Thinking about hiring an interior designer? You might be wondering how to get started and if it’s worth the investment. Many homeowners work with interior designers to bring their vision for their home to life. These professionals can help you plan a renovation, color scheme, or even design for your entire home. Before you hire an interior designer, here’s what you need to know about the benefits, considerations, costs, and selection process.
Is it Worth it to Hire an Interior Designer?
Homeowners often wonder whether it’s worth it to hire an interior designer. You may worry that bringing on a professional designer will eat up too much of your budget. Or perhaps you’re concerned that the final result won’t be worth the initial investment.
Interior designers work with clients to make sure their spaces are not only beautiful but also functional. You might be a whiz with color but struggle with layout. Or perhaps you’re working on a full-scale remodel. Whatever the situation at hand, an interior designer can help bring all design elements, including color palette, textures, lighting, lines, and form, together for one cohesive look.
Interior designers also have relationships with other professionals you may need help from, such as general contractors, word workers, electricians, architects, etc. This saves you the trouble of having to source and interview additional people.
They can also save you the hassle and expense of costly mistakes. It’s easy to purchase a sofa that is too small for your space or an exterior paint color that dries down to the wrong shade. These little mistakes can completely blow your budget. An interior designer will make you get exactly what you had in mind for your space.
Top Reasons to Hire an Interior Designer
Why else should you hire an interior designer? The following are some of the top benefits:
- Trade discounts: Yep, your designer has connections and can save you money through trade programs from furniture stores, design shops, and even luxury home brands.
- More attractive to potential buyers: A professionally decorated home makes a big difference when putting your home up for sale. You’ll catch the eyes of way more prospective buyers with photos of your well-designed home on the listing.
- Better results: It’s all the little things that add up to make your home look extra eye-catching. An interior designer can give your space that extra wow factor.
- Time saved: Your designer has a solid understanding of who to contact, where to go, what to do, and when to do it. They’ll also be able to anticipate and address any potential issues.
How to Select an Interior Designer
How do you find the right interior designer for your space and style? One of the most fun ways to find a designer that speaks to you is to visit designer showcases. These events usually take place a couple of times a year to highlight work performed by designers in houses. You’ll get a chance to see their work up close and personal. Take a note of whose work you like best.
Got a friend with great taste? Ask him or her to give you some recommendations. You can also request recommendations on social media, local Reddit forums, and NextDoor. Searching hashtags on Instagram is another way to find local designers near you. As a bonus, you can even browse their galleries to get a better feel for their work.
Be sure to also look into certification requirements for your area. The certifying board may have a list of interior designers that you can reach out to.
Hiring an Interior Designer on a Budget
An interior designer doesn’t have to be expensive. Most designers charge an hourly rate, a fixed rate for all services, or a cost-plus rate. With a cost-pulse rate, the designer will purchase items for you and add a percentage to the cost for their services.
You should also share your budget with your designer. They will know how to best allocate the funds, where to splurge, and where to save. They may also be able to snag like-new items and lower-cost alternatives to save you money.
You can also lean on your designer to find pieces that will stand the test of time. Consider also prioritizing the services or space you need the most help with to get the biggest bang for your back. There are even online services where you get tips from your favorite designers for a timed rate!
Let Owings Brothers Help
At Owings Brothers Contracting, we love creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful for homeowners in Maryland. As an award-winning interior designer in Maryland, you can rely on us for unmatched quality and service. Get started bringing your vision to life with a design consultation.
