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Contemporary home furnishings at San Francisco Design modern furniture stores in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah

How to Choose the Best Interior Designer for Your Home

By Interior Design Tips, Salt Lake City

contemporary home furnishingsAn interior designer is much more than just a home decorator. When you hire the right interior designer, they will handle every step of your home’s design process, from inspiration and design to paint colors and finishing touches. An interior decorator might recommend a few places to hang a painting, but an interior designer knows every inch of your space, down to the smallest detail. When you hire an interior designer, you guarantee a space that is well thought out, carefully designed, and beautifully built.

Not only are interior designers useful to have as you’re planning your new home or remodeling your current home, interior designers are trained & certified experts in determining optimal room sizes, color schemes, traffic flow, lighting, paint finishes, and much more. They work closely with contractors and other vendors to make each project a success.

Across Salt Lake City and throughout Utah itself, there are many interior designers to choose from, specializing in styles & spaces from A to Z. However, it can be difficult to know which interior designer is best for your particular project. Luckily for you, the experts at San Francisco Design have developed a guide to help you choose the perfect designer for your Salt Lake City home. Follow these steps when you’re partnering with an interior designer:

 

Step 1: Determine Your Unique Interior Design Style

The best way to begin your search for the perfect Utah interior designer is by deciding on a design style. Many homeowners today throughout Utah are choosing a more contemporary style to outfit their home, complete with modern home furnishings and décor. Modern interior design is beloved by homeowners for its sleek lines, minimalism, and timeless nature. Salt Lake interior designers in particular elect for modern designs in many homes because of the unique, breathtaking results in every project.

No matter what style you decide on, this is an essential step before choosing an interior designer for your home project. Not only will the right interior designer have the perfect eye for your unique style, having a basic design style in mind will make many of the small decisions easy to settle on.

Modern Salt Lake City Interior Design

Step 2: Set a Budget

Before you can hire an interior designer, it’s important to determine a budget for your project. Having a budget in mind can quickly narrow down your search, and choosing a designer that frequently works with budgets like your own can lead to a better project. To see how much an interior designer costs, click here. [link to “Cost to Hire an Interior Designer” blog post]

When it comes to interior design, keep in mind that cost and quality generally go hand in hand. The best interior designers can’t be found on a shoestring. If you want an interior designer that will deliver the top results, plan on spending more than the average Joe.

Our opinion? You’ll never regret falling in love with your home design. Choosing a cheaper or less reputable interior designer won’t just leave you with cheap furniture and a short-lived design, it will leave you unhappy with your home altogether.

Think of your home’s interior design as an investment. More often than not, a greater interior design “investment” results in a higher-quality space that you can enjoy for many years to come. In fact, spending money on a high-end interior designer can actually help you to save in the long run, as they know where to find the best products & furniture for the best prices.

Interior Design Budget for SLC interior design project

Step 3: Be Prepared

We can’t say it enough: prepare before you meet with an interior designer. Preparation allows you and your designer to start off on the right foot, having clear communication and a course of action. Start your preparation through the following:

Get inspired. Gather all of your inspiration from floorplans, to Pinterest boards, to your wildest imagination. While a designer can’t do everything, they can bring many innovative ideas to life to give you the home you’ve always dreamed of.

Study. Read through interior design and architectural magazines to see what professionals in the industry are currently doing so you can understand the current trends.

Visit model homes. One of the best ways to discover the perfect home design is to see it in person. We recommend stopping by some model homes or attending the Salt Lake Parade of Homes to get a good idea of what styles and designs you like most.

Gather a list of questions. Here are the top 10 questions we recommend you ask when meeting with an interior designer.

  • Is there a certain style that you specialize in?
  • How many projects do you work on at a given time?
  • Who can I expect to work with throughout this project?
  • What is your expectation for client involvement? Do you prefer for your clients to be hands-off?
  • How do you prioritize items on a budget?
  • What is your timeline and how long do you anticipate for this project to be completed?
  • What is your project management style?
  • How do you resolve problems throughout the course of a project?
  • What do your fees include?
  • Can I have a client reference?

 

Step 4: Meet With Your Designer and Make a Plan

It’s important to meet with your designer face-to-face to get familiar with their process, confirm that your vision is aligned, and discover how acquainted they are with vendors in your particular area. Select local interior designers may even have inside access to Salt Lake furniture stores and can help you save big on home furnishings.

Working with your designer, develop a plan for your project. Communicate clearly on how you would like to see the project come to fruition, as well as your likes and dislikes. Having a plan of action from the beginning ensures that both parties are on the same page.

Step 5: Work Together

Don’t be afraid to speak up. After all, it’s your home! Take the time to understand your designer’s process, but be ready to voice your opinion often throughout the design project. There will likely be multiple instances when you may not agree with your designer, but clear communication is always the best route.

 

Interior Design at San Francisco Design

Looking for an interior designer in Salt Lake City that will mesh with you to create the home you’ve always dreamed of? Look no further than the experts at San Fran. Not only are our professionals leading the interior design world with their creativity and innovation, they have access to the top modern furniture store Utah has to offer – San Francisco Design! Learn more about our interior design process on our website or contact us today to get started on your own interior design project.

October 12, 2020
How Much Does an Interior Decorator Cost?

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Interior Designer?

By Interior Design Tips, Interior Design Trends

How Much Does an Interior Decorator Cost?

You’re not alone if you’ve ever wanted a total home refresh. Every homeowner wants a comfortable and chic space, but few people have the eye for interior design that accomplishes both of those goals successfully. Enter professional interior designers. Not only are interior designers trained on the ins and outs of design styles, but they are also intimately familiar with color theory, virtual design, and project management.

When you’re on the hunt for the right interior designer, there are several factors to consider before you make a decision. Which styles do they specialize in? What is the lead time for a project? Do they have connections with furniture companies?

These questions are all important, but we are willing to bet your biggest question is “How much does an interior designer cost?”. After all, an interior design can only go as far as your wallet can. However, many people forget that you’re not paying for throw pillows and paint swatches when you hire an interior designer. When you hire an interior designer, you’re paying for convenience, total project management, peace of mind, and years of experience & schooling to back it up. An interior designer is worth much more than their price tag.

How Much Does an Interior Decorator Cost?

What to Know When Hiring an Interior Designer - SFDHere are some of the most common ways interior designers charge for their services and some fees you may not have considered. They include consultation fees, interior designer cost per hour, and project fees.

Consultation Fee

Some designers charge a fee for an initial consultation to review your tastes, likes & dislikes, and budget. An interior design consultation typically lasts about an hour, and interior decorators generally charge accordingly. An initial consultation can cost between $50 and $250, depending on the hourly rate. Some designers, however, don’t charge a consultation fee at all—though it’s rare. As with hiring an interior designer, research before sitting down for a consultation.

Color Swatches and Paint Colors for Interior DesignPay-by-Hour

Most interior designers charge by the hour for their services. Typically, you can expect an hourly fee of around $150, but a designer’s rate can range between $50 and $500 per hour. Considered the simplest way to pay an interior designer, the pay-by-hour method doesn’t include furniture or additional materials.

Pay-by-Project

Depending on the needs and scope of your home project, your interior designer may charge a flat fee for their services. The contract or interior designer should list exactly what is included in this fee.

Array of Leather Colors Used by Interior DesignersBy the Square Foot

In this option, your space’s square footage determines your interior designer’s cost. Larger spaces will cost more, and smaller spaces will cost less. Paying by square foot is a common practice for commercial interior design.

Complimentary Design

Hold on. Did we just say “complimentary interior design”? That’s right! At San Francisco Design, we don’t charge for our interior design services when a customer purchases. When you buy furniture for your home’s design or remodel, the interior design is on us! We provide everything from the initial consultation & design planning to project coordination & execution, free of charge. We don’t stop there, however. When you book a whole home design process with our designers, we provide a discount on our furniture. What could be better than that?

Neutral Colored Patterned Fabrics for Interior Design

What to Consider Before Meeting With an Interior Designer

Before you meet with an interior designer, there are a few things you need to know about yourself and your home. Consider these things before meeting with a designer:

what to consider before meeting with an interior designer - SFDYour Budget

One of the most important things you should know before starting a project with an interior designer is how much you can spend. Interior design projects, in particular, need to have a very clear-cut budget before jumping in. Whatever your budget, make sure to give yourself some room to breathe just in case you run into unexpected expenses.

Your Style

Before you meet with anyone about designing your home, you should have a good idea of the overall style you’re looking for. Now, you don’t need to know everything about your style, but saying “I like a lot of things” isn’t going to cut it. Don’t be afraid to be picky when you talk to your designer; make it very clear what you’d like to have in your home.

On the flip side, you should clearly know what you don’t like when you meet with your designer. There’s nothing wrong with having a list of things that you’re definitely NOT looking for. After all, you’re the one who will see it every day!

Interior designer with Leather samples and home design blueprintsInterior Design at San Francisco Design

No matter your style, your budget, or the scope of the project, San Francisco Design has the expertise to transform your home’s interior. Our Utah-based interior designers are professionals who are incredibly skilled at what they do. If you want the space of your dreams, hire us to do it for you! Contact us today to get started on your next project and get all the info on our interior designer costs & hourly rates.

November 2, 2020
contemporary living room sets

How to Combine Traditional and Modern Furniture: A Guide

By Interior Design Tips

How to Combine Traditional & Modern Furniture | San Francisco Design

Sleek lines, minimalist décor, clean finishes, and mixed-in traditional details? Combining traditional and modern home furniture may seem like a challenging blend to perfection. However, when done correctly, the combination creates a unique, multi-layered space.

One of the perks of blending traditional and modern interior design styles is developing a personal style you won’t see in other homes. Unfortunately, the challenge intimidates most people. It’s a risk, but it also has a very high reward. Let’s discuss the basics of each interior design style to better understand how to mix the two for a cohesive design.

What is Traditional Style Decorating?

The traditional design is calm, orderly, and predictable. Consider comforting styles and classic designs when you think about traditionally styled interiors. Your family home growing up might have even been styled in traditional furnishings. Traditional homes are somewhat casual, with every piece going together. It’s all about function and ease. Here are a few traditional design staples:

  • A mixture of vertical and horizontal lines
  • Muted fabrics that include small patterns, tone-on-tone color palettes, and understated textures
  • Mid-range colors that aren’t very dark or too light
  • An overall ambiance that is homey and comfortable
  • Wood furniture with a combination of straight and curved lines
  • Glossy white trim and molding
  • Matching furniture that features a simplistic look

What is Modern Interior Design?

Modern design is one of the most misinterpreted styles in interior design, with people often using it when defining contemporary design. The popular modern designs of today feature heavy textures, ornamentation, and contrasting elements. One defining component of modern design is its minimalistic touch. Modern designs heavily rely on a lack of fussiness. Think of clean lines, neutral colors, and boldly designed furniture. Here are a few modern interior design styles that most designers use in their spaces:

  • Modern furniture made from natural materials
  • Clean lines and simplistic hues
  • Metallic elements
  • Windows are usually left unadorned with an abundance of natural light
  • Heavy textures
  • Minimal accessories

Merging two unlikely styles could result in chaos if not planned out in advance. That’s why the interior design experts at San Francisco Design in Utah have compiled a few tips to help you combine traditional and modern furniture for the perfect set-up.

Tip #1: Let One Style Dominate

Traditional and modern décor differ dramatically. That’s why letting one style dominate the space is the key to making the blend work. Decide which style fits your space best, and let it rule your furniture choices. Then, you can blend a few items of the other style. Once you figure it out, you will have a traditional space with modern accents or a modernized design with traditional pieces.

How to Combine Traditional & Modern Furniture | San Francisco Design

Tip #2: Consider Each Piece’s Visual Attributes

As you pick out furniture, look at each item in detail. Consider the visual attributes of the piece. What attracts you to the article? Do you admire the color? Texture? Shape? There is no wrong answer. By defining what draws you to each piece of furniture, you can find a way to weave your collection together. This will allow you to tie the styles together seamlessly.

How to Combine Traditional & Modern Furniture | San Francisco Design

Tip #3: Pick Harmony or Contrast

Another essential thing to consider is whether you want to create harmony between the two styles or contrast. Each has its benefits. However, balance creates a more calming look, while contrast creates visual excitement. You can narrow down your choices by deciding which you want in your space.

How to Combine Traditional & Modern Furniture | San Francisco Design

Tip #4: Tie Items Together

As mentioned, you want to find a way to tie pieces together to create an overall look and feel. While you could use contrast as your guiding light, you must find a balance between the two styles. You can tie the two interior design styles together by using the same colors, textures, patterns, or shapes.

How to Combine Traditional & Modern Furniture | San Francisco Design

Interior Decorating with San Francisco Design

Contact our team if you need help pulling together a modern and traditional space. You can also visit our online store for design inspiration and a look at our modern and traditional furniture collection. Our Utah interior designers will help you make your space your own. Get in touch with us today to get started.

August 3, 2020