Researching and enlisting the assistance of an interior designer is a formidable task. Your home – your sanctuary – is where you should be most at ease, able to relax and recharge for the next day’s endeavors and any disruption to your recuperation will impact not only your home life, but, your well being and demeanor throughout the following day. The interior designer you select is ultimately responsible for how your home “fits” you; are the colors throughout your home harmonious and soothing, are your furnishings comfortable and situated advantageously, do all your home components work in tandem and seamlessly, is the lighting in your home suitable for your needs and wants, does your home reflect your lifestyle, are you truly happy at home?
Word of mouth is still the unequivocal method by which to employ any professional. If your trusted friends, family, or business associates have had firsthand experiences with interior designers you already have a viable list of candidates with which to begin. They will have vetted the designers to their standards and preconceptions, but, bear in mind that even though their relationships may have been successful does not guarantee the same for you – it just gives you a solid platform on which to begin your vetting.
Referral websites that are gratis to the consumer are good in that they list “approved” interior designers and decorators within designated parameters. For the professionals to be listed on the sites they typically have only to submit their credentials, photography if available, a few testimonials, contact information, and the designer’s business website link. The designer’s frequency of exposure and ranking on the referral websites are little more than paid advertising, so, though the sites remain excellent sources for the names of potential designers they are not truly credible resources for vetting. The interior designer’s business website, however, is an invaluable find. It is a synopsized version of the designer themselves and, as such, will provide an overview of the individual, their work and versatility and, usually, a more comprehensive listing of references and testimonials.
The interior designer you select should be professional in their carriage and appearance. Flash and flamboyancy frequently belie overcompensation for insecurity and a lack of substance, so, be more attentive to their posture, body language, sincerity, and confidence. Competent and capable does not mean arrogant and condescending, so, should you detect even an ounce of attitude, conclude your interview. Your designer should be articulate and capable of effective communication – you shouldn’t commit to a concept you can’t fully comprehend and the designer should be able to convey, through whatever means necessary, the notion presented.
Look for personality traits somewhat compatible with your own (you may not be screening for a date, but, the client/designer relationship is personal. It is absolutely imperative for the designer to delve into the peeves and idiosyncrasies of your entire family for them to effectively produce a suitable environment tailored to its occupants) because at some point you will need to trust this person to make decisions on your behalf. You cannot always be present for meetings with contractors and subcontractors; your designer will, therefore, become your proxy.
Request a list of referrals. Any reputable interior designer will have a list of past and current clients, often with testimonials, willing to speak with their potential clients, but, retain some skepticism knowing that you’ve only been exposed to the “satisfied” customers. No one bats a thousand in this game, so, you’re looking for someone with an exceptionally high average.
Thoroughly review the designer’s portfolio and scrutinize how each space was treated. Don’t just concentrate on the homes you like, but, examine the room settings to which you are not drawn – they will reveal the designer’s creativity and versatility with different styles and mediums. All interior designers can be taught competent space planning and composition, but, creativity and taste are innate. Education separates interior designers from decorators. Creativity and taste separate interior designers from one another and those qualities, in conjunction with the factors previously discussed, should be the attributes of the person to whom you entrust your home.
