Are you considering a home renovation or new build and weighing up the costs involved? Every project is costly no matter what the size, but the value of investing in an interior designer and documented design shouldn’t be underestimated. It always pays off.
While interior designers aren’t builders or architects, our role in making sure your home functions day-to-day is just as important as the actual structure. Daily life is hectic and how your home functions goes a long way to kick-starting the day off the right way.
Here are six reasons why an interior designer is an essential service.
1. DESIGNING IS EXHAUSTING!
Researching styles, architects and builders, council approvals, obtaining quotes and arranging financing is exhausting (and this is just the beginning of the project) It’s a job in itself, yet you must still turn up to your day job… The one that’s funding the project!
2. PROJECT MANAGEMENT FATIGUE (it’s a real thing!)
A renovation or new build is likely to take 1-3 years. It will consume your life; it is mentally debilitating. It robs you of your family and downtime and that makes it very easy to overlook details or make incorrect decisions. An interior designer alleviates that by working with your architect and builder to make decisions on your behalf, backed with experience. This is what we do daily, we are steps ahead, we know the pitfalls and anticipate them.
3. SELECTIONS
Material selections (and there are many) will make or break your project. I see so many instances where incorrect material placement has let down what could have been an amazing result. An interior designer has a keen eye for material and colour placement so expensive materials and labour are well-considered and add value.
4. BUILDERS BUILD!
Builders build to plan and specification. The trouble is, if you have not engaged an interior designer, chances are you have a plan for the building envelop but no detailed documentation for the interior. This means you are responsible for making all the decisions that need to be made here. Let me tell you, they are endless. Where every material meets there’s a decision to be made. Loads of decisions will be made on the fly if you are not fully prepared. If you are not onsite it’s very likely that some decisions will be made for you by each trade based on what they typically do, what they think looks best or perhaps is the easiest or cheapest to execute. However, this may not be what you were envisaging. An undocumented build/interior is open for interpretation. Do you really want to take that risk? Interior designers are the conduit between the architectural plans and the result.
5. WINDOW COVERINGS
This is a biggie and is often not considered at all until after the build is complete. Window placement can have a significant impact on how you use your interiors. We firstly assess the aspect and views, or lack thereof, from each space. When your architect or draftsperson is designing the building envelope, they typically assess how window placement is perceived from the exterior which is extremely important to the overall look of the façade. However, interior functionality also needs to be addressed. Ceiling recesses for blinds and curtains need to be specified and this is costly or impossible to do after the fact. Motorisation is commonplace these days but also needs to be allowed for in the early construction stage. Consideration of budget is also very important to include. You do not want to move into your new home and be short on funds to cover your windows. Not only are they functionally and economically essential, your home will not feel finished without them.
6. RESULT
Detailed joinery plans, 3D models, paint and material selections, tile layouts, grout selections… All of this and more need to be considered on every renovation or build. A documented design and specification avoids unwanted surprises. And the end result will surpass all your expectations.
So that’s why an interior designer is not a luxury service. In fact, it will save you time, money, headaches and even arguments! Take a look at our design services to find an interior design package that works for you.
Richelle Langdon is the founder and Creative Director of Oliver Myles Interiors, a boutique interior design studio renowned for its striking yet functional spaces. Since establishing the studio in 2014, Richelle has brought her distinctive design approach to a diverse range of projects, from bespoke residential interiors to dynamic commercial environments.
A graduate of Sydney Design School, Richelle has honed her craft through years of hands-on experience, developing a signature style that seamlessly blends bold aesthetics with practical functionality. She believes that great design is not just about visual impact but also about creating spaces that enhance the way people live and work.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Richelle and her team at Oliver Myles Interiors are dedicated to transforming interiors into thoughtfully curated, highly livable spaces that reflect each client’s unique personality and lifestyle.
When embarking on a renovation, extension or a new build there are seven key bathroom and laundry design elements to consider. Without proper planning and consideration of this, you are more than likely going to make some mistakes or over look important features along the way. I’ve just recently moved into a fairly new building, …
No Butler? Well, we still covet his pantry… The butler’s pantry or walk-in pantry is a kitchen trend that isn’t going to go away. History has a habit of repeating itself and this is not a trend, it’s a style. And a style stays in style! So if you are able to squeeze space for …
The benchtop is a hardworking surface often the centrepiece of the kitchen or bathroom. With many materials available, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision. In this post, we’ll explore the various options for kitchen benchtops and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Laminate Benchtop Engineered Stone (Caesarstone, Smartstone, …
When it comes to interior curtain fabric, understanding their composition and how they perform within their surroundings can significantly impact their longevity. Here is some information that’s good to know when selecting curtain fabric. (Featured image: Sheers from James Dunlop) Curtain Fabric Choice For Stability For optimal stability, as in the likelihood of shrinkage or …
6 Reasons Why Interior Design Is Not A Luxury Service
Are you considering a home renovation or new build and weighing up the costs involved? Every project is costly no matter what the size, but the value of investing in an interior designer and documented design shouldn’t be underestimated. It always pays off.
While interior designers aren’t builders or architects, our role in making sure your home functions day-to-day is just as important as the actual structure. Daily life is hectic and how your home functions goes a long way to kick-starting the day off the right way.
Here are six reasons why an interior designer is an essential service.
1. DESIGNING IS EXHAUSTING!
Researching styles, architects and builders, council approvals, obtaining quotes and arranging financing is exhausting (and this is just the beginning of the project) It’s a job in itself, yet you must still turn up to your day job… The one that’s funding the project!
2. PROJECT MANAGEMENT FATIGUE (it’s a real thing!)
A renovation or new build is likely to take 1-3 years. It will consume your life; it is mentally debilitating. It robs you of your family and downtime and that makes it very easy to overlook details or make incorrect decisions. An interior designer alleviates that by working with your architect and builder to make decisions on your behalf, backed with experience. This is what we do daily, we are steps ahead, we know the pitfalls and anticipate them.
3. SELECTIONS
Material selections (and there are many) will make or break your project. I see so many instances where incorrect material placement has let down what could have been an amazing result. An interior designer has a keen eye for material and colour placement so expensive materials and labour are well-considered and add value.
4. BUILDERS BUILD!
Builders build to plan and specification. The trouble is, if you have not engaged an interior designer, chances are you have a plan for the building envelop but no detailed documentation for the interior. This means you are responsible for making all the decisions that need to be made here. Let me tell you, they are endless. Where every material meets there’s a decision to be made. Loads of decisions will be made on the fly if you are not fully prepared. If you are not onsite it’s very likely that some decisions will be made for you by each trade based on what they typically do, what they think looks best or perhaps is the easiest or cheapest to execute. However, this may not be what you were envisaging. An undocumented build/interior is open for interpretation. Do you really want to take that risk? Interior designers are the conduit between the architectural plans and the result.
5. WINDOW COVERINGS
This is a biggie and is often not considered at all until after the build is complete. Window placement can have a significant impact on how you use your interiors. We firstly assess the aspect and views, or lack thereof, from each space. When your architect or draftsperson is designing the building envelope, they typically assess how window placement is perceived from the exterior which is extremely important to the overall look of the façade. However, interior functionality also needs to be addressed. Ceiling recesses for blinds and curtains need to be specified and this is costly or impossible to do after the fact. Motorisation is commonplace these days but also needs to be allowed for in the early construction stage. Consideration of budget is also very important to include. You do not want to move into your new home and be short on funds to cover your windows. Not only are they functionally and economically essential, your home will not feel finished without them.
6. RESULT
Detailed joinery plans, 3D models, paint and material selections, tile layouts, grout selections… All of this and more need to be considered on every renovation or build. A documented design and specification avoids unwanted surprises. And the end result will surpass all your expectations.
So that’s why an interior designer is not a luxury service. In fact, it will save you time, money, headaches and even arguments! Take a look at our design services to find an interior design package that works for you.
Richelle Langdon is the founder and Creative Director of Oliver Myles Interiors, a boutique interior design studio renowned for its striking yet functional spaces. Since establishing the studio in 2014, Richelle has brought her distinctive design approach to a diverse range of projects, from bespoke residential interiors to dynamic commercial environments.
A graduate of Sydney Design School, Richelle has honed her craft through years of hands-on experience, developing a signature style that seamlessly blends bold aesthetics with practical functionality. She believes that great design is not just about visual impact but also about creating spaces that enhance the way people live and work.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Richelle and her team at Oliver Myles Interiors are dedicated to transforming interiors into thoughtfully curated, highly livable spaces that reflect each client’s unique personality and lifestyle.
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