Investing in Interior Design

Many people start a renovation project by looking at the budget. As they focus on the cost of everything from demolition to the final paint job, and compare prices on tile, countertops, furnishings and fabrics, they often assume there won’t be any room in all those numbers for the cost of hiring a designer. But investing in good design — and the wisdom, project management skills and insider sources of a good designer — can not only save your sanity as you contemplate all the choices involved in creating a new space, it can save you money, too.

My goal for my clients is to give them a home that makes their lives easier, better and more beautiful. Meeting a budget is a part of that goal, as is adding value to every project, in many different ways. My clients not only get my eye for a chic detail, they get my eye on all the details that matter, including the bottom line.

Here’s what you need to know about investing in interior design:

Time is money – and we save yours.

Designers are already experts on furnishings, surfaces, paint and all the other sometimes baffling choices that go into any remodeling project or new home.  We have so many beautiful options at our fingertips, and the vision to narrow those choices down for our clients so that they do not need to spend all of their time agonizing over choices and second guessing themselves. In addition, designers take on the time-devouring task of coordinating with vendors, contractors, architects and artisans and making sure that the job is planned down to the last detail and deadlines are being met.

We stop mistakes before they start.

As anyone who has ever worked with a contractor knows, change orders mean big costs, and can break your budget. Designers mind the details: every piece is measured, planned and chosen to work within the design of the space. That means you won’t spend money moving that fixture that wasn’t placed correctly or get stuck with a custom sofa that doesn’t fit your space.

We know when to invest in quality, and when to economize.

Consulting an interior designer will help you save on replacement costs down the road. Why? Because we already know where to find the best workmanship and quality materials. I make sure my clients invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time, especially for those items which will take more wear and tear in a home, and offer budget solutions when appropriate, too. Investing in quality may cost more upfront, but those pieces pay for themselves in longevity.

We’ll get you bang for your buck.

There are some elements of a home that really lend themselves to fun, attention grabbing moments. One of my favorites is the powder room: In this small space, bold design, rich colors and special accessories can create a lot of visual excitement. Because the space is so small, the financial impact is minimal, but you can bet guests will notice, since everyone who visits your home will see this room. Other favorite places to splurge? Custom window treatments, which add polish to any room; and hardware and lighting, which function as the jewelry of a space. They should be special!

We understand resale value.

When designing a house for resale, designers know where to concentrate their efforts: in the master bath and kitchen, which is where you should spend in order to see return on your investment once you sell the home. I also think a well-designed home will sell much faster than a house that lacks that wow factor. By having a visually pleasing home, the value increases along with the number of potential buyers. And the more eyes on your home, the quicker it will sell!

Yes, there are discounts.

The number one thing most people have heard about designers is our ability to buy products at to-the-trade-only prices. There are two things you need to know here: First, it’s true. Designers do get discounts at many sources of home furnishings or materials, and we can pass part of that discount on to clients. Second, “to-the-trade” also means that we have access to things that clients wouldn’t on their own. That means you’re not only getting a discount, you’re getting a wider selection of things to choose from and access to pieces that help you create a home that is distinctive, beautiful and yours alone.

When it comes down to it, understanding why hiring a designer is a good investment comes down to something designers love to do: take care of our clients. Because my team and I are there to guide our clients through the entire process, they can relax and actually enjoy the creation of their home, which is so important in this journey.

I hope your journey is taking you somewhere wonderful this month — I’ll have more travels of my own to share with you soon, as well as tips on a fresh start for spring. Can’t wait to tell you all about it!