There are many reasons homeowners choose to work with a professional interior designer. Many lack the time, desire, skills or connections to take on a whole-home renovation, or even just a one-room makeover. And why should you? You're not a designer. Working with a professional can be a complete game-changer, and great results are all but guaranteed. The secret? Finding an experienced designer and following due process. The interior design process is a partnership between the designer and the client, and each party has to keep up their end of the bargain, so to speak. Here are some essential steps for success.
Product Knowledge & Expertise
Let the professional do their job. They have the training, experience and expertise - all great reasons to work with a professional and trust their instincts. From a professional's perspective, there's such a thing as too much client involvement. Second-guessing your designer's choices may delay the process and could end up costing more in the long run. Step back and let your designer take the reigns.Of course, there are times when your input will be required. A good designer is an effective communicator who will engage you when needed. This segues to our next point...
Creative, Custom Solutions
It's your home and your vision. The designer's job is to bring that unique vision to life with creativity and style. Your home should be personalized to enhance how it functions and how you live in it. This is where the client's input is critical.
At Diana Rose Design, the process begins with a detailed questionnaire about your lifestyle. As the homeowner, you're familiar with any lifestyle or layout challenges that the design should address. Seamless Integration between how you live and how your home serves you is paramount.
Planning & Budget
Once you have the high-level direction of your design, you and your designer can get down to the details - and the budget. Here's where a project can really go off the rails. However, with a thoughtful plan and a commitment to see it through, you can stay on track. Your designer should come to the table with a strategic schedule and milestones along the way, so you as the client and homeowner can be part of the process and enjoy the journey.
To help our clients visualize the finished space, designers today use technology such as 3D renderings. This takes the visualization and imagination out of the decision-making process, since the client can see what the space will look like with the design and finishes in place - albeit digitally. You should also get to see samples of every finish and material that goes into your home, so you can feel it, see it.
TIP: Every designer operates differently, so ensure you understand their process before you sign the contract. Ask lots of questions, read through and ensure they're all answered to your satisfaction.
As part of our process we create a project binder that is essentially the passport of your home, where each drawing, finish, sample, schedule and manual is assembled into a one convenient reference point for your contractor or builder, making their job easier, faster and fool-proof. Details are communicated to each tradesperson, to make sure the vision is properly translated into production drawings.
Trust the Pro, And The Process
Your designer has a trained eye, and while the impending project is likely your first or second, an experienced designer has perfected their process with dozens, if not hundreds of designs under their belt. Trust your professional and their process. When we see the space, we evaluate what features should be highlighted and which ones should be concealed for a perfectly polished aesthetic. Trust us, it's what we do.
Designers understand composition and construction of homes and everything in them. So, when we have a design in mind, you can be sure that it's not just a pretty picture. Practicality is always part of the picture. This is where production drawings come into place with details and specifications that are clear to tradesmen.
Sourcing & Re-Sourcing
One of the most tedious parts of a renovation or redecorating project is coordinating trades. Who should you use, are they competitively priced and what is the quality of their work? The same can be asked about projects, finishes, furnishings, and virtually every aspect of your interior. A professional designer has their finger on the pulse of what's new and trending, the latest materials and the best applications for them. We also have tried and true resources for all of the above. Just leave it to us.
TIP: Sticking to the agreed upon timelines is critical to staying on budget. One delay will have a domino effect that will cause further setbacks and cost you money. Part of the designer's job is to juggle and manage or anticipate any changing timelines
Professional designers are submerged into the world of interiors, through and through. For most of us, our work is a labour of love. We see new products, new finishes, latest technologies and more in this creative space, which inspire us to create a truly special place for you to call home.