With so many new services and innovative home design technologies available today, I often get asked by prospective clients whether or not they really need to hire an interior design consultant.
For example, they want to know whether they should hire an interior decorator or interior designer, and what’s the difference between the two. They also want to know what the interior design process is like and how long their project will take to complete. These are all valid questions.
In this blog post, I aim to address some of these common questions from homeowners, property owners and realtors:
Decorator vs. Designer: Which Do You Need?
While interior decorators and interior designers handle many similar tasks, there’s a significant difference in the scope of services each professional is qualified to provide, as well as the amount of training each title holds. Understanding the difference can help you make the best choice when searching to hire a professional.
Interior Decorator
Decorators commonly work with clients to pick a style, color scheme and layout specific rooms in your home. They also help advise on window treatments, flooring options and upholstery.
Generally, interior decorators may (or may not have) formal college training. However, they do almost always have a natural creative flair and talent for decorating spaces in your home.
Interior Designer
An interior designer – my specialty – is first and foremost a “decorator.” However, the similarities end there.
In addition to working with style and décor, we also help redesign spaces. We are trained and experienced to develop a master plan and research various possibilities of a space in the context of a master plan.
Many interior designers have had formal college training, understand building codes and have considerable experience within the remodeling and construction space. In other words, we do space planning and remodeling, but we are not architects or contractors.
Creating Your Dream Home
As an interior design consultant, I understand that it can be daunting for those new to the process to see the real value in specific elements they can’t quite see or touch.
Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, updating your master bathroom or taking on numerous room transformations, renovating can be a major undertaking for you and your family.
But before you start knocking down walls, I always recommend speaking to a design consultant – and to conduct plenty of research and planning. As overwhelming as it may sound, I assure you it will be worth it down the road.
You see, as a design consultant, ultimately, it’s my job to get to know my clients and hold each client’s “hand” along the way, including during the selection and layout process. My goal is to make the design process feel more realistic for clients, and, most importantly, to deliver a final product that is tailored specifically to your needs and vision.
Another advantage of working with an interior design consultant like myself – you have access to other skilled professionals. I have access to a vast network of skilled local tradesmen – painters, carpenters, tile specialists, and electricians, among many others. Over the last 15 years, I’ve worked with them on numerous other jobs, I know their work, and I trust them to do each new job thoroughly and within budget.
Interior Design: My Services and Process
As an interior design consultant, I take my job seriously – and I realize that I am doing more than merely decorating your home, but I’m also helping you to protect and make the most of your investment. Here’s how I can help you:
My Services
For homeowners, I help:
Reimagine out-of-date rooms
Renovate non-functioning spaces
Update existing rooms with new finishes such as paint, hardware, lighting and tile
Add character to a new home
For real estate agents and homeowners, I help:
Review a current home to advise homeowners if remodeling or selling is the answer
Assess a potential new home to help buyers determine if it will meet their family’s needs while staying within budget
Make minor updates to create a more desirable home for selling
For contractors and vendors, I help:
Design layouts and pick selections directly with your client
Act as an extension of your staff behind the scenes
A Peek at My Design Process
As part of the Truley Home process, I collaborate with various architects, builders, suppliers and interior decorators to manage a project from start to finish. Here’s what a typical project looks like:
I start by reviewing your space, discussing your family’s specific needs and dreaming about the possibilities
I then provide design estimates and a projected timeline
You approve the budget and send inspiration photos and ideas
I present various layout drawings
Together, we select materials either in showrooms or in your home
Finally, I send selection packets to you with pricing – and to the contractor – to ensure the project stays on budget with a clear description for product installation
Let’s Capture Your Vision Together
An interior designer is an essential ingredient to custom and unique solutions in your home that not only maximizes your investment but your quality of life. And honestly, do you know any better value than that?
If you are interested in learning more about Truley Home interior design services, feel free to reach out anytime to chat, or to schedule a complimentary consultation.