5 misconceptions about working with a Designer

There are so many things that I have learned while owning and growing my business, but one of those things that really made me take a step back and think was hearing what people thought about Designers. I have heard so many people say “that sounds so fun” in regard to the type of projects that I am involved in. Or “Designers are so expensive, I could probably never afford you.” After hearing these things, I wanted to dispel some of those myths and misconceptions about working with a Designer and help people understand what kind of value a Designer can actually provide.

1. Designers just play with pretty fabrics: Sure that’s part of it, but really only a small part of it. And that really doesn’t come into play until a vision is created and a plan is put into place. Fabric choices are very important for many reasons, specifically durability and function. When choosing a fabric, there are a lot of factors that need to be part of the decision. How will it hold up, will it be comfortable and lastly, does it work well with the other elements in the space? So sure, we get to play with pretty fabrics, but it is part of the homework that we do to ensure that we are choosing the best one for you!

2. Designers are only for the wealthy, I could never afford one: This one makes me sad. I wish that everyone knew that Designers can work with any size budget, and can often end up saving you money. Designers have a wealth of knowledge that could steer you away from making an expensive mistake. Choosing the wrong paint color will not only cost you money, but also time. Designers can help you choose furniture that will fit appropriately in your space and last longer. Designers are well connected and have resources that most homeowners would never know about. Working with a Designer, on your budget, will be a collaborative experience and you will end up with a space that you truly love.

3. Designers won’t carry out my vision: If this is the case, you haven’t found the right Designer. The design process should be very collaborative and should involve the client as much or as a little as they want. The first step of any design should be an informational meeting that gets your ideas down on paper. A Designer can help you fine tune those ideas to help you understand feasibility and often times make them even better. The initial steps are critical in the process so that your vision is carried out down to the very last detail. You will most likely learn a lot of really cool things during the process, which will make you even more proud and excited about your space.

4. Why do I need a Designer, I’m a DIYer: That is fantastic!! Me too!! However, I also know my limits and know when to call in the Professionals. A Designer can help you to determine what kind of materials would best be used for a certain space or particular application. They can point you to products or show you things that perhaps the general public doesn’t have access to. DIY projects can be really rewarding, but they can also cause a lot of headaches as well. Working with someone who can provide insight and feedback before you begin or along the way, can save you money and most likely frustration. If you are willing and capable of doing the work, by all means, do it! But if you need a little assistance, know that Designers have a Rolodex of tradespeople who would be happy to step in to take your project to the finish line.

5. Designers are uptight and stuffy: Like people in general, there are all kinds of Designers. Trust me when I say, I know more Designers that are fun, witty and go out of their way for their clients than I do those that are uptight and unapproachable. So again, maybe you just haven’t found the right one. It is so important to not only find someone that is capable of doing the work, but also someone who fits with your personality, your communication style and is willing to really listen to your needs, your wants and your wishes. A great Designer needs be someone you can trust with your home, to not only take care of it, but to know and understand how you need it to function as well as look.

So as you start to think about the projects that you want to tackle in your home, don’t think that working with a Designer is out of reach or unnecessary. Find someone who can help shoulder the burden of the decision making and the coordinating, so you can just enjoy the process or maybe just the end result. So ask around. Ask friends or neighbors what they liked, or didn’t like about working with a Designer. And ask questions, not just about the Designer themselves, but find out who they work with. Having a trusted team of Professionals to carry out the work is just as important as having a pretty design. So sure, I might play with fabric swatches from time to time, but that is just a sliver of what a Designer does or the value they can provide. So, whether it’s a lack of time, a modest budget or just general overwhelm, I hope you won’t be afraid to work with a Designer, now that you know the rest of the story.