Reckon the services of an interior designer are beyond your budget? Think again…
The Challenge of Home Interior Design
Some of us are born with a natural flair and instinct for design. Many of us, however, find the process intimidating at best, infuriating at worst.
Thanks to the internet, the task of selecting and arranging one’s home interiors is not as daunting as it used to be. In the place of an enormous stack of magazines and a poorly constructed mood board for inspiration, we have Pinterest, Instagram as well as a wealth of online blogs and influencer social media accounts devoted to interior design.
Yet regardless of your decorative prowess, nothing can replace the interiors expert who has direct access to your space.
The Cost Barrier
The obvious reason many of us don’t hire an interior designer is the prohibitive price of such a service. With things as they are economically, you are probably thinking that the refurbishment of your home is alone stretching your financial limits.
E-Designers: A Budget-Friendly Interior Design Solution For Your Home
However, there are options for the savvy shopper, because the rise of e-designers – who provide interior design services to clients remotely through online platforms and communication tools – offers accessibility and convenience for clients who may not require in-person consultations, or who prefer to work at their own pace.
The process typically begins with the client filling out a detailed questionnaire about their design preferences, goals, budget, and the specific spaces they want to redesign. This questionnaire helps the designer understand the client’s needs and style preferences.
Clients are then asked to provide photos and measurements of the space they want to redesign, and from here the designer will create a customised plan.
Affordable Interior Design Options
There are many companies offering interior design services, so finding something in your style and budget ought to be straightforward. However, if you really want bang for your buck and aren’t expecting any luxury, high-end or niche furniture to be recommended to you, then Ikea is a fantastic online resource. From only £25 you can get online personal advice on how to make the most of your home, and for £90 per room, experienced interior designers will create a 2D floorplan of your living space and design it precisely to your needs.
Next, John Lewis and Heals are two other trusty retailers who offer free virtual and at-home appointments. There is no obligation to buy, and no minimum spend.
Luxury Design Services
For a service a little more luxurious, consider Soho Home. Helmed by Candy Murray, designer for Soho House, this retail branch of the exclusive member’s club is for those wanting to create at home the comfort and sumptuous surroundings enjoyed by club members. Prices vary depending on the project.
A quick chat or initial consultation is free, while the design fee for one room is £300 (redeemable on a £3,000 spend at Soho Home), or £500 for up to three rooms (redeemable on a £5,000 spend).
Another high-end option is Designer’s Guild who specialise in first-class fabrics and wallpapers. Their paint collection boasts 154 beautiful, contemporary colours, from chalky neutrals through to the vibrant hues for which they are famous. They will assist you in selecting a new set of curtains or help design your entire house right down to the toilet seat. They will even source vintage furniture items on your behalf.
A one-hour initial consultation is free while an at-home consultation costs £295 in London and the Home Counties, and is available on request further afield, with any consultation charges redeemable against your project.
So, don’t despair if your grand designs are not going to plan. Regardless of your budget, home size, or style, there’s a service out there for you.