The design process from start to finish with Designer Dez
Now that we have “who to hire (interior designer or decorator)” out of the way, let’s move on to the process of hiring.
I get comments all the time from people thinking that hiring a designer is only for the super wealthy. Let me set the record straight, it’s not! In fact, it can be quite affordable and in some cases even save you money. Every designer works differently and charges differently. You should shop around for the perfect designer that you feel a connection with and that will work within your budget.
Most designers will charge an hourly fee and will shop at your local retail stores for furniture and accessories. Think of them as a personal shopper but for furniture. There are also designers that work in design studios and have a list of preferred furniture and accessories companies where they can place orders. These designers work by either charging an hourly fee or they will take a commission from what you buy. In most cases, designers that get a set percentage of what you buy is perfect for any type of budget because there are no up-front cost or fees along the way.
I am a designer that gets a percent of what my clients purchase and I love working this way because it allows me to come up with a fabulous design plan for my clients without them worrying how much I am costing them. This also allows my clients to put their money into the furniture or accessories they need and not a design fee. I have a number of clients that went the route of hiring an hourly designer to only stop using them because they cost too much. Designers that charge an hourly rate can be costly especially if you’re on a tight budget or if you just want to put your money toward the furniture or accessories. Also be aware, some designers will charge a first-time consultation fee. I prefer not to charge a consultation fee because I feel it’s a part of my job to listen and to understand your vision. I want the privilege of earning your business.
Once you have found the right designer for you the process of making your house a home can now begin. Just as I mentioned above that every designer is different and this process is different as well. Speaking for myself when I am at the initial consultation I want to get inside of my clients head to find out how they want the room to feel and function as well as what they like and what they don’t like. It is my job to create the space they want and not impose my design style on them. As far as styles my designs are all over the board but that is how it should be; no two clients are the same which makes my job so much fun. While I am at your home I will take measurements and pictures and don’t worry I am not the type of designer that will make you get rid of all the pieces you love. I actually prefer to work around some well-loved pieces because it makes it yours and more of a unique design. After the consultation, I will take everything back to my studio and start working away at creating a one-of-a-kind design that you will love.
What is next you ask…well once I have finished your project in roughly about a week, I will have you come out to my studio and we will go over the design for your space, this is the fun part! In our meeting you will get to see your space drawn out as well as what fabulous pieces are going in there. You will also get to touch and feel the fabrics for any upholstery and or draperies as well as any rugs. Now that you are in love with everything you part in the process is done, voile!
Next, time to purchase all those amazing pieces!!! This is the hardest part, waiting for pieces to be delivered. Good furniture has to be made and this can take up to 6 weeks but there are companies that have a lot longer lead times. Don’t wait until the last minute to order. When waiting till the last minute all those loved pieces may not arrive in time and can make the process more stressful than it should be.
Yay!!!! Finally it’s the day that everything arrives!!!! Once all your items arrive at my warehouse I will schedule a day that works for you so that I can make your house a home! When I arrive it will be a busy couple hours. I will start by placing the new furniture where it is meant to go, the drapery installer will start hanging your draperies (yes everyone should have draperies up, we will talk about this at a later time), and I will be busy rearranging your art and accessories.
Finally your house is a home!!!! This is my favorite part, seeing your face and how your room has transformed is the best part of my job. The wave of emotion that each client expresses is why I do this day in and day out, I have even had client break down in tears. I am the type of designer that will be there with my clients from start to finish. My job is very fulfilling, I always enjoy building that personal relationship with each of my clients, there is nothing better!