3 Reasons You Need an Interior Designer During a New Build
Building a new home can and should be an exciting endeavor, but it is not for the faint of heart. I like to compare it to taking a European vacation. It's a dream come true, BUT can be exhausting without proper planning.
Although a good architect and contractor are essential to the team, consider hiring an interior designer as your tour guide. We are there to make the process more pleasant and guide the process.
After years of working with clients on new build projects, we understand the process of creating a space that will bring your goals and dreams to life. We present you with exciting visual tools to help you see your house flow the way you desire. We can help you create your IDEAL home.
Here are our top 3 reasons you’ll benefit from hiring an interior designer for building your new home.
1. Our Process Brings Your Vision to Life
An Interior Designer might seem like a frivolous expense you don’t need, however, we offer visual tools for furniture floor plans, 3D renderings, and mood boards that help you stay excited along the way.
We also offer an experienced eye that can catch oversights that you might not know about.
On several occasions, after reviewing the architectural plans, I have suggested to the client, contractor & architect that they move a wall for a better furniture layout. Those clients are still thanking me to this day.
In one case, I asked if they could move an exterior wall 18” out. We were able to make this change as they were starting to break ground. It was the breakfast nook and bar for family gatherings leading out to the terrace; it would have been a huge mistake to overlook this.
The room was 8' deep on the plan. I insisted it needed to be 9 1/2 feet deep to accommodate the table for the built-in breakfast nook and allow an adequate passage from the kitchen/family room to the french doors leading to the terrace. In the end, this became one of their favorite spaces in their 18,000 square foot country manor.
If you haven't already, be sure to read my earlier blog post What Should I Expect When Working With An Online Interior Designer?
There is a method for making the decisions you'll have while building your new home. You might be tempted to jump ahead and get off track, but an orderly process will make it far more enjoyable and guide you on the next decision you need to make.
1. Start With Plotting the Furniture
My clients are often confused by this, but this is our chance to change the architectural plan before you break ground. On more than one occasion, I have suggested bumping a wall by 6-18" to accommodate the ideal furniture plan. My clients are grateful for this.
We determine what existing furniture you own to use in the new home and what furnishings to purchase. With long lead times these days, it's nice to get the process rolling. We can also determine whether we need to add floor outlets to accommodate lamps on floating furniture plans.
2. Order Cabinetry
Cabinetry will have the longest lead time, so it's great to get that designed and ordered early in the process.
3. Select Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures will have longer lead times than lighting and have rough-in parts that must be installed before the drywall goes up. Selecting plumbing fixtures also helps you get a feel for the finishes you prefer. If you haven't already, be sure to read my earlier blog post on how to decide bathroom finishes.
4. Next Up is Lighting
I still like to do lighting early in the process to determine whether to add sconces or ceiling fixtures where the architect might not have suggested them.
5. Flooring, Tile, and Countertops
You can determine flooring, tile, and countertops at any point as long as the lead times allow the materials to be there when needed in time for installation. Often clients have a clear idea of a specific wood floor type they want to use, and other times they'll need to go shopping for inspiration.
6. Cabinet and Door Hardware
Think of these like jewelry to embellish your millwork. Generally, we order cabinet and door hardware after you’ve made your major selections.
7. Paint Selection
You will want to have your trim finish selected early on. Usually, this will be a decision you'll make with your contractor, so they know what wood species to work with. However, when it comes to the paint color for the walls, I like to select colors after deciding on fabrics for window treatments and furnishings.
2. We’ve Got the Inside Source to Vendors
A well-connected designer is FAR better than any search engine. We know the best resources for expediting the selection process. Providing samples and visuals that help you make a solid decision and one you will be thrilled with for years to come.
Often we need a product that doesn't exist...YET ;) but we know how to design it and who can fabricate it for your project.
3. We Help You Make Tough Decisions
Even semi-custom homes require around 100 decisions. If you're planning a custom home, it's well into the hundreds. I can see how excited clients are in the beginning. You'll be eager to get started. However, as time goes on, it's so important to have a sounding board, even if you prefer to make the final decisions on your own.
What might seem daunting to you, comes easily to me. It's my profession to stay abreast of the latest trends. Watching webinars and reading magazines help me to keep current. My passion is interior design and psychology, which is a massive part of the process of building YOUR DREAM HOME.
Your Dream Home is Complete
Building your dream home is an exciting venture for you and your family. The key to a smooth and successful project isn’t just about selecting beautiful finishes and products but finding the BEST team to complete your project. An Interior Designer should be part of your team.
I have been down this path many times and am here to guide you and keep you feeling enthusiastic and confident. My packages offer flexibility for your individual needs.
If you’re still struggling, consider my Local or Online Design Services! My “Pick My Brain” package is perfect for getting started.
Warmly,
Celeste