Why do I need to hire an Interior Designer?

Well, this is one question that pops-up in everyone's mind after they are done with closing the deal on their dream home. In this blog, I will try to give you a perspective of both hiring an interior designer and also when you haven't.

I am sure that for everyone at some point this thought of "why should I hire an interior designer, I could do it all myself" would have crossed their mind - and if you ask me, this is a very valid point and when executed cautiously can save you a considerable amount if you are on a shoe string budget.

But, before you go ahead with your decision - you should try to answer the below questions which can significantly impact the output vis-à-vis budget and aesthetics.

First and foremost - TIME - question yourself if you can spare considerable amount of time on your interiors project while you work at your regular office? Would you be able to take time off (often during weekdays too) to scout for the best as per your budget and needs?

Next comes - A GOOD TEAM - do you have contacts of workers to do the job? Its not just the carpenters that are needed, it requires electricians, painters, granite/tile workers, workers to do your false ceiling, polishing experts in case of veneer/natural wood work and finally contacts of wallpapers to give your home a complete look. Of course you have option of booking them online (via different portals available) - but comes with an element of risk as you do not know the expertise levels of these folks.

INTEGRATION - Perfect integration between various teams is required for a smooth execution and timely delivery of a project. Do you know the in and out of steps to follow in executing the project? Do you know where to start and what follows each activity? Are you aware of the possible pitfalls if you do not follow the process?

Importance of ERGONOMICS - Space planning is the fundamental of any interior design and ergonomics plays a key role in keeping your home functional apart from being beautiful. I have seen some spaces which lack basic sense of practicality and rather are more of a hindrance than addressing the basic needs of the occupants.

Knowing the TYPES OF MATERIAL & AVAILABILITY of them is again a key factor in giving your space a special look. There are tons of variety of materials that are available today in the market and also exposure to international markets is bringing in a sea of changes in this field. As an individual, would you be able to enquire, assess and decide on the materials to be used? Would you be well aware of their availability in your proximity?

Everyone loves buying stuff at a bargain, but do you know if you bought the material/service at its BEST PRICE or will you always keep on wondering if you over paid? And just for the sake of a bargain, you might end up with an inferior quality material or an incompetent worker. As the old adage goes, if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. The key here is to understand the worth of the product.

Lastly, do you have it in you to TACKLE workers and suppliers? Would you be able to get their jargon and be firm (not stubborn) at what you want? Most of the time, they would cut corners and you would hardly know it or realise it much later when the damage has already been done.

If your answer for most of the above questions is yes, then you should definitely go ahead and do it on your own - anything pursued with passion and belief will not disappoint you.

But if you think that you do not have the luxury of time and an eye for detail, and want to know as to what an interior designer can bring on to the table? Read on.

Believe you me, the time and effort required right from buying/constructing a house until realising your dreams of turning that into a cosy home, is humongous and is more than a full time job. This is where your interior designer (iD) comes into picture and along with her/him, comes the ocean of experience and expertise.

They are the ones who will always try to keep up with the latest design trends in the market and constantly try to improve their craft - and this is the quality that will give them an edge over others. An iD, would have a knack of knowing the intricate details about all the different areas of work ranging from space planning, design which is functional, material selection, colour combination and latest trends which will culminate into a beautifully designed and executed home at hand. They will act as a bridge between you and the respective professional and help translating your requirements into a language understood by the folks on the ground and save you from all the hassle.

My two cents - wherever you can, always aim to save and wherever you should, always spend those extra bucks.

I hope this write-up was informative and useful to you and also hope it helps you to make the right choice. Would love to hear your thoughts or questions about home interiors - will be happy to help in any which way I can.

Stay tuned for more updates.

~ Srikanth Anasuri

   Meticular Interiors