theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 28 A professional designer can save a tremendous amount of time, money, and stress. If you’ve wondered if hiring an interior designer will be expensive, I can assure you, nothing is further from the truth. Let’s look at the top reasons to hire a design professional. A designer will ultimately save you money. Far less will be spent on design fees than on costly mistakes from “doing it yourself”~ the luxurious sofa that looks fabulous on the expansive showroom floor may be far too large for your own great room. Usually, custom pieces cannot be returned and if they can be (after months of waiting), you’ll pay a hefty restocking fee and be looking at your still-empty space. A good designer will take into account traffic patterns, layout, scale, and proportion when specifying. They have a multitude of resources to fit different budgets, tastes & styles and will direct you to suppliers who fit your unique needs. An experienced designer will also guide you to spend for quality and durability where you should and know where you can spend less and still get the look you desire. Designers have access to trade showrooms & suppliers for lighting, flooring, tile, rugs, and window treatments and will often pass those discounts on to you. Thousands of fabulous lines are sold to the trade only. These sources are not found online or at a mall but may prove to be the exact piece you need in terms of size and style, and cost considerably less than you’ll find at retail. Experienced designers have spent years building relationships with other professionals~ from the most reliable contractor or highly skilled installer to the best upholstery workroom. A good designer knows tried and true experts for every facet of a project and can be available or onsite to coordinate with them when their client cannot. A good designer knows the technical information; building codes for safety and egress, allowances for appliances, door swings, ADA specifications, recommended clearances in kitchens and bathrooms, and simply ease of use. Mistakes made in this area can be very costly to correct. Designers experienced in lighting can help you create layered lighting in your home to support work, leisure, and entertaining. Designers know how to use color to create a space that is energized or restful. A designer will take into account your whole home so color and style flow from one space to another, instead of decorating room by room, helping to create a cohesive and beautiful home. Designers understand timing and pace of the building and renovation processes~ what decisions need to be made at what time, when to allow time for inspections, when items need to be ordered to ensure delivery when they’re needed. Designers take care of the details. Designing any space entails literally thousands of decisions. The kitchen renovation you started with so much enthusiasm can absolutely consume you with details. A professional can eliminate a vast majority of the minutia, seeking your input on the critical aspects you need to focus on. Finding a designer you trust to guide and manage your redecorating, renovation or new building will be one of the best investments you will make. Saving you time, money, and an incredible amount of stress, a competent designer can keep your project running smoothly and ensure you the final result you want. Ready to update the heart of your home? I’d love to talk with you! Email: fairstreetinteriors@gmail.com By Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS The Advantages of Hiring a Professional Interior Designer HINTS FOR THE HOME Fair Street Interiors Fair Street Interiors fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com 908-334-1953 Design for Interiors & Home Modifications
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