Transforming your home begins with a vision and understanding of timing and budget. In addition, the question of when to engage an interior designer to get involved in your project is one that arises often. Well, you don’t need to look any further for answers! Our experienced team have taken the time to outline the key moments that should spark you into action to find the perfect designer for your requirements and why this is such an essential step in the process of creating your dream home. Let’s dive in to planning 101. 

IT STARTS WITH A VISION

The moment you have a vision for your home and know what you want from your space, then it’s time to call in the experts. Here at Donna Guyler Design, we find that a project works much better when the client has an idea of what direction they would like the project to take – that includes the aesthetics and scope of works required. No one knows your home better than you do, as well as how you and your family live in a space. Of course, interior designers are here to help you define and refine the style and functionality of your home but having a clear vision from the start will inform the brief, costs and timeline. Getting an interior designer involved early in the project will allow them to collaborate with your architect or builder to ensure cohesion throughout the project. A designer can help you identify the full potential of a project, including concepts you may not have thought of or conversely challenges you may not have anticipated from the beginning. 

CHANGE IS AS GOOD AS A HOLIDAY

Perhaps it is not what you want in your home, but rather what isn’t working that signals it’s time to make a change. If you’re ready to commit to enhancing your home to make it work for you and your lifestyle, then this is the perfect opportunity to get an interior designer involved in the initial planning stage. Your interior designer will need to gather information, ask questions and visit the site to understand your lifestyle and how you envision using a space. This preparation takes time but will save you a significant amount of money and time in the long run (as costly mistakes and poor decisions can be avoided from the start). Here at DGD, we’re constantly collaborating during the project to review designs and help to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. We’ve also developed a network of trusted trades that we’ve built relationships with over time. If required, we can recommend our own trusted suppliers for your project too. If you would love to work with our team, we recommend getting in touch 10 to 12 months ahead of your desired completion date.

RENOVATION OR NEW BUILD

A new build project will have a very different timeline than a renovation. Because these types of projects can become quite complex and involved, it’s best to bring in an interior designer early on to provide expert insight into the design and construction process. If a new build is what you’ve got planned, then the best time to reach out to a designer is as soon as you begin working with your architect or builder (or even before that!). Typically, the builder or architect will have base floor plans for you to start with, however these base plans may require input and customisation by an interior designer to ensure you receive exactly what you want in your dream home.

Although the timeframe and scope of works will most likely be smaller for a renovation, it is still essential to bring in an interior designer at the very beginning of your renovation project (yes, even if you’re working with an architect or contractor). Not to toot our own horn, but we can help you to see the space with a fresh set of eyes and problem-solve what’s not working in your current layout.

Collaborating with an interior designer from those initial moments will result in a functional and beautiful design that reflects your personality and lifestyle – a space that truly feels like coming home.

Please get in touch via the ‘Contact’ page of our site if you would like to get started on your journey with the team at Donna Guyler Design.