Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Interior Designer

Selecting an interior designer is one of the best things you can do to help guide you through your home renovation project or new space, assuming you do this the right way. The right designer will help facilitate your vision into reality and the wrong designer will leave you frustrated, prolong the project and make mistakes that will cost you.

It is essential to go into the project knowing pre-hiring interior design checklist, that is what you should and should not do before signing the agreement. 

Here are the top 10 hiring an interior designer mistakes to avoid and how you can effectively choose the right interior designer to ensure a positive experience and your home turns out exactly as you’d like.

1. Not Defining Your Vision First

The worst thing a homeowner can do is to approach a designer without understanding what they like or dislike. Before meeting with the designer, save and collect inspirations from Pinterest photo boards, magazines, or show homes to help gather your thoughts. Being prepared to inspire will help the designer utilise their expertise in designing your space for your lifestyle and sense of style.

2. Not Looking at the Designer’s Portfolio

The most common interior design error is skipping the part of the process where you review the designer’s portfolio and previous work. A designer’s previous work can say a lot about their design sensibility, versatility and attention to detail in their work. It is also incredibly important to ensure the aesthetic in their portfolio aligns with what you want, whether that be modern minimalism, classic luxury, etc., or a combination of styles.

3. Choosing Based on Price Alone

As with hiring any professional for a service, staying in your budget is important; however, so is getting the professional service you seek. The lowest rate for service is not necessarily the best option. An interior designer only focuses on design.

4. Neglecting to Investigate Credentials and Experience

Make sure you check your designer’s credentials, qualifications and experience in the field. An experienced and trained professional will know the technical aspects of all design as it relates to layout, materials and even lighting and ergonomics of the space, which is all technical, not just surface design.

5. Failing to Consider Communication Style 

A successful design process is highly dependent on establishing clear communication. If your designer is not listening, transparent when he/she monitors and explain, or providing progress communication on a regular basis, that’s a red flag! Make it a priority to find a designer who will collaborate with your interests, values, or style throughout the design process. 

6. Skipping a Detailed Contract 

A handshake is not enough for an interior design project. Make sure everyone’s on the same page about a written contract detailing the scope of work, the timeline of the project, what deliverables will be provided, payment terms (i.e. you’ll pay 50% down and 50% at installation) and terms of revisions. Having a contract in place will alleviate any misunderstandings between the designer and homeowner or the designer and contractor. 

Contracts establish mutual accountability.

7. Not Discussing Budget Boundaries at the Outset

One of the reasons homeowners hesitate to share their budget is fear of the designer, contractor, etc, inflating it to the limit, perhaps even exceeding it. By sharing your boundaries, it actually presents your designer (who knows the design process well) the opportunity to plan with a smart approach and within those limits (budget). A good designer will not create an idea that strays beyond your original budget or philosophy.

8. Micromanaging the Creative Process 

This is why you are hiring a designer: to offer professional knowledge and insight. Otherwise, the endless suggestions and/or approvals from you can interfere with the creative process and hold up the execution of the project. Share your opinion, care for their insight and recommendations and trust that you are hiring a professional to reflect your vision and goals through professional insight throughout your design project!

9. Overlooking the Significance of Timelines

Delays are unavoidable whenever there is a lack of timeline discipline. Always ask your designer to provide you with a timeline for the project that includes milestones of when the design will be finalised, when materials will be ordered and when the installation of your project will be scheduled. A timeline holds both parties accountable and provides you with a way to track progress.

10. Neglecting to Asking About After-Service Support

Even the best design has the potential for touch-ups or small fixes after the project is fully finished. Before you sign off on your project, always ask if the designer will provide after-service support regarding maintenance or warranty issues. The best professionals stand behind their work even after they hand possession over. 

Conclusion

To us, hiring an interior designer is an investment in your enjoyment, aesthetics and peace of mind. If you follow the most common interior designer pitfalls, we are sure you will partner with the right professional: They listen, consider and plan every detail out and execute your perfect space without issues. 

Partnering with the Right Experts at JRT Interiors

At JRT Interiors, we firmly believe that great design begins with trust and transparency. Our team of experts have ample experience providing end-to-end interior design consultation, along with professional interior designer advice, planning & space planning and project management unique to your home & lifestyle. We guide you through your vision and seamless, effortless, beautiful design. 

You can visit jrtinteriors.com or call +91-98675 78030 to schedule your consultation today. 

Let us build you a home that’s beautiful, functional and yours!