Why Hiring a Residential Interior Designer is Worth the Investment
You just bought your dream home, and you couldn’t be more excited about it. But now that you’re looking at a big empty space, you have no idea where to start.
What color do you paint your walls? What kind of couch do you get for your living room? Do you go with quartz countertops in the kitchen or natural marble?
This is where the expertise of a residential interior designer can really shine.
Here at RCID, we’re a highly qualified team of interior designers with a focus on high-end residential interior design, giving us deep knowledge and expertise on the field of interior design. In this article, we’re sharing with you what a residential interior designer is, how they support the home design process, and 5 reasons why hiring an interior designer for your home is worth the investment.
What is a residential interior designer?
A residential interior designer is someone who plans and designs the inside of a home or residential space (house, apartment, townhouse) with a focus on making it beautiful and functional for their clients. They are responsible for bringing their clients' vision of their home to life through a variety of home interior components.
What does a residential interior designer do?
Residential interior designers are involved at every step of the design process, from drywall stage to completion. The key responsibilities of a residential interior designer include:
● Consulting with clients: interior designers work closely with clients before and during the design process to ensure their vision is realized
● Conceptualization and ideation: based on these consultations, residential interior designers will come up with concepts and ideas for the home
● Planning the space: interior designers use their knowledge of functional living to determine where furniture should be placed and how the space should flow
● Coordinating with contractors: many interior designers will coordinate and collaborate with contractors to help a project come to life
● Selecting material and finishes: interior designers are often responsible for selecting materials and finishes, considering durability, aesthetic, and the needs of the client
● Selecting furniture: furniture in a home is usually selected by the interior designer, focusing on aesthetic and livability
● Choosing lighting and colors: interior designers are responsible for choosing the lighting and color scheme of a home, including all light fixtures and paint colors
● Managing the project: interior designers are often managing the entirety of the project to ensure all contractors are working together to achieve the desired outcome for a client
With a residential interior designer, clients get to create their dream home without the hassle. This is especially appealing for busy families or professionals who don’t have the time to take on a large-scale home project.
How much does a residential interior designer cost in Canada?
The cost of a residential interior designer in Canada varies widely depending on various factors including the size of the project (scope of work), the location, and the experience of the designer.
Typically a larger scope of work will command higher prices, as does a more experienced designer. However, residential interior designers are able to work within the budget of their clients and are well versed in meeting a variety of needs within a defined budget.
Why should I hire a residential interior designer?
Considering hiring a residential interior designer for your next home project? Here is why it’s the best investment you’ll ever make for your home.
1. They have robust training and expertise
Designing a space is an art and a skillset that is developed over time. It requires understanding how different components of a space (color, light, texture, and layout) come together to create a cohesive vision, something that is not easily achieved without training.
All residential interior designers in Canada are required to have, at minimum, a four-year baccalaureate degree in interior design from an accredited school. This ensures they have the expertise to make your dream home a reality, and you’ll benefit greatly from this expertise throughout the project.
2. They have connections within the industry
Interior design projects have a lot of moving pieces. A simple kitchen renovation may require a contractor, an electrician, a drywaller, and a plumber, just to name a few. Residential interior designers help manage all of these vendors, ensuring that stress is taken off your plate.
They also often have connections within the industry so you don’t have to search for someone to install cabinets yourself - more likely than not, your residential interior designer will know the best person for the job already.
3. They think about function and beauty
You may have the perfect chairs picked out for your living room, but did you know those chairs are going to make your small living room feel even smaller? A residential interior designer would.
Because of their training, residential interior designers have the unique ability to optimize space layouts for both beauty and function. They can make small rooms feel larger, ensure your home flows more naturally from one room to the other, and prevent you from making large (and expensive) mistakes.
Which brings us to our next point.
4. They can prevent potentially costly mistakes
A DIY home makeover may sound like a good idea. That is until you measure your cabinets incorrectly and spend thousands of dollars on something non-refundable…oops.
Residential interior designers can prevent costly mistakes because of their deep expertise in all matters of the home. RCID for example has worked with hundreds of clients since opening in 2012, so they have a large knowledge base of dos and don’ts in the home.
You can rest assured your home will be in good hands.
5. They save you time and stress
The average home renovation can take anywhere from 6 months to a year or more. Trying to manage this process yourself when you’re working full-time and you’re not sure how everything works can be a significant time suck.
Residential interior designers help take on the load of this work, reducing the time and stress of your involvement in the project. They’re also able to manage projects efficiently, making sure everything stays on track and moves according to your timeline.
6. They increase the value of your home
According to the National Association of Realtors, professional interior design can lend itself to a 10% increase in home value. That’s because designers understand what kind of upgrades make the home more valuable and can help it stand out in a crowded market.
Looking for a residential interior designer in Calgary?
If you’re ready to hire a residential interior designer for your next home project, look no further than RCID.
RCID is one of the best residential interior design firms in Calgary, offering clients assistance with the interior selection process, custom millwork packages, and interior finishing drawings for a new build or renovation.
We employ systems and strategies to ensure our clients feel at ease for the duration of the project. And we’d love to help you bring your next project to life.
