Have you decided to hire a professional interior decorator? Perhaps you are moving into a new home, or maybe you want to update your current décor. An interior decorator can offer you insights and skills that go beyond aesthetics. They can help with space maximization and turning unused space into livable areas.
Expertise for Any Home
Interior decorators aren't just for the rich and famous. Yes, the affluent do use them to plan their home furnishings. At the same time, interior decorators excel at optimizing your budget to make your home stunning, well-planned, and more useful. You can choose an interior decorator to design and execute a project for your whole house, or you can hire one to help with a smaller project.
An interior decorator can assist with advice on paint colors, fabric sourcing, lighting, space planning, and furniture shopping. Hiring an interior decorator can also be on an "as needed" basis when your budget allows. This gives you access to expertise and insight while enabling you to fulfill your vision of a perfect home for you and your family.
Once you have decided to hire an interior decorator, you need a plan to select the right professional for your project. Here are some tried and true recommendations for finding an interior decorator.
Where to Look
Doing a quick internet search may be a good starting point, but you need more information before hiring an interior decorator. Consider these three steps as well:
- Interview your prospective interior decorator. You may fall in love with a particular look in a model home or ad in a magazine, but the best way to know if that decorator can produce the same effect in your home is to sit down and talk to that person.
- Ask friends and family for recommendations. If you have family or neighbors who used a professional decorator, talk to them about the experience. If it was positive, consider contacting that interior decorator as a starting point.
- Go through a professional organization. Your city may have a chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). You can search their list of local members or use their referral service.
Professional Certification
If this is your first time choosing an interior decorator, you may feel more comfortable hiring one with professional certification. Some states regulate the interior design industry and require specific education and degrees to obtain state certification. Also,
an individual may be required to pass a certification exam by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).
ASID accreditation means that your decorator has completed the required experience and education to meet state guidelines. Also, they will be up to date on building codes as well as project management. This is especially pertinent if your project involves construction and subcontractors.
If your interior design project does not need an accredited interior designer, you can interview interior decorators that focus on less complex projects.
As with any project, assessing your specific needs and desires is the best place to start. Do you want help coordinating colors and fabrications? Do you want expertise in maximizing space in a small kitchen? Once you have your objectives clearly defined, finding the right interior decorator will go much more smoothly.