Building or Renovating? Why Your First Hire Should be an Interior Designer

Are you planning to build or renovate a mountain home in Southwest Colorado?

Have you wondered who you should reach out to first as you are entering into the planning phase of your dream home?

Most of my clients struggle with communicating their vision for the overall aesthetic of their home so they need someone who has the ability to pull that out of them.

And what better home professional than an interior designer?

This is our superpower!

What if you don’t have a vision? You want someone who is seeped in design and construction to provide you with one.

This is ALSO our superpower!

The capabilities of a designer to bring to life the interior vision of the homeowner or even create an exclusive, bespoke one-of-a-kind vision for their clients, makes them a valuable player in the planning as well as the building process.

Because many architects and builders don't specify the interior finishes such as tile, lighting, plumbing fixtures, flooring, cabinetry details, etc. they enlist the homeowner to complete the task of putting all of that information together on their own!

Not to mention, those elements must be decided upon early in the building/planning process in order for budgets and timelines to be met.

This is incredibly frustrating and overwhelming to many homeowners, especially if this is their first project.

Enter interior designer stage right.

As interior designers, we provide guidance throughout the selection-making process, select the elements to create a cohesive and beautiful design, and then finally supply our clients - as well as the other building professionals - with the necessary deliverables for the installation of those elements to happen in a timely manner.

And that is only the beginning of an interior designer’s role in the development of a home project.

The final furnishings and decor play an important role even in the beginning phases of a building project.

Those walls and spaces will someday contain the elements that make a house a “home” to the owners.  Ensuring that the spaces flow in such a way as to allow for comfort as well as luxury is paramount in the beginning.

Let’s further explore the 3 main reasons why an interior designer is an important player especially if you’re considering a new-build or home renovation.

Reason #1: An Expert Who Understands the Client and Creates a Vision

The homeowner and interior designer grow to have a very close relationship and a special, unique design is then created especially for that client.

When building a new home or renovating an existing home, the role of the interior designer is crucial. 

By actively listening and asking the right questions, we are able to incorporate your personal style and unique tastes into every aspect of the project, down to the smallest details.

All of the information about you, the homeowner, your family life, entertainment habits, hobbies, desire for luxury elements, and other important factors are translated into the overall vision for your home.

Whether it's your favorite color or a cherished heirloom, an interior designer understands that these personal touches can make all the difference in creating a space that feels like home.

Most architects are great at designing a home from the ground up, taking into consideration structural, aesthetic, and interior flow. The builder adds their expertise in the execution of that design and finally, an interior designer brings the creativity and the vision for the interior finishes and furnishings that will bring the structure to life and truly make it a home.

In a nutshell, we work alongside architects and builders to ensure all aspects of the interiors - and often exteriors - have form as well as function. 

Reason #2: A Specialist with Attention to Detail

An interior designer understands the importance of leaving no stone unturned when it comes to our clients' interior spaces.

A designer’s attention to detail extends beyond aesthetics.

Our commitment to functional design, understanding that every piece of furniture needs to serve a purpose while seamlessly integrating into the overall vision, taking into account each of the spaces and overall flow, ensures that it not only looks beautiful but also optimizes our client's daily activities and routines.

When in the planning phase, those ideas, thoughts, recommendations, and visions the interior designer has, based on their knowledge of the homeowner, will add value to the overall plans that the architect is working on prior to going to permitting. 

Oftentimes, 2 eyes are better than one.

There have been many instances in my career working with builders on spec and custom homes where they lost time and money because they had the house plans fully permitted straight from the architect without having me assess them prior. 

This can be a huge source of frustration for everyone involved in the building process, as it slows down progress from one subcontractor to another. 

When building professionals seek my expertise and follow my recommendations early on, everyone avoids potentially disastrous outcomes!

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One of our tasks is to meticulously measure and plan layouts to ensure that everything is perfectly scaled and proportioned. From the placement of furniture to the coordination of lighting fixtures, every element is carefully considered to create balance and harmony.

Furthermore, our organizational skills allow us to handle multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality or attention to detail.

Finally, as interior designers, we understand that the success of any project relies on effective communication. We proactively communicate with clients, contractors, and vendors, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that all details are accurately conveyed.

Collaboration and clear communication are integral to bringing our clients' vision to life.

As detail-oriented professionals, interior designers strive for excellence in every aspect of our design projects.

With an unwavering commitment to precision, functionality, and client satisfaction, we take pride in our ability to deliver exceptional and unforgettable interior spaces.

Du Barry Project

Reason #3: A Guide Throughout the Entire Process

Because the designer often works closely with a homeowner to bring out the vision they have for their home and then creates a special, unique design for that client, they have detailed in-depth knowledge of the project.

From the initial consultation to the final installation, an interior designer will guide you throughout the entire design process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey towards the completion of your home-build project.

We understand that each client has unique visions, tastes, and requirements, which is why we prioritize communication and collaboration from the start. During the initial consultation, we take the time to listen to your ideas, preferences, and goals for your home life. We believe that our role is to translate your dreams into reality while infusing our expertise and creativity to bring out the best in every space.

Once we have a clear understanding of your vision, we create a customized design concept for the interiors of that project. This concept includes detailed floor plans, 3D renderings, material selections, color palettes, furniture recommendations, and more.

This allows the designer to play an important role in the oversight of the project. An interior designer can ensure that the project is being completed to the owners’ specifications and can report back to the owners any issues with the progress. An interior designer will collaborate closely with your network of contractors, craftsmen, and suppliers to ensure exceptional workmanship and quality and ensure that everything runs smoothly during the implementation phase.

We personally oversee many of the details that the architects simply don't include in their blueprints.

Because of this deliverable from an interior designer, all of the discussions, designs, and excitement from the planning phase are then executed correctly in the building phase.

And finally, when you involve an interior designer from the very beginning, we are there with you and for you throughout the entirety of the project.

Making The Right First Hire

Are you a mountain lover? Me too and what better way to enjoy our beloved mountains here in Colorado than to build your home right smack in the middle of them!

That’s why I am here.

I get to help mountain lovers like you, become surrounded by beauty throughout the entire building process... even to the last day when you get to experience for the first time your newly built home after we have perfected it with your specially curated furnishings and decor.

Your dream home needs a dream team...and we'd love to be a part of it!

Fill out our contact form to get the ball rolling.

We can't wait to meet you!

Until next time,

be surrounded by beauty!

Christine