Many of our clients wonder if they need to hire an interior designer to work with them throughout the process of designing a custom home. While some are excited about the prospect of working with a professional to get their home set up exactly how they’ve envisioned it, others would rather take on the task of choosing finishes and room layouts themselves.
The good news is, whichever option you’re leaning towards is just fine! You don’t need to hire an interior designer if you are building a custom home, although doing so can be incredibly helpful.
Weighing your options? Here’s some information that can help you make the right decision for you when it comes to working with an interior designer on your custom home.
What is An Interior Designer?
Interior designers are professionals trained in the art of creating aesthetically pleasing and functional designs for spaces and rooms. In the context of custom home building, they are typically independent contractors or designers affiliated with agencies who work with clients to create spatial designs and layouts that meet the client’s specific needs.
From choosing colors and finishes to selecting decor and placing furniture, interior designers have a knack for creating spaces that are safe, functional, and attractive. They can help you to take your vision for your home’s interior from concept to reality.
What Is the Role of an Interior Designer?
When it comes to building a custom home, an interior designer can help you in a number of ways. While you’ll work with the home builder to select a floor plan and home layout, an interior designer can help you choose the finishes, furniture, and other design elements that will ultimately make your house feel like a home.
They will help you to bring your vision for the home’s interior to life by guiding you when it comes to selecting artwork, window treatments, flooring and carpeting, furniture, light fixtures, and more.
Interior designers will help you to ensure that what you’re choosing matches your style and will give your home a coherent look. They’ll also help you to set up your home in a way that’s comfortable, stylish, and functional while helping you to avoid any stylistic faux pas.
How Do I Know If I Should Work With an Interior Designer or Decorator?
If you’re excited about the prospect of tackling the interior design of your home yourself, that’s a sign that you might be able to take on the task yourself. But if you’re less than enthused about selecting the finishes, furnishings, and decor for your custom home, then working with an interior designer is probably your best bet.
There are a number of ways that home buyers can benefit from partnering with an interior designer when designing a custom home. Some of those advantages include:
Saving Time
If you’re feeling strapped for time, taking on the task of designing your home’s interior yourself is probably not the best idea. You’ll be making decisions that will stick with you for a long time, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve done your research and made the best choices based on your tastes and the functionality you’re looking for.
If you don’t feel like you have sufficient time to make those decisions thoughtfully, having a professional designer on your side can be a huge help.
Saving Money
Some custom home buyers are hesitant to invest in interior design services because they feel they’re already spending a lot on a new home. While that’s understandable, many home buyers find that they actually save money by working with an interior designer.
The advice and guidance of a professional designer can help you to save on materials, and avoid costly design mistakes you may make otherwise. Interior designers know where it makes sense to splurge and where it’s truly worth it to spend a bit extra.
Avoiding Design Disasters
This ties in with the perk mentioned above. Sometimes the flooring or finish you love just won’t look good in a space. With an untrained eye, you might not be able to tell until you see it in action. At that point, a lot of time, energy, and money will have been invested in installing something that it turns out you hate.
An interior designer can save you from major design mistakes. Having a professional perspective can help you to make wise decisions every step of the way as you’re choosing your interior elements, which will help you to avoid design disasters and result in a coherent design that you love.
Professional Design Experience
Many home buyers have a vision for their homes interior but lack confidence when it comes to choosing the elements to make that vision a reality. A professional interior designer can help you to choose confidently, taking some of the worry out of the design process and relieving a lot of the stress that can come along with decorating a new home.
Interior Designer or Not? It’s Up To You!
If you’re building a custom home, chances are you’re craving a space that feels completely your own, embodies your style, and makes you comfortable as soon as you step through the door.
Not confident that you can accomplish this yourself? Then working with an interior designer is a good strategy for ensuring the inside of your new home turns out just the way you’ve hoped.
Feeling like you have a good eye for design and you’re ready to take on the task of creating the home interior you’re always imagined? Go for it! There’s no rule saying you have to work with an interior designer if you’re designing a custom home, so do what feels right for you.
Looking for some design tips to put into action in your new home? Check out the following resources for some inspiration:
7 Things You Can Learn From Touring a Model Home – Get a firsthand look at furniture layouts and finishes you’re considering by touring a model home so you can make interior design decisions more confidently!
Home Decor Trends in 2018 – Curious about some of the more recent home decor trends? Check out this list of popular design elements from 2018.
Adding Farmhouse Flair to Your Home – Find out how to go about adding a bit of this trendy style to your home, whether it’s a farmhouse by design or not!