Tips on working with a Designer
We have the pleasure of working with so many gorgeous clients and one of the first things we hear is “I’ve never done this before - working with a designer is a new thing for me!” Most people who engage an interior designer have never done it before! Maintaining good communication, asking questions and providing HONEST feedback is crucial. So to help you in your design relationships we put together a few points to keep in mind!
Start the project off on the right foot by agreeing to all terms and conditions before signing any contracts or agreements. Make sure you are clear with the Designer by outlining any expectations you have. This may include budget, timeline or even just a special piece of furniture that must be included in the design.
As Designers we want to ensure that we present an achievable initial concept for you to fall in love with rather than showing you Buckingham Palace and having to work backwards from there. Be upfront and honest with your budget from the beginning! If something changes a long the way let your designer know ASAP.
Become familiar with what you do and don’t like so that when filling out an initial style / project questionnaire you know where you stand in terms of colour palettes, patterns and design styles. Images are the best way to communicate you style. Find an image of a space that really speaks to you. It might be the colours, a particular fabric, of just how the room makes you feel. Designers and visual people, showing them will mean so much more than describing it!
Digital mood boards are a fantastic way to portray a design concept, showing off fixtures and fittings for each space. Don’t be afraid to give honest feedback - you wont hurt your designers feelings!!!!! As designers we want to present to you the perfect room for you, when you hold back on your feedback you aren’t going to get the result you want!
When the Designer, who has an overall perspective of your project and the design cohesion, suggests something that you may not have thought of yourself, take time to mull over the piece/pieces before providing feedback. After all, you have hired the Designer to design with your best interests in mind.
Most Designers have a wonderful team backing them and putting their specific expertise to use on all projects. You may not meet with the head designer every time, however as a whole we are working alongside each other to ensure the best end result is achieved.
The design process should be enjoyable - its our favourite part! It’s the time that you dream and create and start to fall in love with what you are going to build. Take your time, always give honest feedback and enjoy the process!!
