Purchasing an older house or a flat means you’re not just buying a place to live. You’re also inheriting the design choices of the previous owners that may not suit your vision of style. Perhaps you’d like to redesign the bathroom, change the floor layout, or even install new cupboards in the kitchen.
A simple home renovation project can include tearing down walls, relocating electrical outlets, and updating outdated plumbing, making it grow into a larger one. You’ll need more than just a general contractor to handle this. To plan and direct the remodelling, you need the assistance of an interior or architectural designer. This will guarantee that all of your needs are met and your budget remains sufficient for this task.
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What’s the difference between interior designers and interior decorators?
You might be wondering if there are differences between interior designers and interior decorators. The answer is yes. Learn more about them below.
Interior designer
Beyond interior design, a designer considers other factors. He can help you create an office for your home or redesign your living room to make an additional area. A professional handles layout, lighting, safety standards, and even space planning.
Their job involves:
- Creating plans for renovating your home.
- Optimising the space and redesigning the layout.
- Choosing materials and finishes that are safe and with the highest quality.
- Managing the project and coordinating it with the other workers.
An interior designer can assist you in creating a beautiful and functional home for your needs.
Interior decorator
An interior decorator, on the other hand, focuses on the aesthetics. His role is to choose the right furniture, colours, and lighting that match your style. While he doesn’t work on the structure of the house, the decorator can give you advice on how to make the most of your space by selecting decor that complements your home.
Their responsibilities include:
- Offering advice on furniture design.
- Selecting colours and fabrics that match your own taste.
- Creating a visually pleasing atmosphere with minimal changes to the layout.
The key difference is that a decorator won’t move your walls or change the layout – that’s a designer’s job.
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Why hire an interior designer for your house renovation?
It may be challenging to remodel your home when you’re balancing your needs, budget, and style. This is where hiring an interior designer for your house renovation can make a difference.
Solving real problems
Most likely, you’re dealing with some unpleasant situations if you’re just starting renovations in your home. Maybe you need more space for your growing family, or you want to make your attic more functional. An interior designer can help you with space planning and advice on where to put lights, how to cover ugly pipes, and how to open up a compact kitchen. He will also establish a strategy to turn your ideas into reality.
For example, the contractor can make a plan that maximises the design and functionality when you remodel your bathroom or install a new kitchen. The interior designer will think about the best resources, where to put windows to let in natural light, and how to make your restoration both elegant and useful.
Expertise you can trust
By working with a design professional, you benefit from his years of experience in interior design. He knows how to research and how to handle potential issues. Designers are experts at selecting options that fit your budget without sacrificing quality. From the initial plans to the finishing touches, you can feel confident that someone is assisting you every step of the way.
An interior designer will make sure every detail is taken care of. Whether it’s ensuring your space complies with building safety or making sure the furniture fits perfectly in your living room, he is there to help. This attention to detail is important when dealing with tricky spaces, like attics or bathrooms, where every inch counts.
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Selecting the right interior designer
Selecting an interior designer for your home renovation project can be challenging. To help you feel more confident in your decision-making, we put together the top 5 questions you may ask your potential designer.
What does your process look like?
Before you hire an interior designer, it’s important to require information about his work process. The best contractor for the project will explain how he works, how he stays on top of trends, and what tools he uses. For example, 3D renderings can help you visualise your space. This is necessary because even the smallest mistake, such as an incorrect paint colour, can cost you time and money.
What are your qualifications?
Ensure the designer is not only creative but also has the right qualifications and expertise. Ask him if he has a degree. The degree confirms that this person not only has an eye for design but also experience and knowledge about architecture. He knows how to handle problems as they arise and how to prevent mistakes from happening in the first place.
How much will your job cost, and how long will it take?
Don’t forget to ask about costs upfront. A home improvement professional will always provide a clear breakdown of the fees and give you an accurate estimate of how long the project will take. Most renovations take anywhere from six months to a year, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
How do you control the people who work at my property?
Depending on the size of your project, your property may end up with a team of builders and technicians, working inside of it. You need to ask your interior designer how he makes sure that the people coming in are trustworthy and experts in their field. At IVCG, we have trusted professionals and suppliers. We also use high-quality tools and materials.
How do you manage purchases?
When you work with an interior designer, you will end up ordering many items for your home during your project, from furniture to lighting to decoration. There are numerous details to keep track of. Your interior designer must know how to manage these purchases effectively.
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Lastly, good communication with your potential designer is key. After all, you’ll be working closely with this person throughout the whole remodelling process.
Space planning and layout optimisation
The secret to every effective makeover is space planning. It’s important to make your house functional as well as visually appealing.
Optimising space for your needs
Depending on your specific situation, optimising space may involve many different things. For some homeowners, the goal is to use vertical space, such as a mezzanine, to make a tiny studio feel bigger. Others may have to construct a new room to enlarge the space for the growing family. If you’re having trouble making the most of your area, an interior designer’s job is to assist you. He will also help with smart storage tips.
Maximising functionality
For example, in a home renovation project, it’s common to create multifunctional spaces. A well-placed desk in the living room can double as an office, or a kitchen island can serve as both a cooking space and a dining area. These ideas help ensure that your home is both functional and stylish.
Storage solutions
Storage is another key area in interior design where you may need professional help. Many homes are filled with items that don’t have a proper place, leading to clutter. A designer can help you find innovative ways to add storage, such as building custom cupboards or utilising hidden spaces, like under the stairs.
Looking for functional and aesthetic interior designers?
If you’re looking for an interior designer who understands both the functional and aesthetic sides of a house renovation, IVCG is a great choice. We have years of experience working with many clients. Our team understands the importance of balancing practical needs with creating beautiful and stylish spaces. Whether you’re renovating your entire home or just looking to renovate just a room, we will make a project that adds character to your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need an interior designer for a small renovation project?
Hiring a professional designer will always be handy no matter the size of your project. He will assist you optimise your space and efficiently use your budget by providing ideas and options you might have never thought.
How much does it cost to hire an interior designer?
The size and depth of the project determine how much it will cost to hire an interior designer. While some designers charge on an hourly basis, others might have a fixed price determined by the whole square footage of the job you’re doing to renovate your house. To be sure the budget fits your vision, it’s necessary to have an early discussion about your expectations and pricing.
Can an interior designer help with project management?
Absolutely! Many interior designers are also project managers. That is part of their services. They can coordinate supplies, collaborate with general contractors, and supervise the project’s progress making sure everything goes as planned. You’ll have less stress as a result, and everything will go more smoothly.
