5 Questions to Ask an Interior Designer before Hiring

August 26, 2021


If you have just moved into a new home or office, it’s essential to create a cozy and elegant environment, by procuring comfortable furniture and beautiful décor. However, adding a shimmer, shine, and sparkle to a room is easier said than done. Luckily, a professional interior designer can help to create the perfect feel for the place, by blending patterns, colors, and textures. An interior designer, will also work around your budget and ensure the building or home showcases your unique personality. If you’re looking to spruce up your home or office, here’s a list of the top five questions to keep in mind when hiring an interior designer.

What kind of clients do you work with?

If you are looking for a luxury home build or renovation, you need to work with an interior designer with competent experience building and renovating luxury homes. While a designer with a different background may create beautiful interiors, luxury home interior designers have the specialized knowledge needed to create a functional and extravagant space that adheres to your lifestyle.

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What fees do you charge?

Ask the interior designer how they cost their work. Do they charge a flat rate for the project (which is preferable and gives you complete control over the budget) or do they work on an hourly rate? They won’t be able to give you an exact figure initially as it takes time to develop a complete scheme with its associated costs but they should be able to give you a breakdown of the way they charge out costs so that all elements of the project are clear and transparent.

How long will it take you to complete the project?

If you’re not familiar with interior design yourself, then it might be difficult to know how long of a timeline is typical for your project. After you’ve talked about the scope of your project with your designer and what it will require to achieve the look you want, make sure to ask how long it will take them to complete it. For instance, if you’re hiring a designer to dress up a home you haven’t even moved into yet, you’ll want to think about how long you’re willing to wait for it to be move-in ready. Also, take into account how much work your designer is actually doing in your space. Are they just adding finishing touches? Then it probably shouldn’t take them several months. Are they overhauling an entire room from floor to ceiling? (Or multiple rooms, for that matter?) Then understand that they’ll need more time. Bottom line: make sure you agree upon a timeline so you’re not rushing your designer, and so your designer knows what you expect from them.

What is your own personal design style?

Of course, an interior designer will create a home that meets your needs and is individual to you but they will inevitably have their own signature style too. This could be opulent and glamorous or relaxed and laid back. You need to decide whether you are looking for their signature look for your home or instead prefer to have them help you find your own style. To find out about the designer, their style, and their approach to see what they will personally bring to the project and whether they will be a good fit for you.

Can I see the references and examples of your work?

Ask to see a portfolio of the designer’s work – this will help you to get an idea of their style and the finish and quality of their work. This could be photos or even better you might be able to visit one of their other projects. If possible, talk to a previous client to get a better idea of how the designer works and how happy they were with the service, and of course the result.

 

If you’re looking for an Interior Design Company in Vaughan, reach out to Alpha & Omega Design. Our goal is to ‘wow’ our clients with our professional interior design services. We offer our services for homes, offices, and condos, and also carry out renovations, furnishings, and interior styling, kitchen and bath designs & custom design solutions for storage.

 

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