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AIBU?

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Original poster

Interior designers - worth it?

35 replies

gallant782673 · 04/07/2018 21:21

We're moving into a house that needs to be redecorated throughout. I don't want anything fancy - just coordinated neutrals with the occasional accent colour thrown in here and there. But I have no confidence in my own taste so I'm wondering if it would be worth it to get an interior designer to hold my hand a bit. I've no idea how much they cost though, how to choose one, or whether it would be worth it. Has anyone been down this road? Would be good to hear your experience.

OP posts:
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Serendipityandmore · 01/02/2024 19:28

@PossiblyPFB I know it's been 5 years (!) but may I ask for her details, also? :-)

PossiblyPFB · 05/07/2018 22:14

@totorosakura. Sent Smile. She’s great !! Star

mummmy2017 · 05/07/2018 20:15

Just chuck our everything you own, add sofa TV and side table.
There done, then over 3 months watch it become the same room you had before, it's called life....

TotoroSakura · 05/07/2018 20:10

Can you send it to me too please PFB? Smile

MyKingdomForACaramel · 05/07/2018 20:09

@gallant - if you’re looking in South London highly recommend www.tailoredinteriors.co.uk

PossiblyPFB · 05/07/2018 19:54

@tattyheadsmum - sent Smile

tattyheadsmum · 05/07/2018 19:25

Me too please PossiblyPFB!

PossiblyPFB · 05/07/2018 19:17

@thelionroars1110 no problem- sent!

TheLionRoars1110 · 05/07/2018 18:52

Oh I'd also be interested in that website link please @PossiblyPFB

CurlyhairedAssassin · 05/07/2018 18:46

Ooh woukd anyone be brave enough to post a photo of a before and after room in their house after a designer has been in?

PossiblyPFB · 05/07/2018 18:38

She’s not too far, may well consider it.... I will PM her website to you!

CanaBanana · 05/07/2018 18:12

I like to get interior design ideas on Houzz (which is free). Interior designers are good for ideas and items you wouldn't have thought of yourself. Especially if you choose a designer who offers 3D models of your rooms so you can see what different wall colours are like or how a certain size sofa would fit, etc.

Downtheroadfirstonleft · 05/07/2018 18:05

I used one recently. I found her really helpful as although I stuck to my own ideas on the whole, she helped me really think them through and realise I was choosing what I really wanted and not just lacking imagination!

Fintress · 05/07/2018 17:07

Definitely, we used one a few years ago.

Original poster
gallant782673 · 05/07/2018 17:05

Sounds great PFB. If she happens to work in SW London, pm me her details!

OP posts:
PossiblyPFB · 05/07/2018 15:48

I paid £200 for 3 hours of her time, which covered all rooms in my home including bathrooms and even the garden. I received a very professional write up about what we discussed, instructions on furniture arrangement etc and very specific items to look for. She included links to websites to browse to find specific things. And not run of the mill websites. Totally worth it. It has transformed my home.

Laiste · 05/07/2018 12:47

In the past i’ve not had confidence in my own opinions and spent ages seeking advice from all quarters, only to end up thinking ‘I like my own idea best’ and could have saved time and stress just going with my gut in the first place! Now I do research and decide for myself. It’s a good feeling at the end :)

Laiste · 05/07/2018 12:44

So how much are they? Those that have used one.

Justanothernameonthepage · 05/07/2018 12:34

@opinionatedfreak thanks for that idea! Think you've just solved a problem I've been having about dining chairs & kitchen stools!

IDismyname · 05/07/2018 06:14

I’ve recently qualified as an ID, and I’d look at producing a book like Possibly has described. I’m just doing something similar for my first clients.

As designers, we can save you a lot of time and hassle, and money too. We get discounts on many things that we can pass on to you!

lutjanus · 05/07/2018 05:59

I haven't used them but I've heard you can have online consultations with an interior designer for a set fee. Send videos/photos/budget they send back colour choices/things to buy. Obviously not as good as someone seeing the place in person but it sounds like you want a pretty standard look, just don't know where to source items.

Hidillyho · 05/07/2018 05:56

It depends on who you use - do your research.
We are using one at work at the moment and a couple of the things are just awful, they have gone massively over budget in some areas (I’m not sure how they got away with it but the directors are paying) and they are pretty rude to deal with. This could be because it’s in a commercial setting though so it works differently to domestic

Justanothernameonthepage · 05/07/2018 05:49

I'm moving as well and planning on completely decorating. I can highly recommend buying 'mad about the house' for ideas but I love interior design. If you look at the mad about the house blog, she has a post recently about using Pinterest!
If you're really not bothered and can afford it, than go for it. If you want, I'm happy to give ideas!

melse2964 · 05/07/2018 02:59

I would tottally use one if i had the money, but on over hand if you do it yourself you can add a nice touch to your home and make it homely and exactly how you want it

EleanorLavish · 05/07/2018 02:27

Laura Ashley do a service with a set price per room.
I always use an interior designer now. He has fabulous style and a wonderful eye for arranging things. He can look at a room and say. “ mo r that chair over there, put the table and lamp there.... now get a mirror for here and switch that around”. And voila, suddenly your room looks like the cover of 25 Beautiful Homes! I love him!
But I will give him a budget. I have £3000, I want a new ensuite what can you do? And he will come up with ideas etc within budget.
Make sure you like their style! If they are in to glitz and you aren’t it won’t work.