5 Reasons Why You Need an Interior Designer Before Hiring a Contractor

Are you embarking on a home renovation journey? 

If you want to start off on the right foot, end with your dream home vision realized, and go through the whole process without pulling out your hair, then we highly recommend you start by considering the crucial role of an interior designer. Here are 5 compelling reasons why engaging with a designer before hiring a contractor is the smartest move you can make in order to build your dream home.

1. Accurate Cost Estimates

Without a preliminary plan in place, contractors won’t know if you want to add new decorative lighting, tile an entire focal wall instead of just the shower, or add decorative wood paneling. That means their bid will typically be lower than what is actually needed to execute your vision. An interior designer can provide detailed drawings that yield more precise estimates. Armed with a clearer understanding of the project's overall cost, you can make better-informed decisions and be prepared for any financial implications.

One example: Sally Smith came to me after she’d already hired a contractor who bid her $300k for her whole home remodel without materials. I told her the number sounded unrealistically low. While she knew the cost would increase, she was shocked when change order after change order brought the total cost closer to $800k to give her the design she had wanted from the beginning. 

2. Seamless Timing and Coordination

Good design takes time! Beginning the design process early helps ensure smooth collaboration between designers and contractors. Don't wait until after the demolition has begun to hire your interior designer! Engaging a designer first will place a reliable roadmap ahead. This approach yields multifaceted benefits: it provides valuable insight into comprehensive costs, prevents time constraints or delays and safeguards against impulsive design choices that often lead to costly change orders. At Vieve Interior’s we have a tried and true process to make sure our projects run smoothly.

Pro tip: Give yourself at least one month of design time for a single room, and up to 10 to 12 months for a full home redesign before construction begins. That way you’ll be able to get contractor bids, start the permit process, and have everything in order before you break ground.

3. Avoiding Design Mishaps

Doors & Windows and Appliances, oh my! These big ticket items have long lead times and must be ordered well in advance. Having a designer onboard from the start prevents design limitations that could compromise your space's functionality and aesthetics. 

A note: A designer will holistically consider whether windows should come all the way to the floor, or if you need wall space below for a nightstand or cabinet? They will determine if wall ovens are the most functional for you or if a range with ovens below will better create the open and airy feel you want in your new kitchen? Without knowing details like this ahead of time, you might order costly windows you don’t need or be stuck with a layout that isn’t inline with your vision.

4. Expert Design Insight & Curated Material Selection

General contractors are focused on execution and are typically NOT design experts! A good Interior designer will consider your vision, aspirations, and goals and infuse their artistic insight to turn your vision into a stunning reality. They also offer access to exclusive suppliers, high-quality materials, and unique fixtures and furnishings to elevate your home’s sophistication, ensuring it reflects your taste.

A note about Design-Build contractors: While a “design-build” company may be helpful, they are typically providing the drawings strictly to get permits and get your project going. They are not experts at curating tailored material selections or coming up with custom cabinet solutions. Most don’t do these things at all and and rely on you to select every finish, fixture. Some may offer material selection services, but limit your options to a small selection of vendors they favor for profit reasons. An interior designer will help ensure you don't get locked into subpar solutions that compromise your aesthetic or functional preferences.

One example: When I was brought into Mary Joes project I discovered her contractor was trying to push her into using man-made quartz countertops when she specifically wanted the unique glamor of Cristallo quartzite. That contractor not only didn’t know where to source such stone, he was also trying to guide the design decisions for his own profit margin. His focus was not her vision.

5. A Trustworthy Network

Experienced designers have established relationships with reliable general contractors and skilled tradespeople. Their recommendations ensure that you collaborate with professionals who can bring your vision to life seamlessly.

A note: Your designer will likely know contractors at who provide different levels of quality at various price points. They can guide you to those that are right for your preferences and project budget. 

Embarking on a home renovation is an exciting endeavor, and hiring an interior designer can be the key that unlocks its full potential. A skilled interior designer acts as your advocate, translating your dreams into tangible realities. From igniting creativity to overseeing logistics, their involvement lays the foundation for a successful transformation that speaks to your unique style and needs.

Ready to embark on your dream home renovation journey the right way? Contact us today to get started on a remodel project that promises both beauty and functionality. Your vision, our expertise – the perfect partnership for a stunning home transformation.

Elevating Your Space: How Hiring an Interior Designer Can Make Your Home More Elegant

Your home is a reflection of your personality and style, and every detail matters when it comes to creating a space that truly speaks to you. While DIY home decor projects can be enjoyable, there's an art to crafting a cohesive and elegant look that goes beyond arranging furniture and picking paint colors. This is where the expertise of an interior designer comes into play. Hiring an interior designer can transform your space into an oasis of elegance, combining functionality with aesthetics in a way that captures the essence of your vision. In this blog, we'll explore how the guidance of a professional interior designer can elevate your home's elegance to a whole new level.

1. Personalized Aesthetic

Interior designers possess a unique ability to translate your personal preferences into tangible design elements. By working closely with you, they can understand your style, preferences, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional, minimalist, or eclectic, an interior designer can curate every aspect of your home to align with your aesthetic vision.

2. Fusion of Beauty and Functionality

Elegance is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a space that is not only visually appealing but also functional and practical for everyday living. This is where the expertise of an interior designer truly shines. By deeply understanding your aesthetic preferences and how you intend to use each space, a skilled designer ensures that every layout decision, from furniture placement to traffic flow, maximizes the potential of your space and strikes the delicate balance between aesthetics and usability. This craftsmanship culminates in spaces that not only looks stunning but also enhances your daily life.

3. Attention to Detail

Elegance often lies in the details. Interior designers have an eye for detail and pay extra attention to aspects of the home that a homeowner may not. With their keen eye for selecting the right accessories, finishes, and textures, they can enhance the overall ambiance of a room. From choosing the perfect lighting fixtures to selecting fabrics that complement each other, their attention to detail elevates your home's atmosphere from ordinary to extraordinary.

4. Customization and Uniqueness

Cookie-cutter designs can't match the exclusivity that an interior designer can bring to your home. With an interior designer, You’ll take more risks (in all the right ways). They can suggest custom-made furniture, unique decor pieces, and one-of-a-kind artwork that align with your vision. This level of customization adds an air of sophistication that is hard to achieve through mass-produced items.

5.Access to Reliable Contractors and Tradesmen

One of the often-overlooked benefits of hiring an interior designer is the network of professionals they bring to the table. From skilled contractors to experienced tradesmen, interior designers have established connections with reliable professionals in the industry. This competent craftsmen that they can recommend and oversee during the project ensures that any renovation or remodeling work is executed with precision and quality.

6. Time and Cost Efficiency

One of the biggest myths is that hiring an interior designer costs more, whereas professional help can actually help you save money. While it might seem counterintuitive, hiring an interior designer can actually save you time and money in the long run. Their industry connections and knowledge of local suppliers can lead to cost-effective solutions, preventing you from making expensive design mistakes. By streamlining the decision-making process, they can help you avoid common pitfalls that lead to wasted time and resources, particularly if you’re renovating or building a new home where you need to make some pretty permanent design decisions.

7. Stylistic Balance

Achieving a balanced look that marries different design elements is an art form. Interior designers possess a knack for mixing various styles, textures, and patterns in a way that results in a cohesive and elegant space. They can help you strike the right balance between minimalism and opulence, creating a home that feels effortlessly sophisticated.

8. Cohesive Flow Between Diverse Spaces

One of the remarkable skills of an interior designer lies in their ability to establish a cohesive flow even when transitioning between rooms with varying moods and vibes. While each room may have a distinct personality, an expert designer can introduce subtle elements that tie them together. This could be through consistent color accents, shared design motifs, or the careful placement of complementary decor. The result is a home that feels harmonious and connected, despite the diversity of its spaces.

Hiring an interior designer is an investment in not just your home's appearance, but also in the quality of your daily life. By infusing their expertise into your design journey, you can transform your living spaces into havens of elegance and refinement. The guidance of a professional interior designer allows you to focus on enjoying your home while they take care of the intricate details that make it a true masterpiece of design.

If you're ready to transform your home into a haven of elegance, we're here to help! Reach out to us today to discuss how our interior design services can bring your vision to life.

5 Must-Haves for Your Luxury Bathroom Remodel

What is luxury? A condition of abundance or great ease and comfort. When designing a luxury home, one of the key factors to keep in mind is functionality, so everything is easily accessible and your comfort comes first! The great thing is, if you’re doing a complete remodel of your bathroom, with careful planning and a little forethought, you can create a luxury bathroom for yourself. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you get that upscale spa experience in your own home! 

If you follow along on our Instagram you may have already seen these, but here’s a round up of five must-haves that we love to include in our luxury bathroom remodels. Click the link for each to see it in action. And don’t forget to write these down on your list of bathroom must-haves, or better yet, pin them to your “Luxury Bathroom Remodel” pinterest board so you can save the photos and come back for the details later.

1. Toe-Kick Lighting on a Motion Sensor

Toe-kick lighting on a motion sensor is something we always recommend. Our clients absolutely love this feature when their project is done and it comes time to live in their new space. To have that little dim light kick on as you walk in for a late-night bathroom visit is such an awesome little luxury in your bathroom remodel. All you need to do is put it on your lighting and electrical plan, or tell your electrician, and you can add this to any vanity that has that recessed toe-kick space. No more fumbling for the light switch or tripping over your own feet in the dark! 

2. A Pull-Out with Electrical Outlets for Your Hot Tools

This luxury bathroom remodel must-have is one the ladies absolutely love and, no surprise, it became one of our most liked instagram reels as a result. When we layout a custom bathroom vanity design, we love to add a drawer with electrical outlets at the back and canisters built-in for your hair-dryer, flat iron, curling iron, or whatever hot tools you may have. That way your hot tools are ready to go without having to unwind it from a messy drawer and plug it in. With safety in mind, docking drawer outlets even offer a function to turn off the power when the temperature gets too hot. 

Pro tip: make sure to consider which hand you use to blow dry your hair so you can place it on the correct side and avoid getting tangled up in chords. 

3. Good Lighting at Eye-Level

Good lighting is one of the biggest factors in designing a luxury bathroom. While downlighting is great over kitchen counters or workspaces, it’s less-than-ideal lighting for  putting on makeup or getting ready for the day. Good lighting that illuminates your face is crucial for a luxury experience. You can accomplish this by adding sconces flanking a mirror at eye level or above the mirror. Adding statement pendants is another fun option, but make sure the light is diffused and bright enough, or add an additional light source like LED back-lighting around your mirror. For a clean minimalistic look, consider a lighted mirror. 

4. Additional Hidden Electrical outlets 

These days we have so many gadgets to plug in—from electric toothbrushes and razors to skincare products and more. And while all these gadgets may mean a luxurious self-care routine, having everything plugged in and on display on your countertop does not give the feel of a luxury bathroom. Tip number four on our list of must-haves for your luxury bathroom remodel is to take stock of what you need in terms of electrical outlets and find creative ways to hide them! 

Pro tip: Inside your medicine cabinet is the perfect place to hide an outlet for an electric toothbrush. You could also tuck an outlet behind an appliance garage cabinet or add another docking drawer.

5. Hidden Laundry Hampers

To truly achieve that luxury spa experience in your newly remodeled bathroom, make sure to include a cabinet that will hide your laundry hamper full of dirty clothes. That way you can step into your new luxury bathroom, throw in the day's attire (forget about laundry until laundry day) and climb into a soothing bath to relax in your new oasis.

For more tips on how to remodel your home like a pro, download our FREE, comprehensive home remodel planning guide for remodeling success!