Secrets of good interior designers and why you can trust them

All of us appreciate and thrive in well-organized spaces. We aspire interiors which allow us to freely preform our daily tasks, with ease of accessibility, storage solutions and adequate comfort. Add to these self-expression and style and we feel privileged! It is no wonder then, the Interior Design profession is gaining so much popularity. Nevertheless many are not convinced and their reluctance is based on apprehension about the process and the results. In reality most of us don't feel comfortable letting others make decisions on our behalf. But is this what interior designers do,make decisions about your space and your lifestyle?

Without a doubt arranging your own space is personal and from my perspective as an interior designer to be entrusted with a client’s personal space, is an honor! At the same trusting a professional to arrange your space in a way that reflects your lifestyle, is a smart move not a risk! Interior designers are commonly known for their knowledge and understanding of space and design, but less people might be aware that the a good interior designer has a good understanding of human nature as well as the effect environments exert on their occupants. In other words, a good interior designer will design a space to fit in with the occupant’s lifestyle and not the other way around.
So, what enables a designer deliver a personalized interiors for their clients? They possess interpersonal skills and natural abilities.

1. Communication is the reciprocal process of listening before advising and doing so credibly by providing reasons and reasoning to satisfy a query.
2. Discernment is the skill of reading between the lines to understand and articulate what is meant although not verbalized.
3. Relating to others is the ability to grasp the perspective others have, understand their point of view and not be blinded by personal opinions and preferences.

1. Sixth sense - The unique ability to mentally rearrange the space and visualize their creation before they even put pen to paper. A talented designer virtually transfers inside the future environment, produces an instant blueprint and goes to work moving walls, applying finishes, placing furniture and lighting and then visualize the entire area and then might even tweak things, usually at initial consultation.
2. Confidence - An interior designer is always confident in what they are proposing and seldom deviate from their original direction. They understand the client briefing and know they will deliver, even if the client has doubts during the process. Their confidence is reassuring as it is based on knowledge and experience not pride.
3. Problem Solving - The best remedy is prevention even when it comes to design. Anticipating and overcoming problems before they occur is what designers do. But even if an unforeseen situation arises during implementation, they work out a solution and often look at obstacles as new opportunities.

Now we have established the skills a designer possesses, you are probably wondering about the process itself. What are the behind the scenes duties Interior Designers perform which are often taken for granted?

• Analyze their client's wants and needs.

• Develop a relevant the design scheme, applying design principles and the science of human behavior.

• Prepare presentations of the proposed concepts by means of drawings and 3D imaging, which will effectively communicate their proposals.

• Ensure the proposed concepts are safe, ergonomically sound, functional, as well as aesthetically pleasing.

• Address environmental and sustainability issues.

• Select colors, textures, materials and finishes to meet their client’s aesthetic preferences.

• Explain the functional, maintenance, performance, environmental and safety benefits, of their proposals.

• Specify furniture, fixtures and equipment to reflect the design concept, including layout drawings.

• Provide project management services, including preparation of project budgets and schedules.

• Prepare working drawings and lighting designs.

• Act as the client's negotiator and purchasing agent.

• Communicating information on the progress and completion of the project

• Post-occupancy evaluation and reports on behalf of the client.

As you may have already concluded, your Interior Designer is not just a decorator. An experienced interior designer takes a holistic view, by taking into consideration human behavior and their interaction with their space and becomes a facilitator for their client's self-expression, whilst providing practical and aesthetically pleasing environments and everyday living solutions.

Therefore, once you identify your interior designer posses these six things we discussed (three, interpersonal skills and three natural abilities) trust them!

Keeping your designer out of your project and calling them only when you need advise, means you are not getting the benefit of their resources and contacts. Let your Interior Designer open up for to you the gates of exclusive furnishings and home wares, connect you to cutting edge design technologies finishes and materials available to the industry!

View your experienced Interior Designer as your luxury sea liner, not as a rescue boat. Get on board from the start not when all else fails. Trust your designer's knowledge skills and abilities to navigate you through your interior design journey to your dream destination!