BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER  |  Chafin Communities

Knowing the benefits of what an interior designer can bring to the table is key. When completing any home project they can make all the difference. If you are buying a new home or want to renovate a current space interior designers can help. They bring a myriad of skills to the table that are often overlooked.

By: Colleen Voisin  Date: 6/9/2021

INTERIOR DESIGN vs. INTERIOR DECORATING

We’ve all been there, staring at a room saying to ourselves, “something’s missing.” You want to change the space but don’t know how. The first thing that comes to mind is the internet. Soon you find yourself trolling Instagram and Pinterest. Undoubtedly dedicated to finding boards with “the look.” 

Before you know it you have over 2000 pictures saved. These photos contain every style from contemporary to farmhouse. After hours of research you still have no idea where or how to begin. You might have an idea but, most of us just don’t have the time. In reality, doing things yourself means taking on a lot of risk. There is no way what you imagined will come out how you anticipated. 

SERVING A PURPOSE

Interior designers and interior decorators serve a purpose. Each provides a cohesive plan but what’s the difference?  Are they the same?  First, the answer is without a doubt they are not the same. Second, while decorating plays a role in interior design the work is very different.

There is some overlap between the two jobs. Interior design is an art and science. Designer’s must understand people’s behavior. Especially knowing how to use a space. Interior decorating, on the other hand, is all the furnishings placed within the space. Together with decorative elements you achieve a certain look. In short, interior designers may decorate but interior decorators do not design.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS WHAT DO THEY DO?

An interior designer follows a systematic approach. Designers pull together a space to look collected and unique. A top goal is to make indoor spaces functional and safe. They challenge themselves to apply creative and technical solutions. This applies to color, lighting, and materials. Designers also must be able to draw, read, and edit blueprints. Being aware of building codes and inspection regulations are a must.

Designers must consider one’s quality of life in a space. Culture, physical location, and social context of the project play a role as well. They implement creative and thoughtful designs. These designs also improve experiences within the space. Homeowner’s fall in love with too many different styles. Interior designers can help you define your style. More importantly, they can incorporate it into the design plan.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

Search for bids on new projects and scour their own personal network of connections.

Determine a client’s goal and requirements for a project.

Listen and ask a myriad of questions to better grasp and conceptualize the project.

Consider the use of space and how people will move through it.

Sketch preliminary design layouts including electrical and partitions.

Specify material and furnishings: lighting, furniture, wall finishes, flooring, and plumbing fixtures.

Estimate project costs through a budget and timeline for the design and construction.

Place orders for materials and oversee the installation of the design elements.

Oversees and works with construction, contractors, architects, civil engineers, and mechanical engineers.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, WHY WORK WITH INTERIOR DESIGNERS?

Now you know the difference between interior designers and interior decorators. As a result, this brings us to the main question.  What are the benefits of using an interior designer on projects?  First, do you want to coordinate all the above duties into your home project?  I didn’t think so.

To demonstrate, we asked Maggie Gilstrap, head interior designer for Chafin Communities. We asked her about what experiences she brings to the table in with interior design. “I don’t think people realize the magnitude of the project. There are a lot of decisions they have to make. Our decorator appointments can sometimes last 4 hours. That’s on a good day. We try to take the stress out of the process for our clients.”

Social Media Influence

Social media and home improvement shows make the design process look extremely easy. But it’s not. “It can be very overwhelming,” says Gilstrap. “Providing value to our customers in our number one goal. With this in mind, having decorator packages takes out a lot of the guesswork. Furthermore, these packages compliment certain color palettes, fabrics, and patterns in our homes.”

AVOID COSTLY MISTAKES, INCREASE HOME VALUE

You’ve invested a good bit of money in your home. Hiring a designer can help you avoid costly mistakes. Think about color palettes not matching or the use of space. Few know this but designers & decorators can increase the value of your home. Plus, it can boost buyer appeal and set you apart from the competition. In addition, this can increase showings and sales and decrease the amount of time your home sits on the market.  “We are respectful of everyone’s journey of owning a home. We want to start each buyer off on the right foot. Apart from this, we also want to maintain the home’s value” says Gilstrap.

PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED ASSESSMENT

Interior designers can give you the best before and after Instagram worthy pictures. Also, designers come to the table bringing a solid plan of attack. Once enacted, their plan runs efficiently.  For instance, they have an extra set of eyes to see and notice things that you may not. Their trained eyes can spot if there is something wrong with the space. They can think of things we overlook too.

SAVE ON TIME, EFFORT, AND RESOURCES

Remember the time you spent three hours on Pinterest? Designers have resources. Think about all the time you’ll save. Certainly, no more researching websites for products, brands, and prices. For instance, there are things available to designers that are not available to the public.

Stop wandering the aisles of your favorite home goods stores. Unless of course you do this for fun.  A designers contact list is filled with competent craftsman, contractors, and subcontractors. Above all, you won’t have to worry about if your cabinets are being delivered on time. They also have home improvement industry contacts like plumbers, roofers, painters, and more. 

THE PERFECT PROJECT MANAGER

Interior designers are the bridge between architects and contractors. They can spot complications or missteps within the design plan. Designer are listeners, observers, and note takers. They are up to date with current trends. More importantly they understand the use of style, palettes, and goals of a room. They encompass all of these aspects into the overall functionality of the space and make it beautiful. 

THE WOW FACTOR OF FRESH and EXCITING IDEAS

Designers think outside the box. More importantly, they see, eat, and think spatially. Interior designers know how to envision a project. They make it come to life. Everything from space planning to furniture layouts. They have skills for phased projects. From identifying a client’s needs or market trends. They design and deliver. While they can identify potential pain points of a space, they can also provide creative solutions. Interior designers get it right the first time too.

In conclusion, don’t think designers are only for the rich and famous.  Not only will you be patting yourself on the back for the incredible design that your room will shout but so will your designer. Will you consider working with an interior designer for your next project?