How to work with an interior designer

Collaborating with an interior designer who shares your vision and actively works alongside you is essential for creating your dream home. Here, we share five ways to guarantee a harmonious partnership and transform your vision into reality.

Get referrals from friends and family

“Obtain word-of-mouth referrals from your network of friends, co-workers, and neighbours to gather insights about local designers in your area. Referrals eliminate guesswork; when someone you know has had a positive experience with a designer, you can be confident in their professionalism. Once you identify a few interior designers who pique your interest, schedule initial consultations and request them to provide references from their previous clients.” – Leanne van Niekerk, owner and designer at LVN Interiors

Be open to new ideas

“Be open to new ideas and take into account the reassuring professional expertise of an established designer. This will help you to create the best possible layout and eventual installation, all within your budget. Remember, simplicity can be more effective—opting for a few meticulously crafted and stylish items is preferable to having numerous smaller items that are of inferior quality and tend to deteriorate quickly.” – Carin van Heerden, MD and head of design at Carné Interior Design

Decide whether you want to go big or small

“Determine whether you are seeking a mere layout adjustment or a comprehensive transformation involving new furniture and accessories. These elements significantly influence the type of interior redesign needed. If custom-made items are necessary (for instance, due to space constraints or measurements not aligning with commercially available furniture), consider whether paint, wallpaper, carpets, new lighting, and house plants are also required.” – Carin van Heerden, MD and head of design at Carné Interior Design

Have a shared aesthetic and vision

“It is worth putting in the time to find and hire someone who shares your aesthetic, fits within your budget, and seems like the kind of person you will be able to work with comfortably. Depending on the project, you are going to be in constant contact with them for a stretch of weeks, months, or even years.” – Leanne van Niekerk, owner and designer at LVN Interiors

Know what you want to achieve

“The owner should have a clear concept of the desired look and feel they wish to attain. Consideration should be given to the projected duration of their residency in the home, whether short-term (under 5 years) or long-term (over 5 years); in the former case, it’s advisable to avoid excessive investment. Budgets play a pivotal role in the process, and the area and location also hold significant importance.” – Dhershan Naidoo, owner of Dhershan Interior Designs