When homeowners remodel their kitchen or bath, they may ask an architect for help. However, they might also want to work with an interior designer. These men and women create practical and visually appealing spaces while helping clients find the solutions that best meet their needs and make their homes more functional.
Interior designers might work for an architecture firm, a home remodeling contractor, or as independent contractors. Home remodeling projects are rising as people renovate their existing residences rather than buy new ones to avoid high interest rates. Working with an interior designer ensures they get the most for their money.
How Interior Design Differs from Home Decor
Many people believe interior designers and home decorators do the same thing. However, interior designers plan spaces rather than decorate them. They look at the layout and arrangement of the home to ensure the remodeled kitchen or bath will fit seamlessly with the rest of the house. Anyone can be a home decorator, but a license is needed for interior design work in most cases.
What Tasks Do Interior Designers Take On?
Interior designers might be asked to take on several tasks. Some clients want them to sketch different room layouts so they can choose the one they like best. The designer calculates costs for the various designs and provides project timelines based on the scope of the work. They also help clients determine the best use of the space and which materials to use for different project elements. They may also be asked to help the client choose the kitchen or bath color schemes and furnishings, although a home decorator also does this work. As the project progresses, the designer maintains constant contact with the client to ensure the project meets their expectations.
Interior Designer Skills
Interior designers must have hard and soft skills to succeed in the field. They need to know how to use various design tools to adjust client plans quickly. People no longer want to wait days or weeks for a person to sketch different designs. Using these tools and proficient computer skills, a designer can provide multiple sketches in minutes or hours. When a client likes a sketch but wants certain elements changed, such as color or texture, the designer can make these changes and allow the client to see them promptly.
Furthermore, these individuals must be able to manage others and ensure projects stay on track and on time. They need to follow the budget they developed. To do so effectively, the designer needs interpersonal and communication skills. Spend time with the interior designer handling the kitchen or bath remodel to ensure they are a good fit and have these skills. They are working on the home, so the homeowner must feel comfortable with them. The homeowner also needs to ensure they have the proper training.
Training
Interior designers make structural changes to homes to make them more functional and visually appealing. The designers need training in building codes, construction, and local laws to ensure these changes are safe. Some states now require interior designers to have a license, so homeowners need to know whether this is required and ensure their designer can legally work in the state.
However, homeowners should also ask if the designer is certified. Many states require interior designers to complete the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. Before doing so, the interior designer must have an architecture or interior design degree and two or more years of experience in the field.
Should You Hire an Interior Designer?
Homeowners may wonder if they need an interior designer. They may find an interior decorator who can do the work they desire. Interior decorators help clients choose color schemes, materials, textures, lighting, flooring, and more. They don’t create the space; they just make it more welcoming.
In contrast, interior designers shape the building or space. They often make structural changes to improve the space’s function and visual appeal. Interior designers frequently work with architects and contractors to complete these changes, considering building codes, fire safety, and more.
Choosing an Interior Designer
Homeowners must know what to look for when choosing an interior designer. This individual should be skilled in drawing interiors by hand, but they should also be proficient in CAD because it allows them to develop concepts and share them with clients in 2D and 3D form. Using CAD allows the designer to change colors, textures, and more while sitting with a client to ensure the finished project is everything they envisioned.
Many interior designers today also use augmented reality tools to apply changes and enhancements to the uploaded image of the space. Doing so allows the homeowner to see the finished project before any work starts. Ensure the selected designer knows how to use these tools for a simplified project timeline and a clear understanding of what the project will look like when complete.
Homeowners should ask to see the designer’s portfolio to understand their work better. This portfolio should highlight their abilities in terms of functionality and visual appeal. Many designers struggle to find a balance between the two, and homeowners must be aware of this. In addition, the homeowner should see if there is a mixture of sketches, mood boards, and completed project images. Look for images that showcase color and light because many interior designers struggle with these elements.
Finally, the homeowner should learn which professional organizations the designer belongs to. These organizations have standards members must meet and learning opportunities. Becoming a member of one or more organizations shows the designer is committed to excelling in the field. Well-known organizations include the American Society of Interior Designers, the Interior Design Society, and the International Interior Design Association. When a homeowner requests a kitchen or bath remodel, they should also ask the designer if they are a member of The National Kitchen Bath Association.
Tallahassee homeowners looking to remodel a kitchen or bath in the home should contact McManus Kitchen and Bath. Doing so gives them access to an in-house design team, showroom, and dedicated project managers, reducing the time needed to complete the project. Homeowners appreciate this, as they spend less time in the construction phase and more time enjoying the finished project.
