Frequently Asked Questions - The Design Process
What does an interior designer do?
An interior designer is a professional that works with interior spaces. Her/his job is to create or (in most cases) transform an existing space into a functional, safe and beautiful space to live in. Besides creating plans, elevations, light plans, and all the necessary details for the contractors to be able to complete the job, an interior designer creates the design concept (idea) based on the client’s needs and wishes. She/he also selects the best materials, fabrics, furniture, decorative lights, and accessories that will bring the design to life.
If agreed upon with the client, an interior designer communicates with all specialists working on the project (be it the architect, contractor, decorator, plumber, electrician, etc.) to make sure that the client’s design is implemented correctly. The interior designer also sources, purchases, and arranges the deliveries of items, if agreed upon with the client. Some clients like to do the purchasing on their own as this service usually comes with a small % fee for the designer. The designer can also be there to help with the installation of items on the project site, and can also style the place.
Why and when should I hire an interior designer?
An interior designer has extensive knowledge and expertise. She/he can create a beautiful and cohesive design that works, looks, and feels beautiful based on your needs and wishes. She/he can foresee potential problems before they happen on site (and cost you money) and communicates with other professionals to make sure the design for your space is understood and implemented correctly. Also, an interior designer can use her/his connections with suppliers to obtain discounts for certain items for you (saving you money in the process).
As for when to hire an interior designer, the best time to do so is before starting your home project. An interior designer can help you form your design vision, review your budget for the project and help you decide if your project is feasible (meaning if it can be done). This way you can make an informed decision whether or not to pursue your project and not find yourself later down the line (or in mid-project) in need of more money to be able to finish your home.
How do I choose the right designer for me?
Choosing to work with an interior designer is, like everything else, a matter of personal taste and common interests. Just as you look at product reviews before buying a certain product, you can look at what other clients have said about the designer and see if anything resonates with you.
You can also look at their projects, blog posts (if available), and social media to see with you like their style, align with their values, or if you like how they think/talk about certain topics. But most importantly, trust your gut. You can always have that initial face-to-face meeting and see if you connect.
What cities/areas do you work in?
Detail Movement works in Edinburgh, Scotland, and covers mainly the Stockbridge, Comely Bank, and New Town areas, but is slowly expanding to other areas in the city as well. However, Detail Movement also offers online interior design services that can be done remotely to other cities across all of the UK as well. Please have a look at my Services & Prices here.
Why you instead of an in-store designer?
Although there is nothing wrong with choosing an in-store designer/decorator/design service, most (if not all) such designers are required to (almost) exclusively use the company’s products. If you want a variety of products or a bespoke design, you will have access to a wider range of products if you work with independent interior designers.
Before contacting an interior designer, it’s best to have an idea of what you want to do in your home. Think about what would you like to change (take out and/or replace), and what activities you want to do, i.e. entertain friends twice a week or hold a movie evening for friends/family, have a home office, etc. However, don’t worry if you don’t know, the interior designer can guide you through this process.
It’s also useful to think about how much are you willing to spend on this project. It’s a question that your potential designer will ask you so it’s important to become comfortable talking about this subject. Your designer is there to help you better understand the market and see if your project is feasible. Talking freely about your budget will help you get the most out of the initial meeting.
What should I do before I contact an interior designer?
During the first consultation, the interior designer will ask you some personal questions. While this can seem pretty intimidating at first, the only reason we do this is to get to know you and your needs better so that we can help you with your project.
The more we know about you and what you want out of your project, the less likely it is for errors to appear later down the line (especially in the concept stage), and waste time, money, and peace of mind. Besides asking questions, you will both be talking about the budget, your needs and wishes, the design look you want to achieve, and what the next steps are.
*Please Note: In order to be more sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint, at Detail Movement, the first consultation will be done either on the phone or via online video call, depending on the client’s preference.
What happens at the first consultation?
It depends on the complexity of the project and what design service you have chosen. For example, designing a 2 bedroom flat will not take as long as designing a 2 story townhouse for example. There are other things to consider as well, such as the availability of contractors, decorators (and any other professionals that might be needed for the project), the availability of products (furniture, lights, accessories, fabrics, etc.), and materials, but also how long they would take to be delivered to your home, once purchased.
For example, even though a bespoke armchair or sofa might take 2 weeks to be delivered (if it’s not coming from outside of the UK), if it’s not in stock, a new one can take between 4 - 6 weeks to be made (update - post-pandemic times for furniture pieces may differ - i.e. between 8 - 16 weeks in some cases). If we add the 2 weeks of delivery to getting your permission and finances for the purchase, it can take up to 8 weeks or more for the same armchair or sofa to arrive.
That is why it’s very difficult to estimate how long a project might take. However, as a guideline, a project can take at least 3 - 4 months from the initial concept to the design taking shape (before starting any site work).
How long will my project take?
The interior designer can help you create a more accurate budget, but it is always helpful for your to think about the items below before you start a project. Here is how to get an idea of what you want (and do a little internet search for how much it could cost):
Room Inventory - go room by room and make a list of existing items, which ones you want to keep and which ones you do not. Also, make a list of new items or activities that you want to be doing in these rooms. This will give you an idea of what you need and want to spend money on in each room.
Budget estimate – think about all the things you see and decide if you want to change them. Besides furniture, do your want to change the paint colour of your walls? Do you want new curtains, carpet or rugs, a better mattress, a better-looking floor finish, a kitchen or bathroom, new skirting boards, radiators, electric sockets, door handles, etc.? Take into account that every item will also have a delivery charge.
Then combine the two lists and think of or assign a sum of money you are comfortable spending on each item (a quick google search can help sort out most of these items). If you already have a budget in mind, then you can do a different kind of exercise, one that I like to call “the % list”.
Create a list of all the items you want and add a % next to each item. This percentage means how much of the total budget you are comfortable spending on that said item. For example, you might want to invest more in a good mattress that costs between £650 - £899 and not as much on bedside tables or a rug. Perhaps you don’t want to have wallpaper in the Living Room and instead opt for paint on the walls, which as a result, could give you more freedom (and money) to buy a better-quality sofa.
Something to consider as well when putting together the budget (most people don’t do this), is to take into account labour costs, the contractor, project manager, and interior designer’s fees, demolition, and rubbish removal fees (if applicable), cleaning, delivery and installation fees, taxes (if applicable), etc.
Also, think about your living arrangements over the duration of your project. Will you be living there while construction and decoration works take place or will you be renting a different place/living with a friend or family member? It’s an extra cost that should be taken into account.
Lastly, it’s best practice to set aside at least 10%-15% of that new and total calculated budget for overruns and unexpected things. If you end up not using it, that's great. But if you do, you will be covered and feel more prepared to continue with the project.
What is your design style?
It depends on the complexity of the project and what design service you have chosen. For example, designing a 2 bedroom flat will not take as long as designing a 2 story townhouse for example. There are other things to consider as well, such as the availability of contractors, decorators (and any other professionals that might be needed for the project), the availability of products (furniture, lights, accessories, fabrics, etc.), and materials, but also how long they would take to be delivered to your home, once purchased.
For example, even though a bespoke armchair or sofa might take 2 weeks to be delivered (if it’s not coming from outside of the UK), if it’s not in stock, a new one can take between 4 - 6 weeks to be made (update - post-pandemic times for furniture pieces may differ - i.e. between 8 - 16 weeks in some cases). If we add the 2 weeks of delivery to getting your permission and finances for the purchase, it can take up to 8 weeks or more for the same armchair or sofa to arrive.
That is why it’s very difficult to estimate how long a project might take. However, as a guideline, a project can take at least 3 - 4 months from the initial concept to the design taking shape (before starting any site work).
What is next?
If you have any questions I haven’t covered yet, do let me know and I’d be happy to answer them for you. If you need help with your interior design project (be it just a room or two or the whole home) you can have a look at all the different ways I can help you.
I would genuinely love to help, so please do not hesitate to reach out!
Thank you!