Considering hiring an interior designer? As we keep an eye on competitive services and hear from our own clients on their past experiences, here are some things we've found others doing or lacking that you should concern any future client. (And these don't even touch on quality of service.)
1. Charging a seemingly competitive fee for a bundle of ideas for a space .
You may like a couple things they suggest, but you won't love it all. It takes a couple rounds with options to land on a functional and aesthetic design you really love. Fine if you just want some ideas, but never expect a home run.
2. Current, yet generic recommendations.
Something you love is truly unique to your aesthetic and interests. Unfortunately many designers lean too heavily on 'what's hot,' suggesting similar safe, trendy items to every client. This makes everyone's home look like replicas of one another.
Great if you want to fit in, but terrible if you want to love the result and have it stand the test of time.
3. Using a look or trend as a packaged solution.
Building on the above, this is when you may say you like the Coastal look and someone gives you a packaged list of things to buy that fit that look.
Great if you want something easy, but not great if you're looking to create a more personal connection with your own environment. This takes creativity, attention to detail and recommendations that balance unexpected choices with a target style.
4. Colourless, soulless, overly minimalistic designs.
Some people are true minimalists. But the less you want, the more important specific decisions become in order for the design to have impact and connect emotionally. This requires a keen eye and a depth of understanding of potential choices.
5. A lack of consultation around style matching and furniture pairing.
A good designer gives you suggestions you like. A great designer educates you on the difference between options and why they work together, giving you ownership in the outcome. Our ability to see how different pieces can work together to create a unique look help us avoid fads while integrating eclectic pieces you love in a way that is worthy of a 'Wow' — and you aren't left standing lost in a shop.
6. Heavy reliance on 'fast furniture' solutions.
It's easy to ask Google. But Google has no soul. Finding items made locally or by an artisan or business you appreciate will create a stronger bond with your outcome, instil more pride in your space, and have a longer life because of it. Sure budgets can limit choices, but if you hire a creative designer and are smart with where you put your money, we can find a way.
7. A lack of regard for the actual space.
Interior Design recommendations without taking proper measurements and identifying an optimal layout isn't just careless, it's dangerous. 100mm can make the difference between a space feeling cramped to more open and relaxed, or turn a kitchen island into a massive obstacle. Rework burns unnecessary hours, requiring more time and money to make the space feel great.
Unlock "the what" before going into "how" because the space will evolve in significant ways regarding its function alone, inspiring additional solutions you hadn't even considered in the first place.
8. A lack of technical knowledge of carpentry and joinery, and how small details can make an impact.
Joining an older portion of a house with a new extension means uniting skirts, architraves, door hardware, etc. Meanwhile designing custom joinery means understanding standard and ideal widths, depths, and appropriate sizing, all while attaching to and complementing the house in the best way possible.
How We're Different.
1. We can give you Ideas, but we'd rather give you a Space.
We work with you until you're happy. We may be more expensive, but you're worth it.
2 & 3. Trends are a Barometer, never a Solution.
We revel in uncovering our clients' distinct personalities in every project, ready for now.
4. We are Experts at Editing.
Less is more. But sometimes it's not. You tell us how loud and we'll turn the volume up accordingly.
BD Case Study: Minimalists' Lounge
5. We are Masters of Eclectic Design
We use the fundamentals of design and colour to guide our way to harmony.
BD Case Study: Feminine & Unexpected
6. We balance Thrift with Care.
Don't want to spend too much? We're in. It all comes down to your budget, your brief, and what's available.
7. We are Space Freaks
We diligently measure every space and reference architectural drawings when available to ensure no surprises upon delivery or installation day.
BD Case Study: Federation Gut Job
8. We not only Design. We Build.
Our own work as a home improver and furniture builder has given us tremendous insight into how places and pieces are actually constructed. This helps us foresee potential issues and solutions when updating a current space with a new look.
This is our Shed. Only recently completed, we built a new floor, workbench, shelving, bi-fold doors from reclaimed hardwood, and created a transom window. It is now our Workshop.
Stay tuned as we begin to offer custom furniture builds in the near future!
In the meantime check out our vlog on our own home renovation, and other BD videos here.
Thanks for reading,
Scott
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