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How to Best Work with An Interior Designer

Talie Jane Interiors · April 13, 2024 · Tips and Trends · 0 comments
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Working with an interior designer can be an extremely rewarding experience. Interior designers are quite literally experts in interior design. This can mean a few things to different people, but overall, designers help bring your vision to life by providing expertise and guidance. Utilizing best practices in working with a designer means maximizing that designer’s intellectual property.
In this month’s blog, we will discuss the importance of working with an Interior Designer: how to navigate and understand the process, value the relationship, enjoy the experience, and love the result – a functional and beautiful home.
Let’s start by defining an interior designer and outlining their responsibilities and deliverables.

What is an Interior Designer?

An interior designer is a professional who uses technical solutions – through functionality, materiality, safety, and building codes to create beautiful spaces that enhance the quality of life. (1)

Understanding how a space impacts its inhabitants is the heart of an interior designer’s work. How a space makes us think, feel, and act are all important aspects of our lives—and whether you realize it or not, the interior design profession has a profound impact on well-being. That’s especially true of the areas where we spend the majority of our time, like our offices and homes. (2)

  • Meet with clients to discuss their needs, preferences, and budget. They take measurements and gather information to understand the client’s vision and requirements.
  • Develop layout plans and floor plans to optimize the use of space and ensure efficient flow within the interior environment. They consider factors such as traffic flow, furniture placement, and functionality to create practical and ergonomic designs.
  • Conceptualize design ideas and themes based on client preferences, architectural style, and project requirements.
  • Specify and select materials, finishes, furnishings, and decorative elements to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space. Considering factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and budget constraints when choosing materials for flooring, wall coverings, furniture, lighting, and accessories.
  • Create presentations, renderings, and 3D visualizations to illustrate the design concepts and communicate ideas.
  • Oversee all aspects of the design process from concept development to implementation. They collaborate with architects, contractors, vendors, and suppliers to ensure that designs are executed according to specifications, budget and timeline. (3)

Before you Start

Do your homework, not only as it relates to your project scope but also as it relates to selecting the right designer.

  • Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve within your space. Consider your lifestyle, preferences, and any specific requirements you have for the project.
  • Be able to communicate your design challenges and wishes.
  • Create a Pinterest board, Houzz.com idea board, or pull images from magazines to serve as inspiration for you and your designer.
  • Establish a realistic budget for the project. 
  • Interview several designers. Ask for credentials. (Do they have a design degree from an accredited university? Are they affiliated with professional design organizations like ASID or IIDA? What’s their track record? Have they won any awards? Do you like the work in their portfolio? Have you reviewed their testimonials and reviews?)
  • Bring on an interior designer as soon as possible. Ideally, you should hire an interior designer during the initial planning phases. This allows them to collaborate with architects, builders, and other professionals to ensure that the interior designer is seamlessly integrated with the overall project goals. This early collaboration can avoid costly design changes later. (4)

Selecting the Right Interior Designer

Make sure he/she is the right fit. The best type of designer for you and the process of making sure they’re a good fit not just for the vision of your space but also for understanding your wants/needs staying conscious of your budget and most importantly making you feel heard throughout this process.
Designing a space involves more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that reflects your personality and enhances your well-being. Most designers have a unique style and approach to design. Finding a designer whose aesthetic matches your own ensures they can accurately interpret your vision for the space. This fosters a transparent and open dialogue throughout the design process. But it’s not always easy.
At Talie Jane Interiors, we pride ourselves on our ability to design for our clients, without having a stereotypical design style. Listening to our clients and deep diving into their vision allows us to design to all styles and requests.

Trust the Process (5)

THE most important part of the entire design process is being able to “Trust in the Process.”

Talie Jane Interiors has a solid process that has led to fifteen years of successful results for its clients. From conducting the initial Discovery Session to photographing the finished product, everything has a progression. Deviating from this process can and will equate to loss of time, additional expenses, mistakes, and frustration.​ Below we list a few of the key aspects to keep in mind whether you’re planning a small bathroom remodel or embarking on a brand-new build.

Rely on the design experts. Interior designers are experts. You are hiring them for their intellectual property. It’s not a hobby, it’s a profession.

Work as a team. Contractor, client and designer have a responsibility to one another to maintain open communication. The better the relationship and communication between these three pillars, the better the resulting design.​

See the whole, not just the parts. Review the design in its entirety vs getting caught up in one single chair or table that you may not be head-over-heals in love with.​

Recognize that construction can be unpredictable. Recognize that design is not an exact science; it’s an art. It is the designer’s responsibility to create the ideal plan and handle any problems that may arise, ensuring a smooth process. Being flexible and understanding is the name of the game.​

MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN! LEAVE YOUR STRESS BEHIND AND TRUST YOUR DESIGNER;

ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE A LITTLE SURPRISED, IT’LL ALL BE WORTH IT.​

Why Talie Jane Interiors (TJI)?

  • TJI has a solid process that has led to fifteen years of successful results for its clients. From conducting the initial Discovery Session to photographing the finished product, everything has a progression.
  • TJI has an in-house kitchen and bath designer, specializing in the intricacies of kitchen layouts, functionality, and design.  This equates to a deep understanding of the unique challenges that come with kitchen and bath spaces, such as optimal storage solutions, workflow efficiency, and appliance integration. The specialized knowledge and focused expertise of a kitchen designer can make a world of difference.
  • TJI has won several awards ranging from Best Designer in Nevada from Architectural Digest to Best Remodel of the Year from Tahoe Quarterly Magazine and Best of Houzz Customer Service (9x winner).
  • Talie Jane holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Harrington College of Design in Chicago and is affiliated with ASID.
  • Check out our portfolio: Talie Jane Interior Design Portfolio – Talie Jane Interiors
  • Check out our testimonials and reviews: TALIE JANE INTERIORS – Project Photos & Reviews – Stateline, NV US | Houzz

Please contact Talie Jane Interiors to see if we’re the right fit for your upcoming project.
855-TALIE JANE (855-725-4352). We look forward to getting to know you.

Article by the Talie Jane Interiors team.

Sources

  1. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/what-do-interior-designers-do
  2. What Do Interior Designers Do? | Architectural Digest
  3. https://www.sarahjacquelyninteriors.com/blog/how-to-work-with-an-interior-designer
  4. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/engaging-interior-designer-why-when-you-should-doso-ekoh-chukwukelu-
  5. Our Top 5 Tips On How to Work With An Interior Designer — Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors​
Before you start working with an interior designerBring in an interior designer as soon as possibleHow to work with an interior designerInterior DesignInterior Design ProcessInterior Design RelationshipInterior DesignersRemodel budgetSelecting the right interior designerWhat is an interior designer
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