Is it better to hire an interior designer or do it yourself?
Tik tok trends, DIY Pinterest boards, Youtube, and the overall state of the world have made interior design seem immensely accessible to anyone who is willing to pull up their sleeves and get crafty. You can follow many different creators' processes from the very start to the final product in a short 5 minute (or less!) video. The internet has no shortage of these types of videos either- which make it seem quite simple to DIY.
Anyone that may have attempted these projects before may be a bit more skeptical, and know that it is easy to run into unexpected issues. While some mistakes may be minor and even comical, others can be hugely costly.
Interior Designers are for busy individuals. In order to complete a project successfully, it takes time, practice, money and energy. For people with families, busy careers, and those that live elsewhere, an interior designer can take the burden off a client's shoulders. With a designer at the helm, a client can take a back seat where their only responsibility is the financial commitment & approving the design.
An interior designer also has professional training and knowledge to avoid costly mistakes. Chances are, even if you have the gift of time, you still may run into issues. Whether to project is big or small, the average person with no prior experience does not know where to start looking or the types of materials that are needed. This may lead to easily avoidable mistakes that eventually turn costly.
Interior Designers have resources and connections that a person outside of the industry would not have. When you are doing a project with a designer, many doors open. Designers have access to the trade, meaning they have many more options than someone who is only shopping at retail. They also have professional relationships with contractors and makers.
Depending on the scale of the project, DIY may not last as long. If you have decided to do a DIY project - that’s great! For items such as decor or simple projects, this can save someone a lot of money. For larger scale projects such as new kitchen cabinets or large installations, DIY may be a good option… for a short time. Oftentimes, without the proper care and steps, the workmanship does not last as long.
Read more benefits of hiring an interior designer here.
DIY’s are great for those that like full control. When you hire an interior designer, you are allowing that person to take the driver's seat and many of the day-to-day decisions are handled by them. If you are someone who likes to be heavily involved in the design process, DIY’s are a great option! You get creative control and the final results are truly your own.
DIY’s are great for those on a tight budget. While hiring a professional is well worth the investment for so many reasons, it is not always in one’s budget to pay for the professional service of an interior designer. Interior designers are an investment and may not always be feasible financially. The good thing is- there are plenty of resources online that will guide you!
Read more professional tips to DIY here.
Hiring an Interior Designer who has the professional knowledge and years of experience to ensure that your needs are met can be one of the best investments you make in your home. If your unsure of what that investment may look like, we have compiled a list of design rates, furnishing and construction budgets. Keep in mind, costs will vary depending on where you live and the scale of your project.
