If you spend your free time scheming about the best Persian rug to tie a room together or which window treatment would best accent your living room, consider yourself fortunate. Many people lack the vision or time required to design and carry out interior projects.
For those that aren’t aesthetically gifted, some interior designers are ready and willing to complete your next design project or decorate with a professional edge.
Finding a Designer for Your Needs
In most cases, interior designers are hired to help clients transform their homes or office spaces into something more attractive or pleasing. In other cases, they can help to make spaces more functional or livable.
Interior designers can even be called on to change a cluttered living space into an organized environment by advising on storage and layout.
The fact is, many people become intimidated by the thought of hiring a professional designer. However, interior designers can be helpful in many tasks, big or small.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a designer is to go with someone who speaks to your sensibilities. Visit local showrooms or select your favorite design styles in local publications and find out who is behind the designs.
One of the easiest ways to find the perfect designer is to ask friends or colleagues for recommendations. If they provide positive feedback, you already have someone who’s work you can sample.
Lastly, you can always turn to a professional organization. If your area has a local chapter of the American Society of Interior designers, you can use their referral service found here.
Decide Your Style
When you are hiring a new design professional, you need to be very clear on what it is you like and dislike. If you dislike something, be clear and honest. A quality designer will be able to put their ideas aside and focus on your wants instead.
Additionally, it is best to avoid designers that focus on one signature look. Unless that look is what you are going for, it is most likely what you will end up having.
The best way to get a feel for a designer’s style and ability is to ask to view their portfolio. If you find yourself not connecting with any of their looks, then that designer is probably not going to work for you.
Always Communicate with Your Designer
Even though you are hiring a designer that you trust to create the best space for you, it is still necessary to communicate effectively. If you are not satisfied with something, big or small, you should always feel comfortable voicing your concerns to your designer.
It is a good idea to visit the local paint or design store to familiarize yourself with colors and patterns that you like. The designer will build off of your preferences and create a style that is uniquely you.
The more familiar you are with the process of design work and lingo, the better your designer will be able to create a desirable space for you.
Decide on a Budget
When designing a new space, it is easy to get carried away. Decide on a working budget and stick to it. Remember that many designers also charge for the initial consultation, so be sure to clarify that with the design office before scheduling a meeting. Some designers will only take on big projects, so be upfront about the scale of the job.
Payment structures differ from one designer to the next, but there are several common payment structures:
- Fixed or flat rate decided on before services rendered.
- Hourly rate payment plan.
- Cost-plus – the designer will purchase all of the materials and furnishing at a percentage charge negotiated with the client.
Finding the Top Interior Designers in Los Angeles
Finding the best interior designers in Los Angeles may seem like a daunting task, but fortunately for you, L.A. is home to some of the best designers in the world. If you can afford it, you can refer to this list of the top 20 designers in the downtown area.
For those of us who are on a tighter budget, follow the tips discussed above. The most important thing to remember is that it is your home and you should have it exactly the way that you want it. If you are looking for interior design in Los Angeles, make sure you find someone who communicates well and understands your concepts and actively listens to your desires.