FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
"If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design."
Dr Ralph Speth
There are a number of questions that you may have when it comes to working with an interior designer.
Hopefully the below helps address some of those questions and any concerns you may have. At V A Heritage, my intention is to make sure every client receives a personalised service that is tailored to your requirements whilst enjoying the journey.
If you still have questions or would like to start your interior designer journey please get in touch. I would love to have a chat and see how I can help turn your dreams into a reality.
-
What Is The Difference Between Interior Design And Architecture?
-
I Am Worried That I Won’t Be Listened To. Will I Be Forced Down A Design Route I Don’t Like?
-
I’ve Seen Programmes Where They Go Over Budget, Should I Be Worried This Will Happen To Me?
-
How Much Involvement Does The Interior Designer Have In The Project?
-
I Already Have My Own Sense Of Style, How Can An Interior Designer Help Me?
-
Do I Need To Have An Old Property/Listed Building To Work With You?
-
Is It A Time-Consuming Process Working With An Interior Designer?
1. What Is The Difference Between Interior Design And Architecture?
There can be some cross over between the two roles depending on the practice and person/team you are dealing with. Fundamentally the professions do differ based on their training and what they focus on.
Architects design buildings. Interior Designers focus on the interiors and improving the effectiveness, accessibility, functionality and aesthetic appeal of the environment. This can include assessing the space and determining the optimum layout, developing design concepts for the space looking at furniture, fixtures and other accessories to achieve the desired look and function along with sourcing items.
More often than not an Architect focuses on the technical requirements like form, material, climate, lighting, ventilation, flooring etc. to ensure they that meet relevant building codes of practice. Interior Designers pay attention to the human psychology and emotional aspects of spaces.
2. Why Does Interior Design Matter?
Interior Design is important as it is more than function. It is about the senses. How you connect with the space. How you react to the space. How it makes you feel. It is emotive and when the dust has settled and the build or works are complete, do you notice or appreciate the money and effort that went into creating the walls, floor, ceilings etc. or do you just look at what you can see, the room, the space? So much money and time and energy is spent on building the space but often the interior and how it is designed, decorated and finished is an afterthought but this is what you see and what you feel and interact with and this is why it matters as this is what you are left living and working in. The same care and attention should be spent on the interiors as is spent on planning the earlier stages of the project.
It is also worth noting that on a project that will run on for weeks and involves remodelling, extending or renovating it will lead to fatigue. Physical and mental fatigue and this is when poor or no choices are made. It will do. I don’t have the energy to think about it. You pick. All your initial careful planning and budgeting goes out the window and then what? You make do or you redo at a later date. Incorporating interior design into your project from the start means this never happens and you get the interiors that match your lifestyle and personality without the redo’s and make dos.
3. Is It Worth Hiring An Interior Designer?
By working with an interior designer you can save time, money and hassle. Whilst you pay a fee for an interior designer, they will produce design concepts which reflect your personality, are respectful of the property and should be timeless. It also means that you get to understand your designs before you have purchased products that may not be suitable. No more paint swatches painted on your wall or wasted tins of paint, non-refundable products etc.
It may also save you numerous arguments potentially where you and your partner, family etc. cannot agree and you feel like your tastes and ideas are not being listened to, being steamrolled into something you don’t like. Nobody wants that. An interior designer will be completely impartial and their goal will be to listen to everyone’s point of view and pull all of this together into something that looks amazing and caters for everyone’s tastes and needs. Whilst also presenting you with something you may not have thought of.
4. Is It Expensive To Hire An Interior Designer?
There is definitely a perception that interior designers are expensive. You potentially might consider it expensive, but like so many things in life the long-term value you receive far outweighs the cost.
I provide complete transparency when it comes to my fees. There are no hidden costs or charges. I do not work on commission, and I ensure that all the products I recommend are suited to you and not based on an affiliation with a particular retailer or supplier. I am completely independent and it also means you have the freedom to order the products yourself at a time that suits you.
Often, an interior designer will waive their design fees or offer it a lower rate, but this usually may mean that you then have to purchase all the products through their design practice. This is of course an option, and there is nothing wrong with this approach, it is simply that at V A Heritage that is not the way I choose to work. My decisions are based on what is suitable for you and your budget alone and if I can obtain a discount for you then I will do my very best.
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
Warren Buffett
5. Are Interior Designers Only For People With Large Properties Or Who Want To Change Their Entire Home?
Absolutely not. It is true that programmes like Grand Designs make it appear that this is the case but I believe that interior designers are for everyone and for every property. I can work on your entire property or on specific room/s. There is no minimum or maximum when it comes to the spaces I work on.
Your property does not need to be residential either. I can help you if you are looking at converting an outbuilding into an office, you have a commercial project such as a B&B, restaurant etc. or you are looking at changing a pub into a bakery and coffee shop downstairs and flats upstairs. I will get to know you and your target market to ensure your interiors reflects your business, your brand and appeals to your end client.
6. I Am Worried That I Won’t Be Listened To. Will I Be Forced Down A Design Route I Don’t Like?
This is an understandable concern. Everyone’s tastes are personal and I value this. I listen to you. I get to know you and the property to ensure that my design concepts are tailored to you and your requirements. It is important to ensure that whatever I recommend complements your personality, your property and any existing furniture and elements that are to remain. They must all blend beautifully and I would never force you into something you are not truly comfortable with. I include one round of free revisions when developing design concepts in case there are any elements you would like to change. My aim is to always ensure it is an enjoyable experience working with me and I encourage feedback and for you to voice your opinion.
7. I’ve Seen Programmes Where They Go Over Budget, Should I Be Worried This Will Happen To Me?
It is true that projects can go over budget. Partly this may be to make the programme more interesting but an element of this can also be attributed to not exploring the required work and budget fully prior to commencing a project. So many things can come out of the woodwork if a detailed assessment is not carried out prior to starting work. Making sure there is a realistic amount set aside as a contingency to cover unexpected events from happening and potential price increases etc. is key.
It is important to have clarity on the project objectives, have detailed designs, actual not estimated costs involved and realistic timescales and expectations so that a project plan can be produced. It is also important to be honest about what you are looking to achieve based on the resources available (materials, budget, contractors, timescales etc.) so that you avoid being swept along by the romance of the project.
By having all the information documented it will help you to validate that the project is viable before committing to it avoiding what you have seen on TV. It is also important to ensure that you include between 10-20% contingency of the total budget for any unforeseen circumstances such as products no longer being available and replacements having to be sought, unexpected work etc. If your building is more complicated or listed, then the contingency % should be increased to reflect this as the number of unknowns increases as walls are taken down and foundations worked on.
This approach should always be adopted, whether there is an element of construction work or not. Budgeting, planning and a contingency are paramount.
The other factor that impacts on budget and finances, aside from the ever increasing cost of materials and uncertainty in the market, is scope "creep". One of the most dreaded words on a project. When work has been agreed but along the way the scope "creeps" and changes. New elements are added in. Agreed work is altered. Materials are substituted for higher spec versions etc. The "creep" by its very nature will always impact the project and yes, there can be benefits to it in the long term but in the short term expect it to impact on timescales and your finances. So be mindful of it and know that any changes or unforeseen factors can result in your project going over budget which is why it is so important to do due diligence at the start of the project and keep assessing your finances along the way and be honest with yourself about whether you can afford it.
8. Is It Worth Hiring An Interior Designer?
By working with an Interior Designer you can save time, money and hassle. Whilst you pay a fee for an Interior Designer, they will produce design concepts which reflect your personality, are respectful of the property and should be timeless. It also means that you get to understand your designs before you have purchased products that may not be suitable. No more paint swatches painted on your wall or wasted tins of paint, non-refundable products etc.
It may also save you numerous arguments potentially where you and your partner, family etc. cannot agree and you feel like your tastes and ideas are not being listened to, being steamrolled into something you don’t like. Nobody wants that. An Interior Designer will be completely impartial, and their goal will be to listen to everyone’s point of view and pull all of this together into something that looks amazing and caters for everyone’s tastes and needs. Whilst also presenting you with something you may not have thought of.
Or at least that is how I work!
9. What Kind Of Work Does An Interior Designer Do?
This very much depends on the design practice. At V A Heritage I offer a complete service tailored to your needs. I can help you with the following:
-
Interior Design Consultation
-
Technical Drawings
-
2D and 3D Visualisations
-
Budget Management
-
Installation Supervision
Your project can include any combination of these as I believe in offering you the best level of service based on your needs.
10. How Do You Make Sure It Is My Tastes That Are Reflected In The Rooms And Not Yours As The Interior Designer?
I listen. It is such a basic skill but something I pride myself on. I ask questions, a lot of questions, to get to know you. I want to know what you like and what you don’t like in terms of design styles, fabrics, textures, colours etc. I also want to know what your hobbies and interests are, what you are looking to achieve both in terms of the tangible elements and also how you want the space to feel. By getting to know you I can ensure that the space is very personal. It reflects your tastes whilst giving you something special and something that you would not have come up with yourself.
It is definitely not about me or what is “on trend”.
11. How Much Involvement Does The Interior Designer Have In The Project?
This very much depends on you and what support you are looking for. I tailor my services to you and your project goals. If all you need is guidance on what to do with your property and a sense of your design style so that you have the confidence to make the changes yourself, I can give you that. If you would like help in spatial planning and making sure the rooms are in the optimum location and you have the right sort of rooms to support your lifestyle I can do that for you. This can be extended to planning your furniture layout, lighting plan, radiator plan etc. if you require. I can give you an overall look and feel for your property so that you get a sense of the style you should give your property and then you source the products that you feel fit this style or I can give you detailed design concepts along with a shopping list (FF&E). You can then use this to either do the work yourselves, commission trades or if you prefer, I can project manage it for you. I can also offer a full turnkey service where I will dress the rooms ready for your return.
12. How Does An Interior Designer Save Me Time?
Irrespective of whether you are tackling one room or several rooms the amount of work to get your home looking the way you want it to can seem daunting, especially when you are juggling work, running a household, having a life etc. I save you time by creating design concepts for you, whether that is one room or for your entire house. I will not only identify the products required but the suppliers, lead times and costs so that you can budget accordingly and order items in time to meet your project deadline. I can also include my project management service where I will order all the items on your behalf, manage the deliveries and receive the goods checking for damages etc. I can coordinate the trades on your behalf and manage the schedules of work and also dress the rooms so that when you return the room is ready for you to use.
13. How Does An Interior Designer Save Me Money?
By employing an Interior Designer, you are getting detailed design concepts and a shopping list (FF&E) which will outline the exact cost for the recommended products. This will allow you to determine whether your budget has been realistic and if you want to substitute any products before spending a penny or committing to the designs. By having a clear understanding of your final scheme, you will also not run the risk of buying products piecemeal and then not creating the look you are trying to achieve or buying endless amounts of paint and wasting time, money and energy looking at samples and visiting DIY shops.
When it comes to sourcing products, I look at a variety of suppliers which could be high street retailers or my trade accounts to find the best quality and price for you. If a trade account product is recommended I will pass on to you the discount minus an admin fee.
14. Do I Have To Buy My Products From My Interior Designer?
Not when you work with V A Heritage. I start by making sure that I understand what you are looking to achieve. Then I want to know what existing furniture and accessories etc. that you wish to keep, I get to know your personality and that of your property and then I combine all this information and identify which suppliers and retailers are most suitable for you and your project. It may be that these come from high street retailers or it may be that I recommend using my trade discounts because it offers you the best value for money, or a combination of both. If I recommend using my trade account I will pass the full discount directly on to you minus an admin fee. You would only be required to purchase items directly through my design practice if my trade discounts are being used, otherwise you are free to purchase the items directly from the retailer as and when it suits you. If you would prefer, I can purchase everything on your behalf and monitor the delivery schedule, accept deliveries and assess for damages if the project management service is used, in which case we would only charge a fixed fee for this work and it can be added on at a later date.
15. I Already Have My Own Sense Of Style, How Can An Interior Designer Help Me?
If you have your own sense of style that is great. I can work with you to source products if you have a specific item in mind but are struggling to source it. You may have a vision but do not have the time to dedicate to your project and need support in implementing it or it may be that you have purchased an investment property and would like something different for it.
I can support you in any way you need to ensure your project is delivered in line with your expectations.
16. Will You Make My Home Look Like A Show Home?
No. I believe that a home should reflect the client and for me that means it has to look lived in and reflect your personality and tastes. That is not to say it cannot look elegant and opulent but there is a balance between function and form. Very few people can live in a home that is as neat and tidy as a show home, and it can make you wonder if they have a secret cupboard for all their clutter, especially if they have pets and children. All of this is taken into consideration when developing designs so that the way you live is factored into it.
<< Back to Top >>
17. Will My Interiors Look Dated After A Short Period Of Time?
No. V A Heritage is an interior design practice which uses the past as a reference point combined with understanding you and your property. So much of what I see today has been influenced by earlier design periods and I feel that by introducing these design styles in the right context and in the right way will provide you with a timeless look. I do not believe in following trends, but I do believe in good design.
“Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.”
Ralph Lauren
18. Do I Need To Have An Old Property/Listed Building To Work With You?
No. It is true that my passion is older properties, but I love to work on any kind of property. Whether that is a traditional / period or listed building (Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II) or a more contemporary building that would benefit from the influence of period design styles to create harmony and interest.
I follow the same approach when it comes to commercial properties; hotels, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, offices etc. or even more unique properties such as windmills.. check out my portfolio!
I am happy to work on any property which requires my help to bring out what makes it special and blend this with your personality, or that of your target market when it is a commercial property, to create something uniquely different.
19. Is It A Time-Consuming Process Working With An Interior Designer?
No, it shouldn’t be, and that is one of the benefits in hiring an Interior Designer. There is an initial time commitment from you at the start of the project for me to obtain information from you about what it is you are trying to achieve and for me to get to know you so that I can work out your design style. From there the level of commitment lessens as I do the work for you. I create design concepts that I believe are what you are looking for, even if you are not entirely sure what you are looking for.
If time is a real issue for you then I can add on my project management service where I will purchase the products on your behalf, liaise with any trades and even dress the rooms for you if you want a completely hands-off experience. The only time I require from you is to review the proposed design concepts and provide feedback and pay any invoices.
20. I Am Worried That I Will Be Forced To Make A Decision Quickly Or That What I Say At The Start Of The Process Will Dictate The Outcome And I Might Want To Change My Mind. Is That The Case When You Work With An Interior Designer?
My proposals are packaged in such a way that you can pause and reflect so that you can make a decision at a speed you are comfortable with. I will never force you to make a decision. I also include one round of free revisions when developing design concepts so that even if you said you liked something at the start of your design journey working with me but have since changed your mind, that is not a problem. My aim is to always ensure it is an enjoyable experience working with me so if you need time to think that is not a problem.
The only time I may have to encourage you to make a decision is if there are contractors involved and they have a deadline that needs to be worked to but even then, this can be looked at. The key thing is making sure everyone is talking to each other and I can manage this on your behalf.
21. I Don’t Follow The Trends And I Am Worried That I Will Be Given Something That Doesn’t Reflect Me. Will I Be Forced Down A Design Route I Don’t Like?
I do not believe in following trends either. I believe in creating design concepts that reflect your personality and that of the property and blending the two to create something that is unique to you and timeless. If a space matches your personality, then it will never be “on trend” or “off trend”.
22. Will You Rush Me Into Making A Decision Before I Am Ready?
No. My intention is to make working with me an enjoyable experience. I stage my work into phases which means that you can take as much time as you see fit to make a decision.
The only time I may have to encourage you to make a decision is if there are contractors involved and they have a deadline that needs to be worked to but even then, this can be looked at. The key thing is making sure everyone is talking to each other and I can manage this on your behalf.
23. How Much Time Do I Need To Commit To The Project?
It is understandable why you would be cautious to start a project and I encourage you to assess how much time you can dedicate to a project. The way that I work is to gather as much information from you at the outset, so there is an element of time commitment I need from you but after that I do all the hard work and then present you with recommendations which can be implemented on your behalf by adding on my project management and turnkey service to your package.
24. Are There Any Hidden Fees Or Last-Minute Costs?
I pride myself on producing detailed and transparent fee proposals. I outline the costs involved based on your requirements which are broken down into stages. I offer bolt on services such as ordering products for you, managing the project to see the work through to completion and dressing the room and these can either be incorporated into the proposal at the outset or added on at a later date and will be driven by your needs.
I do not recommend products based on a set list of suppliers. The detailed shopping list (FF&E) allows you to purchase all the products yourself and there is no mark-up added to these. I also account for delivery fees from suppliers which often get overlooked and can impact on your budget if not factored in at the outset.