Happy New Year, y’all!!! I hope you had a Blessed Christmas and that you’re feeling inspired to make 2020 the best year (or decade) yet!!
In December’s post, I mentioned that I’d be giving you more advice for making your home the fresh, functional, and classic space you’ve always dreamed it could be. But before we dive into the serious stuff (like creating a plan and a budget), I wanted to share a fun, behind-the-scenes post with you for January!
Today’s topic....
What does an interior designer really do??
Y’all, I love this question!!! Before I decided to study interior design in college, I imagined that designers’ days were spent picking out pretty fabrics, flipping through paint swatches, and expertly styling accessories. But once I did my research, I realized there’s a whole lot more to it than that! And that it’s even better than I could have imagined!!
Today I’m sharing 6 things that most people don’t know that interior designers do! Can y’all guess what they are?
1. Prepare Construction Documents & Comply with Building Codes
Basically, “interior architecture” is the best way to explain what we do. Interior designers can draw the construction documents which include floor plans, dimensioned plans, electrical plans, lighting plans (reflected ceiling plans), elevations, and building sections. They are conceptual drawings that usually need to be stamped by an architecture, but are ready to go for contractors.
These are all detailed drawings that describe exactly how an interior is supposed to look. These are drawings meant to be so detailed that crew is working on the site know exactly what to do with a General Contractor or Interior Designer there.
Also, ADA codes and building codes in general are very important when we are drawing up plans.. These are important to any renovation or design project, and an interior designer can help you with all of that!
2. Help You Create a Smart Budget (and Stick to It)
Budget is an extremely important part of any home project, whether it be a revamp with just furniture or a total remodel. Your interior designer should sit down with you at the beginning of the project, before designing even starts, to see what main features are important to you and develop a budget for bringing those features to life.
Your designer can also help provide insight on which products and materials are worth splurging on (long-lasting investments) and which could be “save” items. Of course, the final choice is yours! The important part is having a defined budget to drive the project forward.
3. Create a Design with Function and Purpose
Another expertise in a designer’s skillset is in designing wayfinding, the way someone navigates the room. This is one where function and purpose meet simplicity meet beauty — and that’s my FAVORITE part of design!!
We’ll design a space that’s more than beautiful. It will be designed for the life you have (making it easier!) and for the extra amazing life you WANT to live!
4. Professionally Manage Your Project
Your interior designer wears many hats when designing the space and in managing the process of creating it. Your designer and team manage the project to make sure everything is taken care of and everything is run smoothly. This includes on-site check-ins, communicating between all the people involved, and even ordering, tracking, and receiving product shipments.
This also means that YOU get to relax, stick to your usual schedule, and let your designer handle the details! Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, right? ;)
5. Advocate and Look Out for You
Naturally, remodels are full of things that will come up. For example, if the contractor is installing the floor and he needs more tile, or maybe he has a question about the layout/pattern of the tile. The interior designer will take care of that for you. You are not having to answer every question the contractor has and you do not have to worry about the product being there on time.
Most interior designers will also have managed so many projects over their careers that they can spot any issues from a mile away… and stop them before they start!
6. Decorate Your Home for the Final Reveal! (in some cases)
Interior designers and decorators have slightly different roles. Interior designers are involved mainly with everything that is physically connected to the home, like its floor plan, electrical, countertops, flooring, plumbing, light fixtures, etc. Decorators, on the other hand, typically specialize in soft furnishings, which includes your furniture, window treatments, and accessories. And then, there are professionals who do both!
For me, I LOVE to do both! Seeing everything come together from start to finish is what makes this career so exciting and impactful!
So — I’d love to hear! Which of these 6 things surprised you the most? Which would you be most excited to have someone’s help with?
Sending love from GA!
Sarah