Websites

After you’ve put together a sample, then you’re prepared to go looking at interior designers’ websites. Then, check out their gallery. Do you like the work they showcase? While a good designer should be able to decorate in any style you choose, if you notice that absolutely everything they’ve done is Minimalist and you’re fond of Bohemian, you might not be the best match.

Testimonials

Once you’ve found a designer whose work you admire, look to find testimonials from past customers. After all, no matter how much you like their designs, if they’re difficult to work with, it’s going to be a wretched experience.

Ask Questions

Once you’ve found an interior designer near you, check their portfolio to read their reviews. Then, you’re ready to make the call. Contact them, but be ready to ask lots of questions before you sign anything.

Ask questions about their experience and qualifications, what services they’ll provide, how long they think the project will take, and certainly cover the expense of the project. Make sure they understand your budget and are willing to work within it.

Time to Get to Work

Once you’ve gone through all these steps to your satisfaction, you’re ready to sign a contract. Be sure it specifies responsibilities, timeline, budget, and any other important aspects you’ve covered. Now you’re ready to get to work with the designer on your new interior.

Learn More About Choosing the Best Interior Designer

Looking for an interior designer in South-West London, Surrey, Somerset, or Dorset? Contact Lisa Lewis for information today!

The post Tips for Choosing the Best Interior Designer Near You appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

I wanted to write a blog about how Richmond is a mecca for interior shops, as it once was: we had Maison and India Jane for the more classic interior, Dwell for a more sleek, contemporary look and Holloways of Ludlow for quirky lighting and accessories.

Unfortunately they have all gone and the only way to order from these suppliers is to visit a showroom elsewhere or look online.

The problem with this is that you are often investing a fair amount of your income into furniture or fittings and you really want to feel them, sit in them, try them or at least see them before you buy!

I wonder if these companies are leaving the high street because they have more competition from other online retailers and therefore they can’t compete on price if they are also paying to have physical shop-space in a beautiful town such as Richmond.

Luckily it is so easy to hop onto the tube and take yourself to Chelsea where there is an abundance of interior showrooms displaying everything from fabrics to lighting to furniture, bathrooms and accessories.  However, where do you start?

Sometimes the choice can be too great and this is where it can pay to employ an interior designer.  A designer should have a pretty good idea of what is available, what is appropriate depending on budget and their specific client’s requirements and will be able to provide you with practical solutions.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the choice online or indeed don’t know where to start give me a buzz!

Or read my Guide to Working with an Interior Designer.

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The post 100 Per Cent Design appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

This year my highlights were:

Newton Paisley who produce fabrics and wallpapers designed and hand drawn by Susy Paisley, a conservation biologist.  Each design tells stories of neglected and endangered species and contributes towards the preservation of critical wildlife habitat.  For every metre of fabric sold, 100 square metres of habitat is preserved through the World Land Trust.  And the fabrics are beautiful!  www.newtonpaisley.com

Fenella Elms produces the most exquisite porcelain sculptures which you could look at for hours.  the calming patterns she creates are so tactile and original. www.fenellaelms.com

The post My Decorex Highlights 2017 appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.