Jan 25 2010
5 Handy Tips for Working with an Interior Decorator
If you’ve never worked with an interior decorator before, you may find that it’s a real eye-opening experience. While it’s true that not all decorators and the projects are the same, here are a few key tips to consider when working with a design professional.
1. Express Any Ideas, Wants, or Styles You Want for the Project
You need to be sure you clearly communicate to your interior designer your desires for the project—unless, of course, you are giving them free reign to do whatever they want to your home. For instance, if you have a certain style in mind for the décor, then you need to be sure you tell the decorator. Before the project starts, be sure you are both on the same page when it comes to styles, ideas, and what you want. In the end, this will save you both time and money.
2. Set a Firm Budget with the Interior Decorator
You need to set an enforce a firm budget with your decorator or else you may find yourself spending more than you wanted on your décor project. Be sure to stress to the decorator that this certain dollar amount is what you can afford and you don’t want to go over it. Be sure to get this budget amount in writing. Then the decorator can’t come back and say you never told them a specific limit for expenses.
3. Be Honest with the Interior Decorator
Honesty is really important in this situation. If the designer comes up with a plan for the project that you aren’t crazy about, be sure to let them know right away. You don’t want to go along with a plan you’re not happy with just because you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings. Keep in mind that this is your home and you are going to have to live in it. Not being honest with the decorator about your true feelings for any plans or ideas that come up may be something you end up regretting.
4. Gather Visual Aids for the Decorator If Possible
Try to gather visual aids of what design elements you’re looking for, such as photographs and diagrams of what you want. This is often the easiest way to express to your designer what you’re looking for in terms of design. Handing someone a picture and telling them this is the style you want is always easier than trying to sit and explain it to them verbally.
5. Stay Involved with the Decorating Project
You can’t expect everything to turn out just as you’ve envisioned if all you do is hand the interior decorator a few pictures and leave them alone for a week. This doesn’t mean you have to constantly supervise the work being done, but you need to make sure that you monitor the progress daily to be sure your directives are being followed. When you just let the interior decorator work without regularly checking out the progress, you may find that the result is not what you had pictured.
Working with an interior decorator can be such a great experience, particularly if you yourself have difficulty coming up with great ideas and plans for your home. Just follow these tips, and you’ll be able to make certain that you get the best possible experience with the decorator you have chosen.
