Finding the Right Designer

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Does anyone have any advice for how to work effectively with an interior designer? I am in the midst of a renovation, and I just parted ways with the design firm I hired at the outset. It was taking them forever and a day to get anything accomplished; they acted oblivious to the construction schedule despite the fact I hired the GC they recommended. I gave them a purchase list and a budget, but they never presented me with items I could actually buy to achieve the curated look I told them I wanted. To push things along, I would bring them ideas for furniture and fixtures they could source for me; they responded that the trade discount offered by the manufacturers I proposed was not worth their effort. Perhaps they were conflicted—they didn’t want the job, but also didn’t want to turn away business? We never signed a contract. I know that part of their design fee was included in what I’m paying the GC, although I do not know how much. The situation is bizarre. Anyway, I don’t have enough confidence to finish the job on my own. How do I find a new designer at the last minute and what questions do I ask to make sure this doesn’t happen again? Also, if you’re a pro who has experience working with clients remotely, please reach out to me.

Featured Answer

lavender12145

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I am myself looking to get a designer for color consultation after a few failed attempts. I posted in “find a pro” and someone called me but this time I am only going to go with someone whose portfolio I like. She only had two pictures so i didn’t proceedl.

different people have different tastes and twice I hired designers that had raving reviews but didn’t work for me after hiring.

If you know someone in person whose house interior you have seen and really like, that would be more comfortable choice I think. You can then search up that designers portfolio .

you have a big project but I am looking For color consultation only and if I don’t get someone good to come in house, I will go with kylie m interiors online package. she seemed expert at colors and maybe her virtual is better than someone who is not that good and comes in-house.

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Comments (6)

Connie Stackhouse
5 years ago
Does your local community have a “Nextdoor” online forum? That is a great way to get recommendations from local neighbors and pros, cons, prices and anecdotes from your local community. A great way to go.
Wenski007 thanked Connie Stackhouse
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Wenski007
Original Author
5 years ago
@lavender12145 I was also thinking about turning to Kylie for a paint consultation! At this point, I need to make sure the permanent fixtures get selected in time for the GC can install.
lavender12145
5 years ago
But I think Kylie only does paint consultation. did you find a package where she does color consultation for furniture and accessories too?
Wenski007
Original Author
5 years ago
@lavender12145 That’s right. She only does paint consultation. I‘m either going to find someone who can take me all the way over the finish line or get help where ever I can find it.
lavender12145
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
If you have a budget for the whole design services, then it’s great because there are some amazing portfolios and pictures here on houzz. You can message the pros directly on houzz and they have always replied to me. There are pros here on discussion forum too and you can ask them for their design services too.

I think the process of finding the right designer is important and could take a while before you match with the perfect one. I posted here under “ how to start different rooms” and people here including pros outlined the process of finding the designer what to look for , and what to stay away from. it was a lot of good information.