You’ve decided it’s time to give your home a fresh new look, but where do you start? Hiring an interior designer can take your space from drab to fab, but with so many options out there, it can be tricky to find the right pro for you. According to IBISWorld, a leading provider of industry statistics, there are 171,361 interior designers in the United States as of 2023. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when hiring a design service, from scoping out their social media to asking the right questions during your consultation. Follow these tips to find your perfect interior design match.
Check Out Their Past Work
Start your search by scoping out interior designers’ gallery pages to get a feel for their style. Look through their photo feeds and see if you’re drawn to the spaces they design. Do you like their color schemes and choices of furniture and decor? Make sure to also read client reviews and testimonials to get feedback on their customer service and professionalism. Our interior designers at Liberty Square Furniture showcase their work in photos on our website.
Narrow Down Your Favorites
Once you’ve identified a few designers whose work you admire, take a closer look at their qualifications and services. Check that they have the proper training and education in interior design. Also, consider what specific needs they can help you with. Do you want support with designing an entire home, styling certain rooms, or simply selecting furniture and decor? Some designers even offer virtual design services if you’re not local. Others have direct connections with sellers and stores. At Liberty Square Furniture, our design services are a free add-on service when you shop at our on-site location.
Have a Consultation
Now it’s time to talk one-on-one. Schedule a consultation with your top interior design pick. Most offer free initial consultations to discuss your project. Come prepared with ideas of what you hope to accomplish, like a desired mood for each room or specific fixes. Bring photos of spaces or designs you like to give the pro a feel for your taste. During the consultation, pay attention to how well they communicate and if you feel comfortable with the designer. Inquire about how long they have been in business, what their design process is, and the fee structure. When you turn to our store for quality furniture, our top-notch design services are free!
Verify References
Always ask interior designers for references from past clients before hiring them. Reach out to their references with questions about their overall experience. Were they happy with the designer’s work and professionalism? Did the project stay on schedule and budget? Candid feedback from references provides great insight into what it will be like working with that interior designer. Checking references helps ensure you choose someone who is responsible and gets results clients are satisfied with.
Trust Your Gut Feeling
When evaluating interior designers, go with your gut. Consider all the tangible factors, including their qualifications, portfolio, fees, references, etc. At the end of the day, you must choose a designer that you most strongly feel will do a fantastic job bringing your interior design vision to life. You want to enjoy working with them and be comfortable collaborating to create a space you’ll love. If you have an overwhelmingly good feeling about one designer, that’s likely your match.
Remember the Right Designer for You Is Out There
Interior design might seem like a big mystery, but following these tips will set you up to successfully hire the perfect pro. Do your research, have consultations, check references, and go with your gut feeling. Spend time finding just the right designer, and you’ll end up with a space tailored exactly to your unique style and needs. The ideal designer is out there.
Hiring an interior designer is a big decision that can completely change the look and feel of your home. Take the time to evaluate designers’ work, qualifications, fees, and references. The right pro will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. At Liberty Square Furniture, we offer much more than top-of-the-line furniture. Contact us today to get in touch with one of our interior design experts. We look forward to helping you design the space of your dreams!