Why You Should Work With an Interior Designer

Skills to Look for When Hiring a Professional Interior Designer

February 3, 2024

They’ll Help Coordinate the Schedule

Swapping out drawer pulls doesn’t take much time, but larger jobs—for example, an entire kitchen remodel—will take a longer period of time. A contractor’s “schedule” does not necessarily mean “when something is happening”, but rather the timeline for when they’ll be expecting certain materials, including your windows, doors, paint, or other items.

Contractors refer to this as a “schedule” because they need to ensure things are ordered, tracked, received, inspected, and stored. This helps ensure that the project stays on track and that the progress is continuous. The sooner you understand how the schedule flows, the sooner you can get started—some elements of your design can take a long time to arrive, especially with the current shipping delays. Things like custom cabinetry are often made to order. And as the saying goes: time is money!

They’ll Help You Make Great Choices

Once you’ve got an idea of what you’re looking for and when it needs to be ordered, it’s time to pick it out! This is where a design professional—such as the team at Evoke Interior Designs—really gets to shine.

Many homeowners default to asking their contractor, their mother-in-law, or even their “friend who has a knack for this” for advice on what to choose. Some even default to asking the salesperson what their preferences are. But remember, it’s not about them—it’s about you! Your friend or mother-in-law may choose their favorites without considering your taste, and the contractor or salesperson might opt for the easiest or most expensive option.

You likely already have a sense of what you do and do not like. A professional designer will take your preferences into account, and suggest the option that will have the best impact on your overall design. Having someone who is not emotionally involved and who can assess your home’s design objectively will not only give you more perspective, it can actually save you a ton of time and money in the long run! Remember, at the end of the project, you want the space to feel like it reflects your taste, not someone else’s.

They Have a Variety of Price Points

Interior designers aren’t just for the rich and famous! Design professionals generally offer a variety of price points or service options depending on your needs and budget. In fact, working with a designer may help you save even more, since designers often have access to exclusive suppliers or discount sources that the average homeowner does not.

A designer will help you nail the look of your home, whether you’re going for a “it’s what’s trending now” look, or an updated take on a classic design. They can also help you get the most out of your budget, assessing what items need to be the best and which can be value-engineered.

Designers are here to help you see the bigger picture. That accent chair might not have stood out on its own in the store, but it takes on a whole new life in your space! They can help you make decisions by narrowing down your preferences and help you pull together a comprehensive design which incorporates all elements and their related finishes. Sometimes, it’s just a set list (for example, tile, grout, fixtures, and plumbing) and other times it’s all of those and more, including furniture, wall surfacing, window treatments, and decor.

They’ll Help From Start to Finish

Have you ever started a project only to fizzle out halfway through? You’re not alone—it happens to many homeowners! Having a seasoned design professional will help you catch and make decisions in details you may have missed. For example, tiles that do not have eased edges for framing a niche, or transitioning the end of the run.

As a homeowner, you can choose the designer you work with. Talk to a few professionals and find one who you feel you click with. Review their gallery and see the work that they’ve done in the past. Make sure they have clear pricing and listed deliverables, so you know exactly what you’re getting and what it will cost.

Lastly, enjoy the process! Try to envision what your new space will feel and look like. Remember that it can sometimes take a few revisions to find the material or style you love, but once you find “the one” the others will come into focus. Good luck, and happy designing.

Ready to get started? The team at Evoke Interior Designs is here for you! We’ve been serving Southern California and the San Francisco Bay area since 2004. Call 619-200-4459 today to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation.