How To Hire An Interior Decorator: 9 Tips For Success

Are you thinking of hiring an interior decorator? If so, you're in good company. A recent study by Houzz found that 46% of homeowners plan to increase their budget to decorate or redecorate their homes. So what's the best way to go about it? Here are nine tips on how to hire an interior decorator and get the most out of your investment.

Advantages of Hiring A Professional Interior Decorator vs DIY

There are many advantages of hiring a professional interior decorator over trying to do it yourself. Perhaps the most obvious is that decorators have access to a wealth of resources, including furniture, fabric, and accessory catalogs that most people don't. This means they can save you both time and money by helping you find just the right pieces for your space.

Another big advantage is that professional interior decorators have the training and experience to create a cohesive look for your home that reflects your personal style. They know how to combine colors, patterns, and textures in ways that achieve the desired effect while still being practical and livable.

They also understand the principles of scale and proportion so your furniture and accessories always look just right in the space. An experienced decorator will even be able to show you 3D renderings of what your space will look like before any work has begun, so you can be sure you're on the same page.

Finally, most interior decorators offer a range of services beyond simply selecting furniture and fabrics. They can also help with space planning, color consultations, custom window treatments, and even project management if you're doing a major renovation. This means they can take care of every detail from start to finish, so you can sit back and enjoy the results.

Now that you know the advantages of hiring a professional interior decorator, here are nine tips to ensure you find the right one for your project:

1. Define Your Style

Before you start meeting with decorators, it's important to have a clear idea of the style you're hoping to achieve in your home. Do some research online or in magazines to identify the looks that appeal to you. Once you've zeroed in on a few favorites, start looking for common elements among them. This will give you a good starting point for communicating your vision to potential decorators.

2. Know Your Budget

Before you start interviewing interior decorators, it's important to have a realistic idea of how much you're willing to spend. This will help you weed out the candidates who are either too expensive or not experienced enough to work within your budget. It's also important to be upfront about your budget with the decorator you eventually choose. This will help them understand your expectations and allow them to work within the confines of what you can afford.

3. Make Sure They Can Easily Change Their Style From One Look To Another

It's important that your interior decorator change their design style from one look to another so that they can relate to what you like, as opposed to what they like. After all, you're the one who will be living in the space, not them. You want to be able to look at your finished product and say, "Wow, this looks amazing and it's exactly what I wanted."

4. Ask For References

When you're looking for an interior decorator, be sure to ask for references. Every housewife claims to be an interior decorator, and since you don't have to be licensed to do it, there are a lot of them out there. But how can you be sure that the person you're thinking of hiring is truly an expert in the field? By asking for references, you can be confident that you're making the right decision. The person or design firm should be able to provide you with a list of happy clients who can attest to their work. if not, this could be a red flag.

5. Read Their Online Reviews

In addition to asking for references, be sure to read the online reviews of the interior decorator you're considering. This will give you a good idea of what others have thought of their work. If there are more bad reviews than good, then you might want to consider someone else. But if the reviews are positive, then you can be confident that you're making the right decision.

6. Ask About Their Years of Experience

Asking your decorator about their industry experience will give you a good idea of their level of expertise. If they've only been in business for a few years, then they might not have the same level of experience as someone who has been doing it for decades. Choose someone who has a proven track record of success and who you feel confident will be able to deliver the results you're looking for.

7. Consider Their Personality

When you're hiring an interior decorator, it's important to consider their personality. After all, you'll be working closely with this person to create the space of your dreams. You want someone who you can trust and who will take your vision and make it a reality. Choose someone who is easy to communicate with and who you feel comfortable working with. At the end of the day, trust your gut instinct.

8. Ask To See Their Portfolio

Be sure to ask to see the designer's portfolio. This will help you understand their style and what they're capable of. It will also allow you to see how they've worked within different budgets and with different types of spaces. If you like what you see, then you can move forward with confidence knowing that you're in good hands.

9. Get a Written Agreement

Once you've decided on an interior decorator, be sure to get a written agreement in place. This will protect both you and the decorator in case there are any issues down the road. The agreement should outline the scope of work, the budget, and the timeline.

By following these tips on how to hire an interior decorator, you can be confident that you're hiring the right designer for your needs. With a little bit of research, you can find someone who will help you create the home of your dreams.

Ready To Get Started?

If you live in the metro Atlanta area you can count on Bob's Upholstery and Decorating Center to help you with all of your home decorating needs! Visit our showroom in Marietta, GA, or give us a call at 770-421-1278 to learn more about our home interior decorating services. We offer free in-home interior design consultations and we're always happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to get started!