CREDIT: Joyful Designs Studio

HOW TO WORK WITH A RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGNER

Residential Interior Designer Joy Williams is the founder of Joyful Designs Studio based in Chicago, Illinois. Williams has worked on many projects over the years, helping her clients create a home experience that is uniquely theirs. Below she gives us some exclusive tips on how best to work with a residential interior designer.

Credit: Joy Williams

WHY DID YOU BECOME A RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGNER?

WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE WORK WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

People dream of buying and living in a beautiful home for so long and plan the purchase of this heritage asset, so I think it's only fitting that they start talking to design professionals about services very early in the process. Some may need more guidance to help narrow down their design perspective and others may simply need a designer to lead them to great heritage pieces that will form the anchor of their home's design.  It will vary widely, but it's never too soon to have a conversation, start interviewing designers, inquiring about costs and planning for life in your new home.

TIPS FOR HIRING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

1. Think about temperament in the face of adversity. Do they work well with others? It takes a village to bring a design concept to fruition.  So you need someone who can get everyone on the same page and work in the best interest of the homeowner.

2. Consider the scale of budgets that they’ve managed before. It is critical for clients to understand that someone who has only handled a 10k budget might not be able to handle larger projects at the 100k level. The designer needs to understand how to spend within the client’s budget.

3. Ask about experience outside of design. For some designers like me this is a second career. We have a plethora of skill sets that accentuate our ability to manage and run large design projects. Tap into that.

WHEN TO NEGOTIATE WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

It depends on what the negotiation centers on. Is it price? Color? Space Planning? At Joyful Designs Studio, we consider the design processes we've set up to be based in collaboration with the client from day one, that is exactly why we have an in-depth paid design consultation.  We want the clients we take on to be serious about the business of planning their home.  We welcome their input on color and function, furniture, etc.  We want them to have a stake in the process beyond the monetary investment they are making.

DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN ONBOARDING PROCESS

Interested in more design stories, find the latest on The Summit here

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