When Do You Need an Interior Designer?

To answer that question let’s begin by asking another one:  Is there any difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator?  If you search the Internet to explore that question you’re going to find commercial web sites that give the impression there is no difference.  In fact, many professionals who might call themselves “Interior Decorators” include interior design advice in the service they offer their clients.  There is a difference, although some may see it as a subtle one.

Interior design focuses first on the function of a space while interior decorating focuses on its form.  Contemporary architecture follows the principle that form should follow function.  Architects begin by identifying what a structure they are designing is intended to do – its function.  They then create the physical appearance of the structure – its form – to support that function.

Ignoring the labels for a moment, let’s examine the kind of advice a homeowner couple might get from a professional interior designer/decorator called in for a general consultation on things that might be done to improve their home.

One question that might be asked is: “How often do you entertain guests?”  Many couples might say they rarely entertain and a mediocre designer or an uniformed decorator would move on to the next question.  In contrast, an excellent designer or a decorator with a solid understanding of design principles would explore that issue further to determine why the couple doesn’t entertain.

Some homeowners are reluctant to have people over because they feel their homes are inadequate to the task.  Their kitchens might be dysfunctional and the traffic flow in the home simply will not accommodate even a small number of dinner guests.  By asking the right questions the skilled designer/decorator will help the couple realize they would actually like to entertain more.  In this case, identifying the function of their home goes beyond how you do use your home to how would you like to use your home.  Then the designer/decorator proceeds to discuss options that will change the house’s form to match its function.

If that’s an example of what a good designer/decorator can do for you, when do you need to use one?  Some homeowners might think it appropriate to get professional designer/decorator advice for major renovation projects, like a complete kitchen remodeling or a home addition.  Others are willing to pay for these services for more limited renovation projects.  In either case, the arrangement between homeowner and designer/decorator is usually ongoing over a designated period of time.

There’s another possibility.  Excellent designers/decorators open up a world of possibilities you may have never envisioned on your own.  Even if you have no immediate plans for home renovation, why not engage a professional designer/decorator for a consultation, just to explore ideas.  Generally, a single meeting is enough for a good designer/decorator to go back and prepare a proposal for possible renovation improvements in your home.  Think of it as an investment in future ideas and dreams!