How to hire an interior designer or decorator on a budget

You’ve made the decision to remodel your living room, you know exactly what you want, now what? It’s probably time to find an interior designer or decorator. Unfortunately, however, this may be a costly process that will leave a hole in your wallet.

Don’t worry just yet though, because there is a way to get through this. Although overall, you may need to invest a big amount of money into the project, you can make it work according to your budget.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you will be hiring a cheap interior designer or decorator. It only means you will be taking initiative and planning ahead. So here is how you can remodel your home with the help of a professional on a budget.

Size up your project

Do you plan to play around with furniture and colors, or are you looking for a complete makeover? Knowing what sort of project you’re getting into will firstly help you decide whether you need the help of an interior designer or decorator.

A designer would be more fit for larger projects that involve total remodeling. While a decorator would be best for smaller projects that require a change in style or room theme. It will also help you determine a rough figure for the cost of the project.

Do some initial research on your own

This step alone will save you a lot of time and money. Most designers and decorators will charge you by the hour, so if you have already gathered the information you need, it will help keep you within budget.

Take measurements of the area you want to work on, find colors, fabrics, even pictures of how you want it to turn out. This, in turn, will allow the interior designer or decorator to start work on the project faster.

Ask around

Once you have an idea of the type of project you want and have an image of how you want it to turn out, it’s time to ask around. Ask your family and friends for referrals and look them up.

Most designers and decorators have online portfolios of their work, which will help you decide on whether or not they’re right for you. Take your time in this step until you find a professional you are comfortable working with.

Be honest and upfront about your budget

It’s never a good idea to waste time, especially when it comes to communicating your budget. Be clear from the start about how much you are willing to spend on the project. A professional will be able to tell you if they can work within your expected budget or not. This will save you a lot of time and guarantee a smoother process.

It is also a good idea to discuss how the designer or decorator will be paid. Some charge by the hour while others may have a set fee depending on the size of the project. You should be well aware of all financial aspects before hiring an interior designer or decorator.

Be open to change

If the designer or decorator does not think your ideas will stay within budget, hear them out. Remember that they know the market and have an understanding when it comes to prices. Discuss with them any recommendations or changes they suggest to stay within your budget.

If you happen to like their ideas, then go for it. If not, ask what can be done to stay within your expectations. As long as you are happy with the end result, you have nothing to lose. Furthermore, sometimes it helps to brainstorm and get some new and fresh ideas from someone else.

If all else fails

If you went through all these steps and still find that the designer or decorator is out of your budget, ask them for a plan. Many professionals provide room layouts and color schemes that you can purchase. Of course, you will have to do all the hard work yourself, but it will give you a better understanding of what you should do.

If you are making major changes, you will have to oversee the contractor’s work yourself, which is not always easy. If, however, you are only remodeling, then you will have to take care of purchasing furniture, painting the walls, and accessorizing your home.