Photo by Brady Architectural
Photography
Interior designer and realtor Christine Diveley of Christine Diveley Interior Design and Real Estate notes that typically these spaces are smaller than suburban homes, "so every piece of furniture is important, as is scale. Everything counts." She points out that shopping in a large showroom with high ceilings can make crucial choices difficult because it's hard to get the sense of scale you'll need in your more intimate sized home.
Kellie McCormick is president elect of the San Diego chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, or ASID, and an interior designer with Bast/Wright Interiors. She adds that these spaces often also need to be multifunctional, with a room perhaps serving as an office during the day and bedroom at night.
Photo by Brady Architectural PhotographyWhat Do You Need?
For some projects--purchasing new living room furniture, for example--a furniture store's in-house stylist may be sufficient. If demolition is involved, call an architect. It's that middle ground that calls for an interior designer. They're trained to develop floor plans, coordinate colors, deal with purchasing, and manage installations.
"We can look at the bigger picture for a concept that respects the space's architecture and the client's personality and lifestyle," explains Blakeley. "We want to understand who the users are, how the space will be used, do they entertain. Once we have a concept, we help with a budget and prioritizing what needs to be done."
The Hiring Process
First, think hard about what you want and need. Who is this space for, what will happen in it, what's your budget and timeframe? Perhaps you have a lot of details that need attending to or you just need a couple of hours of consultation to get ideas for choosing furniture, paint colors, and lighting.
Of course, what you're looking for is someone creative and talented with whom you can work closely, who listens to you and understands what you want, and can lead you through the design process.
Discuss fees, communications parameters, and any other concerns you have. Be honest with the designer about your budget and be upfront about asking about fees. Some charge a fixed or flat fee for all services. Some charge hourly, others cost plus--meaning they buy the materials, furniture, services, etc. at cost and then sell it to you at cost plus a percentage you agree to. Those numbers should be transparent, says Diveley.
"Fees can vary from project to project," explains McCormick. "Talking openly and upfront about your budget and what types of services you feel you need is very important. Setting parameters helps you and the designer. For larger projects designers typically put together an in-depth contract that outlines the different phases of design as well as a cost estimate. Some designers do flat-fee contracts, and for smaller projects paying the designer by the hour may be the most appropriate."
Once you've decided on someone, you'll want to sign a contract to define the scope of the project, who's responsible for what, the duration of the project, and the budget.
Be a Good Client
This is a partnership so as a client you have your responsibilities as well to make sure your project turns out the way you want and to keep costs down and tempers even.
Once you are in a working relationship with a designer, the ASID suggests you:
- Minimize changes to your plans.
- Consider carefully and make notes before you call your designer.
- Stay flexible.
- Trust your gut.
- Avoid open-ended requests.
Photo by Paul Body
We all have this picture in our
heads of hosting the perfect holiday party with perfect food in a perfect
setting. No mistimed meals or burned or undercooked food. No counter-surfing
dog digging into the beautifully plated leg of lamb. The house looks gorgeous,
the table inviting. Our guests are having a fabulous time at our gorgeous home at Vantage Pointe and we, of course,
are easily mingling among them without a bead of sweat showing. 
