Spruce Up Your Space: Things to Consider with Your Interior Designer

April 19, 2018

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By 

Stephanie Ferrer

Recreating your space is always a good idea especially if you want a more inviting place to come home to. To make your dream home a reality, consider hiring a professional. It’s important to work with someone you can trust and is capable of doing your project. So before you start picking out colors for your walls, ask your interior designer these questions:

What’s your style?

Knowing their signature style will help you decide if they can do your project or not. Have a designer with an expertise in the same kind of design you want to achieve the look you’re going for.

Have you had any similar previous works?

If they’ve worked on projects that have similar aspects as yours, it’s a good indication that they are capable of handling your renovation. Ask them if you can see those works to gain an idea of how your project will turn out.

What can you do for me? How will you charge for the services?

Find out exactly what services you will be getting from them, and how you will be charged. Some designers cover everything from building custom furniture to taking care of the architectural tasks, while some might just offer the design and let you find a contractor on your own.

Can we chat?

Communication is crucial between all the parties involved. Ask your interior designer if they prefer communicating through e-mail, or if they prefer texting and calling.

Can you work with my budget?

Of course, nothing in this world is free. Everything has a price and, for a home renovation, that price can get pretty high. Make sure to set a budget that is agreeable to you and your interior designer to get the desired outcome.

How do you manage budgets?

Asking them how they manage budgets can give you an idea of what parts of the home are top priorities, and therefore need the most work and money. This will also allow you to allot the proper amount of budget per area.

Can I see a mock-up of the design before the actual work starts?

Most interior designers provide mock-ups before the actual renovation starts. Ask if you can see them beforehand so you won’t be left clueless and surprised once you see the final product.

What if I don’t like the initial design? Can I make any changes?

Ask your designer if you can make any changes to the initial design in case there are a few things you would like to be different. Work closely with them to come up with a design you’ll both be happy with.

Can you use some of the furniture or décor I already have?

Just because you’re renovating your home doesn’t mean the furniture or décor that you already own has to go to waste. If you’re on a tight budget or want to keep an old piece in the new space, ask your interior designer if they can find a way to incorporate some of your own things in their design.

When can I move in?

We know you can’t wait for your home to be finished so find out if your designer has other projects they’re working on at the same time as yours as a way to arrange your timeline to meet theirs. Keep track of your project’s progress by asking them to update you on a regular basis.
Though home renovations can be a lot of work and take a lot of time, the results are worth it. If you want to find out what the latest interior designs are or need some help from a professional, drop by the SM Home Turnover Fair on April 27 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., and April 28 to 29 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City.

For more information about the upcoming Turnover Fair, visit SM Home’s website or follow them on Facebook.

Words: Stephanie Ferrer | Art: Mina Aglipay

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