Why Should You Hire An Interior Designer?

If you are considering a home project, you have probably sifted through multiple magazines and online photographs for inspiration. The next step is integrating those photos into a cohesive interior that reflects you. An interior designer’s role is just that, to realize your lifestyle in 3-D.

Interior designers prepare detailed architectural drawings for the purposes of space planning, lighting design, millwork design, kitchen design, and bathroom design. We work with you to finish the spaces through thoughtful selection and specifying of furniture, fixtures, finishes, appliances, and furnishings. We are project managers working to coordinate between the the architect, the engineers, the trades, and the vendors to ensure safe and timely delivery and installation of the carefully designed and specified items. Interior designers are a vital team member, caring about what matters most to you in your home.

In this edition of StudioMinutes, we’re going to share what our studio thinks are the most important reasons to collaborate with designers.  Whether or not you have considered hiring an interior designer before, we want to be certain you recognize why you need one.

Credibility

As a forethought, it is especially important that you select a credible designer that has studied interior design at an accredited institution and has been certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).  School is where a designer learns art history, art theory, how to draw, how to formulate ideas, how to put a project together and understand the “why” behind design. The only designers that can be NCIDQ certified are those that have completed rigorous studies and real-life training. If you look for a credible interior designer, you will be looking at those that will have the experience to perform.

Collaborative Interior Designers

A collaborative effort with the client, the rest of the design team, the trades, and vendors will yield the best result on time and on budget.  Our services are best utilized when we start working with you at the project’s inception.  If the entire team starts on the same page, the communication is going to be smoother between team members.

As designers, our focus is to make sure you can live in your space as you planned.  We look through the plans, through the shop drawings, and all the specifications to make sure that your vision can be executed using the comprehensive set of plans. We will make sure the window locations are not going to render the room dysfunctional, that the outlets are in locations where your lamp cords are not visible, that your couch or bed will have the perfect wall to sit against, and most importantly, we will make sure each room has meaning with the big picture.

$aving You From Mistakes

An experienced designer will catch mistakes before they are made.  We want to make sure the pots and pans have sufficient storage space, that there is a hard-working bathroom near a door for emergencies, that the wet zones are not slippery, and that the light switches are conveniently and logically located.  We need to have experience to know that these issues will be problematic. 

We want you to walk into your new space and feel fresh and clean.  To have that, we need to make sure that the paint is labeled zero-VOCs, that the cabinetry is formaldehyde free, and that the hardwood floor finish meets low emissions standards.  Sustainability and environmental impact are driving our design solutions at our studio.  We know thoughtful solutions will lead to much more successful outcomes.

How We Contribute

We are involved in all aspects of your homes’ design.  Here are a few specific ways we can help in the most popular rooms.

Kitchen Design:

A kitchen is typically the most used space in a home and so we need to assess details carefully. We plan and design the cabinetry to ensure the storage components, i.e. drawers vs doors, utensil organizers, and garbage bins are all located and perform with maximum efficiency .  The cabinetry style, finish, and hardware will be stylistically coordinated with the rest of your house so that the kitchen speaks the same language.   Countertops will be suitable for your family, meeting your maintenance and durability needs while not compromising on aesthetics.  Appliances will be conveniently located, Energy Star rated, and equipment that you can count on. The components for a great kitchen are not the same for everyone and the overall expense can get very high. Experienced eyes on each decision in the kitchen is a valuable part of the investment.

Bathroom Renovations:

We design the bathroom by knowing the users.  Kids’ bathrooms will be reliably fitted with more tolerant finishes like porcelain and harder stones, skid resistant features, and tubs for bathing even the youngest of children.  Plumbing fixtures will be Water Sense labeled to conserve water and will have appropriate finishes according to your maintenance and style requests. Shower enclosures will have no steps if there are accessibility needs. The look of a spa can still be achieved and be functional and thoughtful.

Lighting Design:

A lighting design can make or break a space.  Designs will vary based on ceiling type, ceiling height, natural light, room colors, and room function. The brightness and color of the light source has tremendous influence on how much a room is used and how people feel while in the room.  We always recommend LED fixtures and bulbs for energy conservation and lower maintenance costs. The lighting solutions can get technical but knowing the right resources and specifications makes all the difference in the outcome.

On Time, On Budget

Design decisions only matter if they can be executed.

We manage timelines, coordinate with trades, track orders, and stay informed about manufacturing or shipping changes. Delays can cause scheduling conflicts which can result in a forced substitution and additional costs. By staying proactive, we help keep your project moving forward and minimize the stress of the project.

Last Thoughts

If you’re beginning to consider a home project, partnering with a designer from the start can make all the difference.

Meg Deshpande Design Studio has completed whole-home renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and collaborated on ground-up construction projects. Where we fit within your project is a conversation that we should have when you are beginning to consider a project.  Our strength in collaboration and creativity will help your project exceed expectations.

Meg Deshpande is principal of Meg Deshpande Design Studio in Westchester, NY. She uses her 30 years of design collaboration to help clients realize their lifestyle.