!! If you don't feel a connection with the potential designer you're meeting with, continue looking. You are going to have to trust them in order to allow them the flexibility to do what they do best. This can never happen if your personalities don't blend. And if they come into your home telling you to get rid of things that are important to you . . . get rid of them. A good designer would never do that!

Begin with a phone interview to introduce yourself and your design needs. Then proceed to meeting face-to-face to share any concerns, questions or expectations you might have. Be sure that you discuss payment options at this time so that there are no surprises down the road. Do they have a portfolio of their work, client references? COMMUNICATE . . .then trust your instincts. You'll know when the shoe fits!