Have you recently begun plans to renovate your home? Seeing your vision brought to life is one of the greatest joys of being a homeowner. The role of an interior designer is to help manifest it practically. Planning out your dream with a designer can be a highly reflective, engaging, and rewarding process. The path to realising your vision often involves discovering more about yourself, but this path isn’t a one-sided effort: here are some of the best ways to make sure your designer dreams the same dream you do.
Consultation:
The initial stage involves some of the most essential building blocks of any project. With these, the designer can understand what needs to be done, and when. When first meeting with your designer, be sure to bring these to the table.
Scope: Determine how big your project’s going to be and what’s to be changed. If you’re doing a kitchen renovation for example, do you need to tear down walls or redo floors? Will the layout as a whole change, or stay the same?
Timeline: Think of when you would like your project to be done. Knowing your scope can help with the estimate. While it may not be set in stone, this can help your designer gauge your scale and set expectations.
Budget: Also largely influenced by your scope, consider how much you’re willing to spend. This gives your designer a target, and they’ll let you know if the discrepancy is too big.
Vision: Perhaps what has influenced you most on your renovation journey, think about your motivations for change. Is it for practical purposes? Did you come across a particularly striking design? Feel free to share whatever inspired you – it could be anything from an Instagram post, a mood board you found on Pinterest, or perhaps you’ve been swept by the Scandinavian sensation after a bustling IKEA visit.
Collaboration:
By the time you’ve hired a designer and are actively working with them, it’s finally time to let all your ideas loose. It’s perfectly fine to let the designer fill in the gaps for aspects you’re unsure of; what’s important is both parties being on the same page.
Lifestyle Needs: At this stage, you can convey all of your non-negotiables and personal requirements. Are you someone who enjoys the quiet life? Does your family have staggered wake-up times? Consider some acoustic panels to dampen sound transfer. Maybe your kitchen is too cold in the morning – now’s the perfect chance to upgrade your windows. Will the shape of your kitchen benchtop make it hard to move in and out? Feel free to share your concerns with your designer – they can suggest some valuable solutions.
Providing Sketches: If you’ve been thinking hard about the layout and have mapped out your vision – good job! It can provide a strong kick off point to launch the design process. Keep in mind that this will often evolve and change as the designers refine them into professional plans. Make sure to highlight your priorities and note what elements are still open to interpretation. Talk your designer through your thoughts, and when they provide their versions of the plan, be sure to clarify anything you’re unsure about.
Bringing Your Idea: When it comes to renovations, you’ve probably put a lot of thought into the colours and materials. Whether it’s a Japandi living room or a transitional style kitchen, think about the elements that resonate with you most and communicate them. If you’re still unsure about the style you’re after, pick some images that really resonate with you, otherwise simply asking for a “modern” kitchen could yield drastically different results from your expectations.
Terminology: While your designer will do their best to convey everything so that the two of you understand, getting to know some of their jargon can bridge any gaps in communication. A quick Google search can clear up much of the terminology and you’ll be able to use it to deliberate concepts & ideas better.
Honesty: If you disagree with something the designer suggests, don’t stay silent and assume it will work out; it might end up bothering you after the work is complete. Don’t be afraid to express your feelings – your designer will always be ready with alternate suggestions. Make sure your assumptions have been clearly addressed. If you expect your cabinets to come with soft-close hinges, for example, check that they’re listed in the project or with your designer.
Listening to Feedback: Professional designers are well-versed in knowing what works and what doesn’t. If they say that your layout isn’t ideal, or if your chosen styles clash, be sure to lend an ear to their advice. Balancing aesthetics, function, and feasibility is their job. Keeping open communication with them and taking feedback is the key to making the best space possible.
Expecting Changes: Not sure if you’re going to live through your renovation at home? Ask your designer for their recommendation, or check out this handy guide on how you can make the most of a live-in renovation.
By the time you’ve finalised your design, you’ll likely have learnt more about yourself. It’s as much a journey of self-discovery as it is renewal. In transforming your home, you’re actualising the self and painting reality with your vision – that is the product of a good, collaborative design effort.
Sources:
How to Present Your Design Ideas to an Interior Designer | Houzz NZ
