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Why Hiring an Interior Designer Matters
Jan 25, 2021

Building or renovating a home is a big undertaking, and the design process involves more than just building materials. That’s where the added help of an interior designer comes in. But what exactly does an interior designer do, and why should you even consider hiring one?

 

We had the pleasure of interviewing interior designer Mary Jo Fiorella, who was able to explain the interior design process,  and some of the advantages of hiring a designer.

 

Mary Jo works on homes throughout the Bay Area and is the founder of Fiorella Design and online store Clementine Living. Supple Homes has worked with Mary Jo on numerous homes in the past, and we are currently working together on a project in Atherton, CA.


WHAT DOES AN INTERIOR DESIGNER DO?

Interior designers specialize in designing indoor spaces, not only ensuring that they are aesthetically pleasing, but are also functional and safe. They understand interior architecture, the renovation and construction processes, and work closely with clients, architects, and contractors throughout the building process.

 

They are knowledgeable of building codes and inspection regulations and have the ability to manipulate every interior aspect. You name it, and designers plan it—everything from room layouts, plumbing and light fixtures, skylight placements, cabinetry designs, styles, and types, to color schemes, tiles, countertops, and wall treatments. Interior designers ensure that a client’s vision comes to life and that their home will reflect their style and personality. 


HOW DO I WORK WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

The relationship between a client and the interior designer first begins with a ‘get to know you’ session. Mary Jo explained that during the initial collaboration, designers will ask numerous questions and spend ample time with the client to get a feel for their: 

●      Style

●      Taste

●      Lifestyle (kids, pets, hobbies, interests, etc.)

●      Likes and Dislikes 

To better understand your lifestyle and what currently does and does not work for you, your designer will also want to visit you at your home. Hate orange? Love skylights? Your interior designer wants to know it all!

 

A great way for your designer to get to know your style and aesthetic preferences is through sharing any and all things that inspire you—whether it’s photos from Pinterest and magazines, a single tile, a unique light fixture, or any decorative details that may resonate with you. 

 

Even the smallest pieces you provide to your interior designer can help them develop a design concept that’s perfect for you and your lifestyle. The design concept brings together mood, lighting, colors, and overall style. A good designer will involve you to collaborate. 

 

Once you and your designer have determined a design concept, through drawings in plan and elevations, the designer will meticulously put together a detailed presentation with tiles, countertop suggestions, flooring options, for the architectural elements


After any changes have been made and everything has been approved and finalized, the project can move into the next phase. Your designer should document all of the selected materials, indicate dimensions and details in the drawings for the contractor to know how to build the project.  Once the construction process begins, your interior designer will oversee and remain involved to ensure that the design plans are executed precisely and successfully. 

 


If you continue to work through to select furniture, rugs, etc., your designer will select fabrics, paint/wallpaper samples, rug samples, wood samples, and anything that could help you visualize and experience the desired concept as well as provide images of everything assembled for your review and approval.


WHY SHOULD I HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

The custom home design process is complex, and an interior designer does a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of executing your vision. Hiring an interior designer:

 

SAVES YOU TIME. Designing the interior and exterior of a home is a full-time job. Not only the planning and designing but overseeing the project and frequently being onsite to ensure that everything is going according to plan. Interior designers also know the questions that need to be asked and at what point, allowing them to make adjustments and solve problems before the construction even starts. 

 

SAVES YOU MONEY. If you have never designed a home or you have minimal experience, the likelihood of mistakes occurring is far greater. Having someone who is qualified and knows the ins and outs of interior design will help to avoid costly mistakes that could set a project back in schedule and budget.  The work you’re having done is an investment in your property, you want to make sure it’s done correctly.

 

DIRECTION. You have a vision and know what you like and don’t like, but the hard part is focusing and developing that vision so that it is conveyed in your project exactly as you imagined. Oftentimes, clients will go and pick tiles or wall colors but will freeze from the overwhelming number of options they are presented with. An interior designer helps alleviate that “paralysis” by narrowing down selections and providing options to choose from. 


CONCLUSION

Planning a custom home is easier with an interior designer on hand. Interior designers, like Mary Jo, have years of experience creating concepts to match the client, and it will save you time, money, and sanity to know that a professional is managing the design process.

 

Supple Homes specializes in building custom homes in the Bay Area, and we understand that turning a house into a home is all about the details! Contact us today with any questions you may have or to schedule a consultation!

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