first time home buyer should we hire an interior designer?

10 years ago

Me and my husband just got married last year and we have been living with my parents for almost a year. We finally purchased our first home but dont have any furniture. We have ideas but need help figuring where we should put things and want to make sure it all flows together. Should we hire an interior designer just to get some tips? We are on a tight budget so dont want to over spend. Thoughts ideas?

Featured Answer

Liz H

10 years ago

If you're on a tight budget, don't bother with a designer right now. I suppose you already have a decent mattress, which is obviously top priority. After that, you'll need a table and at least two chairs, plus some comfortable upholstered seating, a couple of end tables, and bookcases. These items alone will cost you big-time just for middle-of-the-road new stuff. Cheaper places include IKEA, which is particularly good for shelving (see Kallax and Billy, which can give you excellent service for many years.) I personally think that Goodwill or Craigslist are very smart options for a new homeowner who hasn't quite got her style figured out. I've bought a couple of sofas from Goodwill over the years. They were clean and in excellent repair, and I think the more expensive one cost $80. I still have one of them in my den. You'll probably be sick of looking at your Goodwill stuff soon enough, but at least you'll have somewhere to sit until you've had a chance to make some other decisions.

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Comments (7)

Bev
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I would hire an interior designer or if you have a Haverty's near you, they have free interior consultants. They do not tell you what to buy for your home--they go in and measure your rooms that will give you an idea what size and how much furniture can go in each space. Congrats on your first home!
Alicia thanked Bev
PRO
Nanke Signature Group
10 years ago
If you can find a furniture retailer who offers interior design services in your area, this might be a good way to get professional help and save some money. Congrats on your new home!
Alicia thanked Nanke Signature Group
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User
10 years ago
Hiring a professional Interior Designer will advise you when selecting furniture and how to arrange it. They will also determine your style and pick pieces that work with your taste, needs and lifestyle. They can also save you hours of legwork because they are familiar with local suppliers, where to source specific items, and where you should spend the money, especially on a budget. It sounds like you have been patient and have finally found a place to call your own. A designer will help you create a space that is attractive, comfortable and a place that you can call home.
Alicia thanked User
riedvolpone
10 years ago
I love Craigslist and garage sales for good deals on a budget. I once got a like-new sofa for $150.

Also, if you are handy, consider "re-purposing" older furniture. You can paint almost anything....take a look at "chalk paint" recipes for DIY projects if you like original looks. (You can make your own chalk paint- very inexpensive and it will cover anything, including varnish. I use poly over it, rather than the old fashioned wax.) Also would recommend TJ Maxx/ Home Goods store if there is one near you.

As far as a designer, I agree to ask for advice at a furniture store but only if you plan to buy something there. Also, if you have friends with good taste, they will probably be happy to help. I used to work as a designer in a furniture store and enjoy helping out friends and family, even though I left the field years ago.
Best wishes to you!
Alicia thanked riedvolpone
Elle
10 years ago
If you are someone who likes to buy furniture new, you need design advice that goes beyond retail furniture recommendations, you have the budget, and you would like your home to have a more finished look sooner vs. later, it could be worth hiring a designer. Designers can help clients save money, time, and frustration by avoiding mistakes like buying a sectional that is too large or painting an entire floor before realizing the color has an undesirable undertone.
Alicia thanked Elle
PRO
Oak Seattle
9 years ago
Hey! I just did a blog post about this- BOTH the benefits of hiring an interior designer + 26 interview questions to ask an interior designer before you hire them: https://www.nailitworkshops.com/blog/how-to-hire-an-interior-designer

Hope that helps!!