How To Hire YOUR Designer

Heather Posthauer - Bonus Room.jpg

The number one phrase that I hear from new clients is “I’ve never worked with a designer before, I have no idea how to”. Well this post is for YOU. I hear you, I see you and I would like to say on behalf of my industry it unfortunately was designed (pun definitely intended) that way. The hard truth is that it is more adventitious for the Interior Design industry to remain inaccessible to the majority of homeowners and renters. Well, that’s until I snuck in… oops!

I will preface this particular post with the inevitable fact that clients have every reason to feel overwhelmed. This industry has put great care into creating an atmosphere that excluded the majority. Living behind a curtain adds to the allure sought by the ultra wealthy and keeps the smaller and mundane service, of slowly curating a home over time for instance, out. 

The lack of industry norms and misconceptions have given rise to too many clients wasting time, money and resources trying to fumble through this vast world only to find themselves frustrated, and overwhelmed. In an attempt to dispose of the myths and narrow the focus I would like to break down the top 3 things to keep in mind when selecting a designer for your home.

  1. Look for a Designer who’s process complements your own

The two must work together in harmony. Interior Designers work in a variety of different ways (again, adding to the confusion but I digress). Some only do consultations, provide you a plan and walk away. Others will only take on projects they can manage from beginning to end. There is no right or wrong way but what is vital is understanding not only your design needs but also in what ways you like to be a part of the project. If you know that you will still be scrolling through the internet trying to find the perfect ‘chair’ you just paid your designer to source, it may be more suiting to instead meet with your designer to simply narrow your choices. You must know and understand your own process and select a designer that supports that method.

2. Find a Designer who’s aesthetic resonates with you and Take. A. Step. Back.

Like any professional, there must be a level of trust granted by the client. This particular designer is there because they are a professional and can execute the vision you had for the space. More than likely, the designer will push the limits to what you thought possible, which is precisely why you hired them. Of course, there are ways to work with a designer and collaborate on ideas that you have for the space, but ultimately allow them to have the reigns. When you let them work their magic and trust their professional opinion the process is enjoyable, exciting, which is exactly why they are there.

3. Don’t Hide the Numbers

Any professional designer should be asking what your budget is. But, it’s your job to actually give it to them straight. Designers are not asking these questions out of sheer formality but because, without it, the most valuable asset is wasted, time. If you are vague with your numbers “something nice, but not too expensive” it becomes almost impossible to provide suitable design plans. Whether a client wants to spend $1,000 or $100,000 I know, from the very beginning, what can and cannot be done. A key point to also keep in mind, most designers work (to some degree) on an hourly basis. So, as an example, if a client is unclear about their budget and therefore requests the designer go back multiple times to find an alternative, these clients are in effect, spending more money on ‘design hours’ that could have been avoided.

Interior Design is hands down the most necessary piece of your home. While it may seem like an ‘extra’, it is truly the composer of the symphony. Not only in monetary gains (home appraisals)  but also the lasting emotional effect you’ll have enjoying the space. Whether a home blogger (yes, they too use designers… shocking!) or Wall Street executive budgeting in, at the very least a consultation, has proven better results. 

I built Leslie Tyler Design on two principles. One, serve clients who have struggled finding contemporary design solutions for their period home just tearing down walls doesn’t cut it. And two, reach clients where they are and provide resources to support the evolution of their home. While the first may be self explanatory, the second was something that our industry was failing miserably at. The truth was this industry was not reflecting the authenticity of what making a home looked like. I’ve focused our efforts, not on transforming or changing this process but authentically supporting the truth. Supporting the organic evolution of your home, and because we have held steadfast to those principals we have discovered that indeed...

Interior design is for everyone!


Reagan WardComment