Finding an interior designer in Kansas City is not difficult because there are so many options. However, finding the right one for the job isn’t as simple as picking one at random. There are several factors to keep in mind to make sure you make the right choice.
Read on to learn more about the process of finding an interior designer that works for your needs. You’ll be glad you took the time to find the right person for the job.
What Are Interior Designers?
Interior designers help make spaces attractive and functional with their expertise in space planning and layouts. Some of the elements that interior designers work with include:
- Color palettes
- Paint
- Wallpaper
- Fabric
- Lighting
- Furniture
- Accessories
- Window treatments
Interior designers are also team players who work with other professionals. Contractors and architects are some of the other professionals your interior designer will work with.
Is an Interior Decorator the Same as an Interior Designer in Kansas City?
An interior designer in Kansas City is different from an interior decorator. Most designers have a degree or certificate and have training in the following fields:
- Colors and fabric
- Furniture
- Lighting
- Architecture
- Space planning
- Drawing
- Computer-Aided Design
- Drafting
Much of the focus will be on how your home’s design elements come together throughout all stages, including the beginning construction stages. Interior decorators, on the other hand, fulfill a different type of role.
Interior decorators work on many of the same types of elements as interior designers. However, the homes that these professionals work on are already constructed, so they are not able to design a project from the beginning as an interior designer would. Decorators also typically have less education than designers, as well.
What Are Good Sources for Finding Interior Designers?
In the professional world, builders and architects can be good sources for learning about interior designers. If any of your family or friends have taken advantage of such services, you may want to ask them who they worked with and how they felt about the results.
Read reviews, and make sure that anyone you are considering is licensed and bonded. Ensuring anyone you’re interested in using is licensed and bonded will help save you a lot of frustration. You’ll also want to find out what kinds of guarantees or warranties your chosen designer offers.
Taking a look at the designer’s look-books and portfolio is also an important part of the process. You’ll get an excellent idea of this professional’s capabilities from checking out examples of past work. It’s also a good idea to look for proof of passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications or American Society of Interior Designs membership, as well as awards.
What Are Some Important Questions to Ask an Interior Designer in Kansas City?
Ask about how long the designer has been in the business and where they get their styles and influences. Every designer gets their signature style from a mix of influences. A style that’s a perfect fit for one home may not suit another.
You’ll also benefit from finding out how the designer decides which clients they want to work with. A common assumption is that any designer will work with any client. Because interior design is a business, designers need to make decisions that are good for their business.
Ask the designer for references from previous clients, especially clients representing a broad cross-section. Make sure you ask honest questions about how they felt about the work completed and how well the designer stuck to the appointed budget. Also, find out how any problems were dealt with.
These are just a few of the important things to ask an interior designer. Contact Karin Ross Designs today to learn more about interior designers in Kansas City options.
