10 most commonly asked questions
for interior designers
STEP INSIDE
HOUSE OF BOAT
DESIGN STUDIO
THE COMMON MISCONCEPTION
If you’ve been searching for an interior designer to work on a home project with you, then you’re in the right place. Hiring an interior designer can be difficult especially if you don’t know the right questions to ask. So here are the 10 most commonly asked questions potential clients ask Interior Designers.
First things first, let’s define one of the biggest misconceptions related to Interior Design: the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator
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An Interior Designer creates functional spaces within a building/structure. Often people confuse Interior Designers with Interior Decorators. Although an interior designer can style and decorate a space, that is not all they do. Interior Designers use creative and technical solutions to make interior spaces aesthetically functional. Interior Designers work with architects, contractors, and industry vendors to create design, architectural, and styling plans for their clients. Designers adhere to building codes and regulatory building requirements when designing a space. Lastly, interior designers consider the intended function of a space and create plans to improve the effectiveness, accessibility, and aesthetics of the space.
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An Interior Decorator selects decorative elements to adorn a space. Interior Decorators embellish interior spaces that already exist. For example, if you already have furniture in your space but need some help styling it, that is when an interior decorator comes in. Unlike Interior Designers, Interior Decorators do not work with architects and contractors to make the space aesthetically pleasing.
INTERIOR DESIGN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Yes! I think hiring an Interior Designer is worth it-especially in the long run. Building a custom space or renovating an existing one has its challenges. It can be overwhelming to know where to start and how to organize the project from start to finish. That is where an Interior Designer comes in. My job is to create design plans that will make the space functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Plus, the benefits of hiring an interior designer far outweigh the cons. Interior Designers will help you source materials, such as flooring, cabinetry, furniture, hardware, lighting, etc as well as help you decide between 50 different white paint colors. Interior Designers will take the vision you have in your imagination and bring it to life. So absolutely, Interior Designers are worth it.
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Full-Service Interior Design is intended for entire home builds and remodels. This service includes but is not limited to architectural review, project design and management, installation, and styling. In addition, this service is completely customized to you and your project needs.
The Furnishings & Styling service is focused wholly on picking furniture, accessories, and other decor selections to style one or multiple rooms. This service includes planning out the layout and styling of furnishings such as living room items, bedroom items, and any living spaces that need furnishings & styling. This service does not include any built material selections.
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To know what service suits you and your project needs, there are several key factors to consider, including but not limited to time frame, scope, budget, and how involved you want to be. Please visit the Design Services page to read more on the differences between the services.
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When it comes to budgeting for an Interior Design Project, it can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you're not sure which service to choose.
Budgeting for a project depends on the overall value of your home. Aim to allocate 10%-25% of your home's value.
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I offer both Full-Service, Furnishings & Styling, as well as Design Consultation. Each service has its own pricing structure. For Full-Service, I charge an hourly rate of $195/hr. For Furnishings & Styling, I charge a flat fee and that varies depending on the size and scope of the space.
Please Note: your design budget is not the same as your construction and furniture budget. The design budget is solely to pay for my services (designing your chosen space) while the construction budget goes towards the contractor and the furnishings budget goes towards furniture and decor items needed to style the home.
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Project timelines are dependent on the scope and size. Projects can take up to 3-4 months to finish. For Full-Service, projects can take anywhere from a year+. This depends if it's a new build, a renovation, or a remodel.
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As of now, I am only accepting clients in the US- specifically in North Carolina.
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As a Designer, I have a love for many different styles and I also love blending these styles together. But for House of Boat, my style is rooted in blending old-world European style with modern-contemporary elements. If this is your aesthetic, let's connect here.
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It will be less likely that you'll hate a design. And here's why: it is my job to get to know you before I start designing- your likes and dislikes, your aesthetics, your must haves, etc. I do an in-depth research on your needs before I present a design. In addition, I always offer 2 rounds of revision to make sure we get the design right. So there will be plenty of chances to make sure your dream come true and stay true to your vision.
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BOOK A CONSULTATION!
Ready to take your project to the next stage now that you have your questions answered? Connect with me and..