The silent magic behind the successful "before... and happily ever afters" present in every single home project. Translation: (What you pay a designer for)
- aodesign11
- Mar 15
- 5 min read
Buckle up! This is going to be a tad bit longer than my usual blog posts, but hopefully insightful and educational! One of our most recent projects that we have just wrapped up in collaboration with our talented and professional friends at Kleiber Construction... makes for a great example of when the client/designer/contractor relationship works perfectly in concert for a super success story! Follow along with me here and we will work through some of the details and examples of the benefits of hiring an Interior Designer, with some before and after example pictures.
Why do you hire an interior designer?
*To save money.
*To save time.
*To reduce or eliminate confusion or misconception of the process, products or industry at large. (Just as lawyers, or doctors have a set language that they use universally... so does the home building industry.)
*To review plans and details for mistakes or missed opportunities.
*To select materials and architectural elements that will perform for you but also deliver the desired aesthetic.
*To act as a liaison between yourself and contractors/tradespeople to make sure that everything is executed correctly, none of the details are missed... or misinterpreted.
NOTE: A designer is trained to visualize a space in it's completed final state, to research and solve current problems, avoid future problems, present ideal solutions and unique stylistic design elements, and to accurately relay necessary details to ensure that everything is executed properly. Which always saves time, money, confusion and headache. Even in the midst of a job, when unforeseen obstacles appear (and they always appear), your interior designer is able to offer solutions and the correct answers/decisions to questions based on years of knowledge and experience.
When do you hire an interior Designer?
As soon as possible. Always.
*While it is true that hiring a designer is your best chance to fix any mistakes that you may have already made, it is very plausible that some mistakes made on the front end are sometimes indeed not able to be fixed... by an Interior Designer, a tradesperson, or your fairy godmother. Being proactive and making the right choices prior to the start of the project is always the best practice.
LET'S TALK EXAMPLES:
Consider what we see in this particular photo. Focus on the lighting. Our sightlines shown here absolutely include several different light fixtures all visible at once. This is common in many homes. Each of the fixtures serve a specific purpose in how they light the space, of course. Each of these fixtures (just as EVERY element or component in an entire space) is an OPPORTUNITY. It is an opportunity to select the correct function of the lighting. And also to create a scenario in which the pieces are unique, yet complementing one another. A look that feels curated yet coordinated. It matters. There is little to no glory in selecting fixtures that are the same style, matching, throughout an entire space or home. That scenario is a great way to invite your spaces to die a slow, quiet death.
And all of what I just mentioned, while complex is likely the simplest part. It's the part that your designer will excitedly make sure that you are present for and understanding of. What might not be apparent to the client is the research and experienced knowledge relating to the MOST IMPORTANT PARTS. The type of light. The amount of light. The type of bulb and also it's switching or if it needs to be dimmable. The size of the fixtures. (I can NOT tell you how many times people get this wrong.) The application of the fixture... how is it installed? Where is it installed? Is the installation even possible based on the type of fixture (Example: the size of the fixture in relationship to things like slope ceilings, door swings, beams, adjacent fans that could cause a strobe-like effect, etc) Are all the necessary components or accessories considered, available and ordered? (things like the correct bulbs, or remote controls, or if Blue-tooth capable). Is the fixture flush mounted? Semi-flush? ...or is it more of a chandelier? And if so, how long is the standard chain included or drop rods? Do more chains or rods need to be ordered? How big is the canopy plate for the fixture? IS the canopy plate going to adequately cover an existing hole where a previous fixture was, or will it need a drywall repair or cosmetic plate cover? It's so much more than selecting something that "looks cool". How is this info captured, confirmed and specified? This is what your designer does. NOT JUST for lighting... but for EVERY SINGLE ELEMENT/ MATERIAL OF THE PROJECT. Because it is necessary. It is part of the process... on the front end, the middle or on the back end when it it often "too late".
Besides "colors" and actual materials selected, it is important to address supporting details which are critical as far as the completed design is concerned! In this space: what direction are the tiles installed? Size, shape, pattern? Grout color? Does the grout need to be sealed? What about cabinet style, door and drawer styles, details, the actual layouts, specialty accessory cabinets, locations, sizes, panel ready appliance kits... trim and molding details & style, cabinet lighting, glass, and hardware & hinges. The Plumbing. The Faucets and fixtures, finishes & function. Exhaust fans. The appliances. Electrical outlets, power ports and switching?
WHAT ELSE IS THERE?
Architectural detail opportunities! The awning style window. The french pocket doors with upper glass panels. The tiled alcove, floating shelves, the glass transom panel and accent lighting. The reeded panel of the face front of the island complete with accent lighting. Or any artistic opportunities or enhancements. None of these things happened on accident and involved planning and proper communication.
None of these things happened without a team of experts asking: What if? and HOW? What if we implemented a specialty wall away drying rack in the laundry mud room? What if we changed the swing of the door to save space? What if we created a "mobile island" in that room, which could double as a folding station... a desk... OR a drop zone? What if we added extra storage? What if we repeat the same reeded panel in the cubby/locker area as the kitchen island for continuity? What if we use the same wood species that we used on the dining table in the kitchen as we did on the mobile island and locker bench area in the laundry/mud room... and also the floating shelves of the coffee station, for added continuity. What if we added a sliding accent door to save on space and conceal the space when desired?
None of these things happened on accident and the clarity of the details was not an afterthought.
The decisions and choices/selections on your project, big or small need to be made no matter what. Dollars are being spent and allocated on each decision no matter what. Why leave any of it to chance, misinterpretation, missed opportunities, or just uninformed choices?
BEFORE THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER:
It's easy to feel confident, assured and EXCITED in the opportunities and possibilities when you partner alongside a team of experts! We'll be waiting here for you! ~A.O.
Visit our Instagram and Facebook pages in the upcoming weeks to gain additional insight on some of the details involved with this kitchen/laundry/mudroom remodel!
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