Our industry, along with the rest of the world, has gone through some major changes over the last several years. The Recession changed the way we all spend and shop. Today, we are all thinking globally. We want to minimize our footprints. We want to leave something for our grandchildren. We are smarter shoppers than ever before. The world is at our fingertips and we can comparison shop and pin all night.
Does the ability to find anything yourself decrease the importance of a good interior designer? No, a good designer should help you navigate your project and help you stick to a budget and guide you on where to invest more and what can be sacrificed without devaluing the whole. A good designer will help you weigh the pros and cons of any upgrades. Not to mention should you or shouldn't you on that ultra high end item...
Most people who hire an interior designer are people who know what they want, have discerning tastes, but are busy and know the value of hiring someone to oversee the project for them. When you hire the right person from the beginning of a project you will save in the end. Proper space planning and careful selections eliminate the piece of furniture (or art or chandelier) that you loved (usually- a very expensive piece) that is the wrong size (or color or style) and not returnable. The great designers do their job by listening to the client and coming back with what the client wants or a reason why something else would work better.
Save money and valuable time- hire a designer at the beginning of your project!
