Why would you need an interior designer?

We are Blakely Interiors – a team of interior designers with manufacturing facilities at our premises in Banbridge. We design spaces and fit out to perfection. Our bespoke upholstery furniture, soft furnishings and window dressings is handmade to specification in our workshop. We work in the UK and Ireland and export our bespoke products to clients […]

We are Blakely Interiors – a team of interior designers with manufacturing facilities at our premises in Banbridge. We design spaces and fit out to perfection. Our bespoke upholstery furniture, soft furnishings and window dressings is handmade to specification in our workshop. We work in the UK and Ireland and export our bespoke products to clients around the world.

Blakely Interiors will be giving you inspirational tips and ideas on your home interiors throughout the year by sharing their knowledge and experience through every blog.

Why would you need an interior designer?

This is a question that pops up time and time again. Here are the top 5 reasons:

1. Professionalism

An interior designer is a professional in the industry with vast experience and expertise – their work covers everything from planning a new build, refurbishing a small living space, to fitting out a large residential estate or commercial property.

They’re someone you can trust to give you a professional assessment of your home, and a plan on how to improve it. A professional ensures every idea is clear and considered and that their client is happy with their design concept before any paint is mixed or fabric ordered.

Interior designers consider your home, lifestyle and budget to deliver an interior design concept that works for you and your space. A professional interior designer is mindful of quality, budget and aspiration, and have an excellent eye for detail, to bring to life each client’s vision for their project.

2. Time & Money Management

Yes, all interior designers are good at putting colours together and of course can help you visualise spaces and create a look and feel to your home, but that’s not everything.

Interior designers are crucial in managing time and money. They take the responsibility away from you, to limit all your pointless shopping and spending trips, and in most cases, minimise the stress too. They’ll also prevent you from making mistakes and will help you reign in the budget.

Hiring an interior designer is a smart decision if you have no idea where or how to begin to decorate your home, or whether you have an idea but need help putting pieces together, or you simply haven’t the time to execute your style and desires due to your busy schedule.

3. Add value from the beginning

Interior designers not only fit out homes and properties which are already built, they can be hired at planning stages of newbuilds too. They work alongside the architect to ensure the building is practical to their client’s lifestyle and needs.

It’s so important that lighting, utility fittings and furniture placement is addressed before construction, to ensure the client’s needs are considered. Interior designers are trained to think about things that clients, contractors and architects may overlook.

Interior designers build strong bridges between clients, architects and contractors early on in a building project. This can head off design misses in your overall building plan.

Whether you are building your first new home, renovating your kitchen or constructing a commercial build, we offer you advice on the design and layout of an internal space to help avoid costly mistakes and maximise property value. Interior designers offer an extra set of eyes to a project, that are trained to see and notice things that you may not.

They help boost buyer appeal and can set your home above the competition.

4. Resources

There are items available to interior designers that are not available to the public in terms of connections, resources and general merchandise. With access to these resources interior designers can help make your space look more collected, unique and pulled together so you are not limited to what’s in the shops for colour, design or choice.

Interior designers are trend-aware and up-to-date on new or emerging designs for interiors. They understand the concept, design and manufacture of soft furnishings, window dressings and upholstery furniture to ensure all bespoke items are designed to meet the customer’s brief.

5. Affordability

There is a misconception attached to having an interior designer – people think it’s only for wealthy home owners who have endless amount of money, but that’s not true.

Interior designers can be hired on an hourly basis or for an overall design cost depending on the project and client’s requirements. An interior designer offers an extra set of eyes to that project, that are trained to see and notice things that you or others may not.

An hourly rate works for those who are working within a tight budget or homeowners who just need a little guidance to gain expert advice, as and when they need it. This can be advice on what lighting will work in their home, how to make the most of tight living spaces or what design of curtains will work for their bespoke windows.

Rates with an interior designer can vary. At Blakely it is £50 per hour consultation, this is with one of our experienced interior designers, and believe me a lot of questions can be answered in an hour!