have you used an interior designer

[givemeaclue]

and if so what type of things did you use them for and what type of things did you do yourselves? we are either moving or making big changes to our current home, have found a great designer but want to ensure we make the best of her services so any tips/lessons learned would be appreciated we've never used one before but can really see the benefit in avoiding costly mistakes and making the most of our budget

[raisinbran]

We are doing a house renovation to move into in the autumn and I was getting over whelmed by the decisions, so booked some time with an interior designer. She has helped me get the room layouts right so we could advise the tradesmen.

Location of lighting and sockets (lamps that can be switched on from the wall). Changed the doors around to get a better feeling of space, advised which radiators to relocate. Suggested Intended layout of furniture etc.

I have found you almost need to work backwards. I chose the carpet and curtain fabric first so we could decide on the wall colour. She helped me avoid the wrong kitchen work top and has identified furniture some from the high st that will work well.

I pay by the hour £33 and think it will be about 15 - 20 hrs once the project will be complete.

(She took pictures of the empty rooms as a starting point and they look a million times better than the estate agents photos who sold the house). So they are good if you just want to change your current house.

[RedGruffalo]

Can I ask how you found your interior designers? I would love to get some help.

[raisinbran]

Just through the website had a free consultation hour and liked what I saw.

Chrissy at innerspace interior designs part of house doctors. She is in the North west but there may be people closer to you.

[givemeaclue]

thanks raisin bran, we have found a designer, charges same as yours funnily enough and we've had a consultation with her. I think it could really save us somemoney in making wrong decisions (like you said about your worktop) and help us get the most from our money

[noddyholder]

I am an interior designer and I find some people just want someone to give them new ideas about their home and maximise how it looks and functions.