What’s the difference?
“Do you do curtains & cushions?” This is the call that we fear to receive as Interior Designers.
It happens more often than you might think. I have to then explain to the person (without sounding too patronizing) why they need an interior designers in mumbai This will no doubt lead to me explaining the differences between the two disciplines to them and trying to guide them in the right direction.
These people are not to blame for confusing the two. The general public has been exposed to hours of television “instant” makeovers and glossy magazine articles all with the misleading title of Interior Design. This has also prompted many in the Interior Decoration and Soft Furnishing industry to raise their tile to Interior Designers. Again, I don’t blame these people for doing so. It makes business sense to sell yourself. The lines between these two services have blurred. There is a market for both, but confusion with the customer must be bad!
This Home Interiors – Client’s Guide – series will discuss the main aspects of a client’s Interior Design Project. It includes how to search for a Designer, what they charge, what they do, and how to get the most out of them.
ABOUT HOME INTERIOR DESIGN
Home Interior Design should not be confused with Home Interior Decoration. This tends to only be a superficial treatment to make a property look better. Home/Residential/Domestic Interior Design (whatever one may call it) is a much more fundamental approach to the way you live in a property and how a building can be made to work for the individual owners needs. It will not just be a new coat of paint and some cushions. It is likely to begin with an in-depth review of the property’s plans and possibly some significant changes before you even consider decorating.
Interior Designers with a specialization in Home Design are also known as Interior Architects. Their abilities should include all aspects of building and architecture to a property, including minor/major structural alterations or building extensions. Although they will cover the design elements, such as colour, finishes, and furniture, this is not the beginning of a project. The core planning elements of a building’s layout can be structurally or technically altered by kitchens, bathrooms, stairways, etc. This can dramatically alter the property’s flow and shape.
The Designer will take care of all technical services for an Interior Design project. Electricals, Lighting and Plumbing are just a few of the many essentials that must be considered when designing a scheme. Clients have the option to include energy efficiency solutions to the entire building in their projects. This is making it even more important.
Many clients have very limited ideas or frameworks of what they want from a project. It is the Designer’s job to gather that information and draw out the Client’s requirements. This then forms the project brief. The Designer may ask you questions about your lifestyle and make suggestions for changes. This is an important part of any new design. Be open with the Designer.
Most Clients enjoy the consultation because it is the first time they’ve really thought about their lifestyle and what they need from the project. Good Designers will be able to “pick pocket” your information and you won’t realize it until you see the first concept. Then you will discover that every detail is reflected in the design.
HOW DO YOU FIND A GOOD DESIGNER?
Although personal recommendations are always a good idea, it is important to remember that the Designer designed the project for the person who made the recommendation. This Designer will most likely be able satisfy your project requirements if they are satisfied with the Designer’s creative solutions.
You can look at the portfolios of Designers without having to make contact. You can use the directories and search engines to find Designers in your area. It’s not worth having a Designer from Scotland when you live in London. Be aware of Interior Designers who are actually Home Furnishing businesses and are only interested in selling their products from their showroom or shop. Free design services will always be accompanied by a sales agenda. True Design Consultants will not be associated with any retail businesses and will use the global marketplace to find what you need, without commission or incentives.
Professional Bodies like The Chartered Society of Designers maintain a register of local designers and can be contacted to obtain a list. You can also visit their website. The Chartered Society of Designers is a body that verifies individual designers to ensure they meet a professional standard. It starts with a student quantification called “Diploma Member”, then “Member” or “Member”, and finally “Fellow” or “Fellow” from the Designer.