how to prepare for a designer

5 TIPS IN PREPARATION OF CONTACTING YOUR DESIGNER

Taking important decisions about how to renovate your home takes energy. Of course talking to a designer takes time and so does evaluating the proposed designs. Yet the best thing about having a designer at your side is the possibility to ask questions, to discuss any doubts or concerns and to receive some out-of-the-box solutions. Ideas you did not think about, an answer to your actual needs at home. But what to consider in preparation of contacting a designer?

Do you need a designer?

First things first. Do you actually need a personal designer for your project? Let’s see what your current situation at home could be.

Have you bought a house and would you like to renovate? Would you like a professional opinion regarding your wishes and ideas? Or perhaps a designer at your side from sketch to implementation of your project.

Do you feel frustrated at home about the lack of personal space for you and your family members, not enough storage space for all your belongings and no cohesion between rooms? Would you like to make some changes, but no idea how or where to start? 

Have you been purchasing items for your house in the past without a clear plan for the total design? Would you like to stop spending many hours (and money) in furniture shops without the desired result? 

Do you struggle to find the perfect balance between functionality and style? Or perhaps you have a limited budget or space? Would you like a design that makes daily live easier and more pleasant at home for you and your family?

Sounds familiar? Considering a designer by your side for sure will be a great addition to your project!

The advantage of a designer by your side

Planning a renovation can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. So many options to choose from, so many tradesmen to enlist, so many details to take in consideration. Not to mention the time and energy your busy working days and family life already require from you!

Think of the opportunity to brainstorm step by step your way through the design project. Or perhaps the possibility to just hand over the project to a professional, enjoy what you like doing most and come back to a welcoming home.

Depending on the requirements a designer can assist you with defining space planning, choosing colours and materials, creating lighting plans, 3d visualizations and out-of-the-box solutions to your challenges at home. During implementation the designer could cover contacting tradesmen, project managing and site visits during renovation. A designer at your side gives you the opportunity to have a professional at your side from sketch to implementation of your dream project!

What to consider when searching a personal designer as an expat

Finding the right designer for you is key to the process. Asking for a total design or even some advice from a designer can be intimidating. It’s about trusting a complete stranger being able to fully understand you and your lifestyle. It’s about your house, your most personal environment. When considering a designer at your side as an expat, don’t underestimate:

  • The possibility to express yourself fully and perhaps even in your own language. An expat (orientated) designer will have the experience in communicating and understanding other expats requirements. When communication is possible in your mother tongue there’s an even greater change of a pleasant design process.
  • The benefit of having a professional on your project that perfectly understands you from a cultural point of view. Some things are just the way they are in a culture. It’s like an unsaid rule everyone knows, not necessary to mention. When you share the same cultural background communication will be even smoother. Your personal (expat orientated) designer will have the sensibility in understanding the cultural background of your requirements.
  • The experience a designer has in communicating with other professionals that will realize your personal project. Beside some technical knowhow and experience in the implementation phase, having the possibility to speak Dutch with the involved companies is just as important as speaking and understanding your language. This will ensure the translation of your personal requirements into positive realization of your dream project.

5 Tips in preparation in contacting your designer

When you are ready to contact your (expat orientated) designer the next step is about finding out whether you’re a match. So, what to consider when contacting a designer?

  1. Write down all your requirements and ideas for the room(s) you would like to redesign. Even when you think this will not be possible (because of space or budget for example). This will give a clear direction to your project and a clear input to the designer.
  2. Have an idea of what you like. Search for images in magazines or on the internet that represent your taste in style and atmosphere.
  3. Is there specific furniture you would like to keep and incorporate into the new design? Tell your designer! This will create a personal touch to your project.
  4. Think of the amount of guidance you would like from your designer. Do you have the time to tackle your own project? Would you prefer to hand it over completely? Perhaps you would like to be partially involved in the implementation of your renovation?
  5. Take in consideration what budget you would like to use for this project. Perhaps you have a simple redecorating project in mind. Or do you prefer a complete renovation with consideration of structural changes, new plumbing and updating the existing electricity? Will you be upgrading the energy score of your house for the future? Would you like to incorporate some custom designed furniture pieces into the project?

Take advantage of the free intake a professional usually offers! This will be a great way to get to know each other, understand how the designer works and have a feeling whether this could be a match for your project. Curious how this could work for you too? I’m an Italian-Dutch designer with great passion for discovering your story and dream project.  Let’s get in touch!

contact

Benedetta Nati

info@benathome.com

+31 (0)6 27118867

KVK 77402154