There is a common misconception that hiring an interior designer is an expensive luxury that only businesses or affluent private clients can afford. All projects have budgets and by using an interior designer, this budget is likely to be spent more wisely and more creatively.
1. Save Money
When a designer is brought onto a project early enough to liaise with architects and contractors before building work begins, all the detailed decisions can be made and costed beforehand and so minimise delays, overruns or surprises that may impact the budget. A designer will look at the layout of the space so that decisions can be made on plumbing, lighting, electrics etc. in time for first and second fix. A designer will help the client with choice of materials – flooring, kitchen / bathroom fitting, joinery, soft furnishings etc. and have these measured, costed and ordered within budget. The designer helps the client from making mistakes and minimises expensive changes.
Credit: formatc1 - Flickr
2. Reduce Time and Stress
Organising a property renovation or business fitout can be a huge drain on time - making all the design and materials choices takes research and cost comparison. The designer will work to a budget and do all this legwork on behalf of and in collaboration with the client. Interior designers fit seamlessly into the collaborative building process as seen here on this chart from the BIID. Taking the stress away from ‘decision fatigue’ the client is released from any additional stress so they can concentrate on their vision. I also find that there is much hand holding and reassurance required during a building project especially when the client is on site or has had to move out. Project management can be a 24 hour job so it is much easier to use a designer to act as the clients point of contact – they will then help to keep on time, on budget and deal with any headaches along the way.
BIID - who do I need for my project
3. Creativity and Innovation
A good designer gets to know their client very well and will create designs that offer solutions to their needs / wants / loves. My design philosophy is to bring out the personalities of my clients and this requires training, experience and talent. Designers may have a preferred style to their work or will help the client with their brand or desired look. Designers have knowledge - colour psychology or space planning for example and a wealth of resources to problem solve. On top of this they can ‘see’ the finished design in a way that many clients cannot and can communicate ideas using, mood boards, drawings, 3D modelling, samples. The designers’ creativity as well as their problem solving and project management is what the client is paying for.
4. Improve Well Being
“Research has shown that the built environment tends to support our wellbeing best when it echoes the natural world in some way. And it’s not just about how many trees there are! It’s also about factors like light, pattern, dimension and sound,” say Lily Bernheimer in her book ‘The Shaping of Us: How Everyday Spaces Structure our Lives, Behaviour’.
Biophilic design has been on the increase and many designers are using a holistic approach to their design work. When it comes to private client projects, the focus is on how the home feels and works. Layout should provide a flow so each space has its function and particular atmosphere – the kitchen having the morning light, the study being orientated best for work, the sitting room being warm, cosy and relaxing. A good designer understands that your home is your sanctuary and will create spaces that inspire life and improve well-being.
5. Increase Value
A property that has been professionally designed will generally increase the value of that property and if dressed beautifully will generate more interest when up for sale. Extensions and loft conversions not only provide more space but, when designed well, will increase the desirability of a property for a potential purchaser. In the commercial sector – a hotel that evokes a relaxed or glamorous atmosphere or provides a high level of luxury, will command higher room price and will have greater returns.
Luxurious bedroom
Are you looking to work with an Interior Designer who will listen to you and transform your space into something that you could only have dreamed of? Here at Nicky Percival Interior Design, we pride ourselves on our service, which is always personal, inspirational and practical. Please get in touch on 07773 372158 or email nicky@nickypercival.co.uk for a no obligation chat.