Renovating
How to Choose an Interior Designer
An interior designer can turn fuzzy ideas into fabulous reality. Here, three experts explain how to find the right one
Redesigning a room, let alone a whole house, is a complex task. The finished space must work on a practical level, meet everyone’s needs, and also look wonderful, and pulling off this fine balance can be a real head-scratcher. That’s where an interior designer can come in.
With the ability to think in 3D and manage everything from the design concept through to choosing the soft furnishings, an interior designer can translate your ideas and aspirations into reality. First, though, you have to find the perfect one for you, with the right skills, personality and creative vision.
To help you choose well, we asked three design experts for tips on how to find an interior designer and what questions to ask before starting work together.
Professional advice from: Nicky Percival of Nicky Percival Design; Andrew Dunning of London Contemporary; Celine Erlam of Indie & Co
Also in this series: How to Choose a Cabinet-maker l How to Choose a Tiler l How to Choose an Architect l How to Choose an Electrician l How to Choose a Kitchen Designer l How to Choose a Plumber
With the ability to think in 3D and manage everything from the design concept through to choosing the soft furnishings, an interior designer can translate your ideas and aspirations into reality. First, though, you have to find the perfect one for you, with the right skills, personality and creative vision.
To help you choose well, we asked three design experts for tips on how to find an interior designer and what questions to ask before starting work together.
Professional advice from: Nicky Percival of Nicky Percival Design; Andrew Dunning of London Contemporary; Celine Erlam of Indie & Co
Also in this series: How to Choose a Cabinet-maker l How to Choose a Tiler l How to Choose an Architect l How to Choose an Electrician l How to Choose a Kitchen Designer l How to Choose a Plumber
What’s the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator or stylist?
“An interior stylist is someone who uses accessories to add final details to a design scheme,” Nicky explains.
Andrew puts it like this: “An interior decorator will choose your curtains and paint colours; an interior designer will take your home to the next level.”
“An interior stylist is someone who uses accessories to add final details to a design scheme,” Nicky explains.
Andrew puts it like this: “An interior decorator will choose your curtains and paint colours; an interior designer will take your home to the next level.”
How do I begin my search for the right person?
“Look on Houzz,” Celine Erlam suggests, “and get recommendations from estate agents and friends.”
“Recommendations are a great place to start,” Andrew agrees. “Many of my current projects came from recommendations from existing clients. Ask a potential designer if you can speak with a couple of their previous clients, too.”
It’s helpful to look at a designer’s work online. “Most interior designers actively share images of their work. Does it suit your style?” Andrew says. “You can also get a feeling for their own lifestyle. Do you think you’d get on with them?”
Ready to find your perfect match? Search local interior designers on Houzz, read reviews and see photos of their previous projects.
“Look on Houzz,” Celine Erlam suggests, “and get recommendations from estate agents and friends.”
“Recommendations are a great place to start,” Andrew agrees. “Many of my current projects came from recommendations from existing clients. Ask a potential designer if you can speak with a couple of their previous clients, too.”
It’s helpful to look at a designer’s work online. “Most interior designers actively share images of their work. Does it suit your style?” Andrew says. “You can also get a feeling for their own lifestyle. Do you think you’d get on with them?”
Ready to find your perfect match? Search local interior designers on Houzz, read reviews and see photos of their previous projects.
What should I look for on an interior designer’s online profile?
Spend time looking over the designer’s previous projects. “From their portfolio, you can get a sense of their style and a taste of how they work and how they manage their projects,” Andrew says.
As you explore their web profile further, Celine suggests asking yourself these questions:
Spend time looking over the designer’s previous projects. “From their portfolio, you can get a sense of their style and a taste of how they work and how they manage their projects,” Andrew says.
As you explore their web profile further, Celine suggests asking yourself these questions:
- Is their style what I’m looking for?
- Do they seem to be designing space in the right cost bracket for what I’m willing to spend?
- Are they local to me or have they done work near me?
- Is their ethos in line with my way of thinking?”
What about specific qualifications?
It’s definitely important to research your designer thoroughly and get a sense of their credentials.
Nicky believes a designer who’s studied at degree level is a safe bet, but Andrew argues that formal qualifications aren’t the most important thing to consider.
“Some of the most famous and successful designers in the world don’t have any,” he says. “If you’ve done research into the designer, you’ve met them and you like their work, and they’ve demonstrated they can do the job, the qualifications shouldn’t matter. You can have the most qualified designer in the world, but if they haven’t got natural design talent, it’s not worth hiring them.”
Celine recommends taking a case-by-case approach when it comes to qualifications. “If you’re looking for styling and decorating, as long as you like the designer’s style, you should be OK simply checking out reviews,” she says. “If there’s anything that requires building work or if the project is sizeable, I’d ask to see some of their previous work and to speak to a past client for whom they did a similar project.”
It’s definitely important to research your designer thoroughly and get a sense of their credentials.
Nicky believes a designer who’s studied at degree level is a safe bet, but Andrew argues that formal qualifications aren’t the most important thing to consider.
“Some of the most famous and successful designers in the world don’t have any,” he says. “If you’ve done research into the designer, you’ve met them and you like their work, and they’ve demonstrated they can do the job, the qualifications shouldn’t matter. You can have the most qualified designer in the world, but if they haven’t got natural design talent, it’s not worth hiring them.”
Celine recommends taking a case-by-case approach when it comes to qualifications. “If you’re looking for styling and decorating, as long as you like the designer’s style, you should be OK simply checking out reviews,” she says. “If there’s anything that requires building work or if the project is sizeable, I’d ask to see some of their previous work and to speak to a past client for whom they did a similar project.”
Is it necessary to meet face-to-face initially?
“I would always encourage a telephone or online meeting initially to see if there’s common ground for a working relationship,” Nicky says.
Andrew recommends going straight to an in-person meeting. “You’ll spend a lot of time with your designer, and if you don’t initially gel, the relationship won’t work,” he says.
“I would always encourage a telephone or online meeting initially to see if there’s common ground for a working relationship,” Nicky says.
Andrew recommends going straight to an in-person meeting. “You’ll spend a lot of time with your designer, and if you don’t initially gel, the relationship won’t work,” he says.
What should I ask at that first meeting?
“Try to find out how your designer works, and the expectation from both sides,” Andrew says. “Do you expect to give input into your home design or do you want to step back and let the designer decide everything? What do they prefer and are they open to listening to your ideas, too? Do you want them to design the space and then you’ll buy everything – do they offer this? Some designers will, but many won’t.”
“I’d ask them how they work, how they charge and how long their design process takes,” Celine adds. “Also, ask if they consider the environmental impact of the project when designing the space.”
“Try to find out how your designer works, and the expectation from both sides,” Andrew says. “Do you expect to give input into your home design or do you want to step back and let the designer decide everything? What do they prefer and are they open to listening to your ideas, too? Do you want them to design the space and then you’ll buy everything – do they offer this? Some designers will, but many won’t.”
“I’d ask them how they work, how they charge and how long their design process takes,” Celine adds. “Also, ask if they consider the environmental impact of the project when designing the space.”
How important is it that I click with the designer?
“Very,” Celine says. “It’s essential really. You’ll spend a lot of time speaking with your designer and you’ll need to trust them with your money and your needs.”
“If you don’t click initially, you probably won’t work well together,” Andrew warns. “This goes both ways. I’ve declined projects where I knew it wouldn’t be the best working relationship.”
“Very,” Celine says. “It’s essential really. You’ll spend a lot of time speaking with your designer and you’ll need to trust them with your money and your needs.”
“If you don’t click initially, you probably won’t work well together,” Andrew warns. “This goes both ways. I’ve declined projects where I knew it wouldn’t be the best working relationship.”
How expensive is an interior designer and why is it worth the investment?
“The cost really depends on your project,” Andrew says. “The job of the designer is to deliver you an interior that meets the brief you discussed when you hired them. If it stops you making expensive mistakes, the fee alone is worth it. Also, if they manage the build stage and deal with the contractors, that makes your life much easier.”
“The input of an interior designer should pay for itself,” Nicky agrees. “Their guidance should mean you avoid making costly mistakes. They can also add financial value to your home while making your environment more compatible and comfortable so it aids your wellbeing.”
“The cost really depends on your project,” Andrew says. “The job of the designer is to deliver you an interior that meets the brief you discussed when you hired them. If it stops you making expensive mistakes, the fee alone is worth it. Also, if they manage the build stage and deal with the contractors, that makes your life much easier.”
“The input of an interior designer should pay for itself,” Nicky agrees. “Their guidance should mean you avoid making costly mistakes. They can also add financial value to your home while making your environment more compatible and comfortable so it aids your wellbeing.”
How will an interior designer charge me?
Most will charge in stages, with the first expense typically being a project design fee to design and specify to the brief. This will obviously vary massively, depending on whether you want a bathroom redesign or a whole house renovation.
Designers then often charge a percentage to project manage the build, which would cover everything involved, from ordering goods to dealing with the contractor.
“We charge fixed rates according to the size of the project for our design phases, a percentage on the furniture, fixtures and equipment, and a weekly fee for the construction stage,” Celine says.
Tell us…
Do you have any advice on finding an interior designer? Did you find this article helpful? Add your tips in the Comments.
Most will charge in stages, with the first expense typically being a project design fee to design and specify to the brief. This will obviously vary massively, depending on whether you want a bathroom redesign or a whole house renovation.
Designers then often charge a percentage to project manage the build, which would cover everything involved, from ordering goods to dealing with the contractor.
“We charge fixed rates according to the size of the project for our design phases, a percentage on the furniture, fixtures and equipment, and a weekly fee for the construction stage,” Celine says.
Tell us…
Do you have any advice on finding an interior designer? Did you find this article helpful? Add your tips in the Comments.
“An interior designer will help create your vision,” Nicky Percival says. “They are trained to see spaces, to plan and reorientate – they can think in 3D.
“They will be able to create designs for different building types, historic or modern,” she continues, “and will know suppliers, craftspeople and tradespeople, so they can source and implement designs that have meaning and depth.
“They resolve circulation, storage and spacial issues, but also allow your personality to shine through,” she says, “making for empathic and inspiring environments.”
“Interior designers can reimagine your home,” Andrew Dunning agrees. “Their skill is not just in choosing paint colours and decoration; they will take the space you have and design it for your lifestyle.
“Do you have bedrooms you don’t use? Maybe they can redesign one as a walk-in wardrobe,” he says. “Or, if you’re struggling for space, they can suggest clever storage solutions.”