We hear our fair share of myths about hiring an interior designer. Some people think it’s too expensive - a luxury reserved for the very wealthy. Others believe designers follow trends and will impose their own taste, ignoring the homeowners' personal style. Some people don’t quite understand what a trained, professional eye can bring to the table.
The decision to hire a designer, of course, is a personal one. But if you’re tossing around the idea, it’s helpful to separate myths from facts. We’ve compiled the five best reasons to hire a designer, some of which might surprise you.
No. 1: Interior Design Is More Affordable Than You Think
When it comes to setting a budget, you are in the driver’s seat. You tell us how much you are willing to spend and we will stick to that budget. In fact, designers can save you money by managing the overall budget and making sure you’re not overspending. Without the guidance of a designer, it's much easier to make impulse buys you'll regret later.
Designers also have access to money-saving resources. We can buy to hard-to-find goods at wholesale prices. If you like a certain pricey piece, a designer can recommend a less expensive alternative. Most designers are more than willing to work with what you have as much as possible, repurposing or reusing old items. Some enjoy finding flea market, antique or thrift store gems to add unique and affordable accents.
No. 2: Designers Build Upon Your Input
Any good designer doesn’t just consider your opinion. They value it. In a survey by the American Society of Interior Designers, "ASID" nearly 70 percent of designers polled described the client’s input as “critical” to the project’s success. Nearly half said projects turn out better when clients make a lot of suggestions. When you sit down to meet with a potential designer for the first time, it will be pretty obvious whether the designer values your opinion. Do they ask a lot of questions about your personal taste and your lifestyle? Do they seem genuinely interested in knowing more about you? If not, you might want to move on.
No. 3: Designers Bring Your Vision to Life
Most homeowners have an idea of what they like. You probably know whether your style is traditional, modern or eclectic. The difficult part is translating that vision into real life. If you’ve ever tried to do your own decorating, you know how tough it can be. Decorators not only have natural instincts about what pieces work together; we can envision an overall picture the way an untrained eye cannot. Most designers say they can visualize a finished room from the start, making quick decisions about how to transform it in to a stunning space.
No. 4: Designers Make the Most of Your Space
Designers are professionally trained to think spatially. We understand how certain items will affect the flow and feel of a room, and we can quickly identify aesthetic problems that might not be obvious to you. We're also experts in determining the best size and positioning of furniture to make the most out of your space, whether it’s large or small. Scale is extremely important to the look of the room, and getting it right takes years of practice.
No. 5: Hiring a Designer Can Increases a Homes Resale Value
There’s a good reason people hire interior designers to stage homes for resale. Professional design helps sell homes by making the most of the space and showing off the home in the best light possible. Chances are, you’re not planning to sell anytime soon if you’re hiring an interior designer. However, if you do have to sell the home, you’re likely to sell it faster and get a higher price.
A professional interior designer is a management consultant, space planner, buyer, artist and confidant. Jess Dauray and her team at Jessica Dauray Interiors have been creating exquisite, livable residential and commercial spaces for more than 20 years. Contact her for an initial consultation to learn how interior design can improve your quality of life.
Jessica Dauray Interiors is a full-service, residential and commercial interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Founder, Jessica Dauray and her design team specialize in custom interior design, as well as renovation and new home construction project consulting and management. JDI' unique interiors can best be described as livable and sophisticated. The designs incorporate classic, clean lines that function to fit your family's lifestyle and design aesthetic. JDI's projects include residences and corporate interiors throughout the New York Metropolitan area.