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How to find the perfect interior designer or decorator for your dream home makeover
You can transform your home with the right interior designer. Whether you're dreaming up a new look or executing a renovation, a skilled pro can guide you.
Revamping your space? Whether you seek an entirely new look or just want to freshen up a room, the process is often overwhelming. Maybe you have a clear vision but need help turning it into reality, or perhaps you’re starting from scratch. Either way, a professional interior designer can be a lifesaver.
Finding the right designer is key to creating a space you love. These professionals can help genuinely transform your house into a home, bring your ideas to life and create a space reflective of your personality.
Don’t let decorating stress you out because, with so many pros out there, it’s easy to become lost. Here's how to find the best interior designer for you.
Interior designer vs. interior decorator
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there is a difference. “Interior designers earn a degree, undergo training and sometimes apprenticeships," according to Corrie Taylor, a certified interior decorator and associate ASID member who started home staging and design company set2sell in 2007. "Designers work closely with architects, assisting with floor plans, structural items, and architectural details, frequently using CAD software to aid in the design process.
Interior decorators aren't required to have formal training to provide their services, although several organizations offer certifications via online training, Taylor said. Decorators generally focus on aesthetics like color, fabrics, art, and furnishings. "They pull together a visually pleasing space that complements the existing items and clients’ needs and wants to achieve their vision."
Why work with an interior designer (or decorator)
Interior designers deliver real value because home makeovers involve many moving parts, especially bigger projects. “Seasoned, intuitive designers prevent clients from making costly mistakes, like picking the wrong paint color,” said Taylor. She warns people who want to take a DIY approach that relying on ordering online or seeking opinions from people who aren’t experts or lack design experience can lead to serious regret.
“Interior designers understand space and how to create spaces that work well for the client," said Franca Caserta, an interior designer who has owned her business, Color by Design, for 16 years. "We have relationships with vendors and can coordinate material ordering and contractor work. And because we’re trained in architecture, we can create construction and design drawings.”
Do your interior design homework
People have different reasons for outsourcing their interior design work. Some don’t have the time or don’t trust their instincts to know what’s “right.” Others lack the expertise to tackle a massive project.
Trish Sammer of Bucks County, Pa., knew that when it was time to update the kitchen of her family's 1940s colonial revival home, it was a project beyond her and her husband's capability.
Sammer told Yahoo Local that she and her husband have often tried to fix issues in their home without the expertise to pull it off. "We both have a lot of respect for professional expertise — we’re aware that we don’t know what we don’t know," she said.
During the kitchen renovation, Sammer found several local interior designers and followed their work on social media, looking at online portfolios and past client feedback. They ultimately chose to work with someone with great online reviews and before-and-after photos that resonated with them. Ultimately, the Sammers hired Caserta, who says referrals and a strong social presence are essential for modern interior designers.
Taylor agrees. “Potential clients should research the designers’ websites, review their social media, and view their portfolios to see if their styles match,” she said. When potential clients reach out, a quick phone call to discuss timeframe, goals and budget is often enough to determine if the relationship is worth pursuing.
You should also seek recommendations from friends, family, local real estate agents, and even employees working at paint, tile, or appliance stores for possible leads. If your area has a local Nextdoor or Angi presence, type “interior design” in the search bar and see what pops up. Check out Interior Collab and Houzz, online directories connecting homeowners, home improvement professionals, and designers.
“Have some conversations," Sammer says. "Select a good listener who understands your vision because not everyone will. Also, understand what they do and don’t do.”
Your potential designer may also give you homework. Caserta always asks her clients for a few photos of what they like to help her understand their style, for example. Taylor’s assignments vary depending on her clients. “Some of my clients want me to do everything and present my ideas to them," she says. "Others have great ideas to start, but they need a little hand-holding and confirmation of their choices and alternatives."
Choose an interior designer who listens to you
Sammer's home presented a significant challenge. Her kitchen was tiny, last updated in 1960 and still had ancient appliances when they moved in. There was also a tiny breakfast room and a large dining room. "We wanted to expand the kitchen and have modern conveniences but retain a 1940s vibe," Sammer said.
Caserta suggested turning the breakfast room into a coffee bar and adding an arch detail to the doorway to mimic other arches in the house. “Our space was so complicated," Sammer said. "A kooky corner with a window and radiator didn’t work in the original layout and was tough to incorporate into the new design. We spent hours discussing this three-foot space, which eventually became a cozy little nook.”
Regular communication with Caserta was invaluable. “We love that Franca shopped with us and came by frequently during construction to check progress and troubleshoot problems on the fly," Sammer said. "Once you open the walls, you often find surprises that might impact the design. Find out if your designer will be available during construction.”
In the end, Sammer was thrilled with the results. “I love how the little details work together," she said. "We reused lighting fixtures from elsewhere, and they look beautiful with the new pendant lights Franca helped us choose. We never would’ve thought of that, and relying on her professional expertise was so valuable.”
Interior designer red flags
After you've done your research and contracted an interior designer, you need to let go and trust them to do their thing, according to Caserta. However, a good designer also always listens and understands a client's unique needs. “If the interior designer isn’t listening to a client or insists on pushing their own design on the client, that’s a problem,” she said.
“[Clients] should expect a comfortable and approachable relationship, a clear contract outlining their responsibilities and financial obligations, and a project review, including the ultimate project’s goals,” according to Taylor.
Taylor identified red flags that could be cause for concern. She said to be wary of interior designers who:
Have only one design style
Are unwilling to work with the existing items you want or need to keep or who pressure you to buy all new items
Don't offer a clear, concise contract spelling out all the terms of your agreement, including work to be done, budget, and expectations for communication
Don’t listen to or consider your needs, wants, and budget
May you find the interior designer of your dreams
Your home is a big investment, so be honest early and often with your designer about what you do and don’t like. Prioritize communication, which is the key to making your dream home a reality. A good designer listens to your ideas, works well with your builder or contractor, pays attention to even the smallest details, and helps you stay on budget without sacrificing style.
“The biggest joy I have is at the end of a project when a client hugs me and says it’s better than they ever dreamed,” said Caserta.
