It is easy to turn on your television set and find a decorating show that tells you how to completely redesign a room in your home for under $500.00. If you are interested in saving some money or just enjoy working on projects, there are plenty of DIY shows and books that will guide you through the process of building a custom bookcase, for example. And many “trade only’ showrooms have been opened to the general public. For these reasons you may be asking yourself “Do I really need an interior designer?” Of course, the answer to that question is up to you and determined by the scope of your project and your budget.
There are many ways to use an interior designer’s services:
• A designer can assist you in creating a color scheme, assessing furniture needs and choosing fabric. Having a design plan in place before you begin your project will help you avoid costly mistakes down the road.
• As we watch the real estate value of houses decline, we have become cautious about making costly improvements to our homes. An interior designer can offer advise on the cost/benefit of undertaking large projects such as room additions, kitchen remodels etc. This will help you avoid over-improving your property which could result in a loss when it comes time to sell your property.
• While you may feel comfortable making decisions regarding color, upholstery and fabric, if the scale and placement of your furniture is incorrect, your room will just not look “right”. A designer has been trained to assess scale, proportion and placement based on the space allowed and the function of the room. Getting this type of advice is valuable and well worth the cost.
• Even though many showrooms are open to the public, a designer often receives a larger discount than what is being offered to you. Depending on the arrangement you have with your interior designer, they are often able to pass these discounts on to you and negotiate, saving you even more money.
Using the “trained eye” of a professional designer will allow you to make informed decisions, stay within budget and get the results you want; a beautiful and comfortable home for your family and guests to enjoy.
