Creating an interior is a process that requires not only taste, but also professional knowledge. Mistakes at the planning stage can turn into unnecessary expenses, spoiled furniture or unsuccessful planning, which is almost impossible to correct later. Therefore, if you decide to entrust the design of the apartment to a designer, it is important to choose a truly competent professional.

In this article we will tell you, What to look for when choosing an interior designerhow to distinguish a professional from a novice and why you should not chase only a low price.

🧠 1. Decide who you want

Before looking for a designer, you need to understand, what your objectives are.

There are several types of specialists:

  • Decorator - works with color, textiles, accessories and the visual part of the interior.

  • Designer planner - Creates layout, furniture arrangement, lighting and engineering schematics.

  • Full-service designer - does everything from ideation to authoring and overseeing the renovation.

If you just want to update the interior without remodeling - you can limit yourself to a decorator.
But when it comes to complex repair or custom furniture manufacturing, you need a designer who understands technical aspects, materials, fittings and ergonomics.

πŸ“‚ 2. Examine the portfolio

The main indicator of a designer's caliber his work. This portfolio shall include:

  • photos of finished projects, not just renderings;

  • blueprints and actual layouts;

  • descriptions of problems and solutions for specific clients.

πŸ“Έ If the portfolio is only "pretty pictures from the Internet" without details - in front of you, most likely, a beginner or visualizer, not a designer.

Tip: look beyond style and project diversity. A good specialist knows how to adapt to the customer - from classic to minimalist.

πŸ’¬ 3. Read reviews and ask for recommendations

Testimonials are a great way to understand how a designer works with clients.

Note to self:

  • Availability of testimonials not only on the website, but also on independent platforms;

  • real photos of finished objects in the comments;

  • communication style: if the designer is rude, does not go to dialog - cooperation is unlikely to be comfortable.

πŸ‘₯ Even better, ask for recommendations from people you know who have already done renovations with a designer.

πŸ—οΈ 4. Find out who he or she is working with

Professional designer always has reliable contractors and suppliers:

  • furniture shops,

  • light showrooms,

  • suppliers of finishing materials.

This is an important plus, because you save time on your search and get a comprehensive solution: design, furniture and turnkey realization.

πŸ’‘ For example, if the designer works with a furniture company, you'll be able to order your kitchen, cabinets and sofas exactly as designed - with no errors in size or colors.

πŸ“‘ 5. Discuss the technical part

A good designer is not only an artist but also an engineer. He must be able to compose:

  • furniture layout plan;

  • electrical and lighting plan;

  • plumbing diagram;

  • specification of materials and fittings.

If the designer does not offer technical documentation, but only beautiful renderings - this is a red flag. Without working drawings, builders simply cannot realize the project correctly.

πŸ’° 6. Compare costs and working conditions

Price is not always an indicator of quality, but overpriced offers - cause for concern.

The design project includes several stages:

  1. Measurements and analysis of the room.

  2. Creating a planning solution.

  3. Visualizations and selection of materials.

  4. Preparation of working drawings.

  5. Approval and final documentation package.

If someone promises to do it all "in a couple of days and a couple thousand hryvnias" - most likely, the result will be far from reality.

It is important that the contract spells out:

  • deadlines,

  • number of edits,

  • project delivery format,

  • liability of the parties.

πŸ—‚οΈ 7. Check if there is a contract

The formal contract is yours interest protection guarantee.
He's fixing it:

  • cost and timing of work,

  • number of visualizations,

  • interaction format (online/offline),

  • the designer's responsibility in case of mistakes.

Without a contract, you are not protected: if the specialist disappears or delivers the project "as it turns out", you will not be able to prove anything.

🧩 8. Pay attention to your communication style

A designer is not just a doer, but a your partner for a few months.
Therefore, it is important that you are comfortable communicating with him.

At the first counseling session, pay attention:

  • if he listens carefully to your wishes;

  • if he asks clarifying questions;

  • if it offers options rather than imposing its opinion.

🀝 A good designer knows how to balance your desires with a professional approach.

🧭 9. Clarify whether there is an author's supervision

Author's supervision is the control that the repair and manufacture of furniture went strictly according to the project.

The designer comes to the site, checks the location of outlets, the size of niches, the suitability of materials.
This is especially important if the furniture is made to order - one wrong measurement can ruin the whole result.

πŸͺ„ 10. Listen to your intuition

Sometimes everything is technically correct, but something doesn't "stick".
Trust your feelings: a designer should inspire and inspire confidence.

A good specialist knows how to translate your emotions and desires into the visual language of interior designand you'll feel immediately understood.

πŸ’¬ Bonus: questions to ask a designer

  1. What experience do you have and how many projects have you completed?

  2. Do you work with specific furniture factories?

  3. What styles are closest to you?

  4. What is included in the cost of the project?

  5. How many edits are allowed?

  6. How long does it take to develop a complete project?

  7. Do you provide author supervision?

These questions will help you quickly assess professionalism and organization.

πŸ“Š Conclusion

Choosing an interior designer is an important step that determines not only the appearance of the apartment, but also your comfort for years to come.

πŸ’‘ A true professional:

  • knows how to listen to a client,

  • has an understanding of materials and ergonomics,

  • works with trusted partners,

  • Is willing to take responsibility for results.

Take your time, study portfolios, meet in person, and don't hesitate to ask questions.
Remember: A designer is not just a person who "makes things look nice". It is your ally who can help you turn your home into a dream home.

5/5 - (3 votes)

ᐈ AM ᐈ Custom Furniture

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