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Residential and commercial spaces won't be as beautiful and comfortable without interior designers. Interior designers work with clients to create a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. Whether corporate, sustainable, healthcare, or universal design, these designers use color palettes, decorations, furniture placement, and functional decor to achieve the client's vision for their space. If you're in the process of hiring one, it's crucial to know the right questions to ask an interior designer.

What to Do Before Speaking with an Interior Designer

Before we tell you the questions to ask an interior designer, do these steps before meeting with one:

• Identify the design concept or theme for your space. Knowing your design theme dos and don'ts will allow you to focus on precisely what you want. Decide what things you like and don't like so you can relay this to the designer. 
• Browse for interior design inspiration online. Check out some beautiful and functional interior design spaces so the designer can see your desired project outcome. 
• Check the interior designer's background. Do your due diligence and check the designer's portfolio. See if he's done similar projects and check if he has a proven track record. 
• Set a budget. The project won't commence if you and the designer don't settle on a budget. Make sure you're flexible enough but don't stray from your budget.

12 Questions to Ask an Interior Designer

Once you know what you want, ask these questions before hiring an interior designer. 

1. What is your design style?

You want the designer's style to match yours. Ask what they specialize in and what their most assertive design styles are so you can gauge if it's the right fit or not.

2. How much do you charge?

Establishing the budget right off the bat enables you to filter out designers who are way out of your set budget. 

3. How do you charge?

Another follow-up question after asking the designer's project amount is how he plans to charge it. Does he charge hourly, per finished project stage, or a percentage of the project cost?

4. How do you plan a budget?

Budgeting is vital in interior design, and asking the designer what he prioritizes when planning a budget is strongly advised. Some would allocate a considerable sum for contractors and some for furniture. Know how he plans to budget wisely. 

5. Have you had similar projects? Describe how it went.

Knowing if the designer has had similar projects would give you peace of mind that he can achieve the goal. Ask what the most challenging part of the project was and how he circumvented those issues. 

6. What are your credentials and references?

You may want to ask about the designer's employment history and if they've had former certifications. Also, it might boost their credibility if they show any awards and recognition from licensed interior design organizations.

7. What's included in your services?

Once you've set a budget, ask what interior design services and responsibilities are included in the project. Some examples are design consultation, site assessment, space planning, material procurement, project management, etc.

8. How will you present initial design plans and ideas?

One of the questions to ask an interior designer is how they will present the initial design plan. With the adage of technology, you'd expect designers to utilize interactive design presentations. However, combining it with mood boards and drawings is also an excellent way to diversify perspectives. 

9. Who is the team working on the project?

You may be interviewing the interior designer, but he will work with a team of builders, contractors, and painters. Ask how these people will be selected and what their credentials are. 

10. Describe your management style.

You want to know how the interior designer communicates and collaborates with his team. No matter how skilled the designer and his team are, the design and build process is futile if they can't work seamlessly. 

11. How do you feel about regular client involvement?

As a client, you want to get involved in the project from time to time to see if everything is going as planned. Ask the designer how he feels about this. A designer with good collaboration and communication skills will feel comfortable with this setup. 

12. What if I don't like the initial design plan?

Interior designers make an effort to present the initial design plan based on your specifications. Once you give the GO signal, the building commences. In some cases, clients may prefer something else to the initial plan presented. That said, ask if the designer goes back to the drawing board to create another design plan and concept to your liking. 

Conclusion

Hiring an interior designer doesn't have to be an uphill battle. If you know the right questions to ask an interior designer, you'll be more confident in finding the most suitable one.

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Featured Image: Photo by Vecislavas Popa from Pexels

Do you need expert advice on your new space or help with redesigning one? Many homeowners or business owners can reach out to an interior design consultancy to help them with their design needs. And if you need one for your home or office space, we have listed down the top interior design consultancies.

What Does an Interior Design Consultancy Do?

As the name suggests, an interior design consultancy provides professional advice about a client's home or office space. Interior design consultants would survey the space, home, or office and ask their clients about their design preferences. As their potential client, you should have the necessary documents ready, such as the floor plan, that would help them decide on the overall interior design.

Most interior design consultancies would have businesses as clients. However, some interior design consultancies can do residential living spaces too.

Is an interior design consultancy different from an interior designer?

No. The consultancy is like a firm. They also provide advice to their clients before moving forward with the interior design project. But some interior design consultancies can already help clients with the interior design work, should the client push through with the recommendations they have provided.

Global Interior Design Consultancies

1. M Moser Associates

M Moser Associates is a global design firm with offices in Asia, America, Europe, and Australia. Their specialty lies in people-first design, ensuring the wellness of occupying office spaces. That said, they incorporate interior design into an inclusive workplace design and also provide strategies to ensure an efficient workplace. As interior design consultants, they aim to make successful and innovative workplaces by integrating their ideology and technology.

2. Space Projects Ltd

You can consult with Space Projects Ltd for your design needs if you need a redesign on your residential or commercial space. They mix three design disciplines, graphic and interior design, and architecture, to provide the best space for you. Although they might be UK-based, they also work internationally. They ensure a seamless experience, and their insight and creativity will guide them to produce beautiful outcomes for your home, office, or retail space.

3. Steven Leach Group

The Steven Leach Group is one of the few interior design consultancies in Asia. They have offices across the region and have been the go-to interior design consultancy for many corporations and hospitality and finance businesses. Productivity and comfort are two of their main philosophies when creating commercial spaces. 

In addition, they want to ensure that employees are interacting well with the space and it's effective for them to get the job done. And if clients want their design needs addressed, the consultancy has its signature �Design and Build� service to make the design come to life.

4. Via Interiors

Via Interiors is a UK-based interior design consultancy. Before moving forward with the construction and redesign, Via Interiors ensures they get to know their client. They want to know the client's preferences, and in turn, they provide the clients with a design based on their needs and generate design ideas. Plus, during the consultation period, they won't move forward with the project unless the client is ready.

5. Janine Stone

Luxury is the specialist of Janine Stone & Co. You can expect sophisticated and elegant spaces from them. Their studio helps clients visualize their new residential space through mood boards, CGI, and illustrations. And once any client gives their seal of approval to push through with the project, Janine Stone and her studio will build the space.

6. Afroditi

If you're going for a luxurious commercial space for your hospitality business, Afroditi is one interior design consultancy to consider. The consultancy ensures that they provide one-of-a-kind designs for their clients. Plus, they aim to give their client's customers a wonderful experience in their restaurants or hotels.

7. Leanne Bunnell Interiors

Based in Canada, Leanne Bunnell Interiors will provide full-service interior design work for their clients, starting from the consultation up to the construction. Leanne Bunnell herself will talk to the client about how to design or renovate the space and make it homey and comfortable. The assessment takes two hours to complete, and the client can decide if they want to push through with the design project.

8. Geyer

Geyer Interior Design prides itself on intelligent consulting. To them, intelligent consulting is asking the right questions to the client and ensuring that they think ahead. And Geyer aims to have a creative partnership with their client, resulting in meaningful and positive outcomes. They have a full-service interior design consultancy, including the following services:

• Space and master planning
• Environmental graphics and wayfinding
• Conceptual, detail, and schematic design
• 3D visualization and VR
• BIM Management
• Services coordination
• Full documentation and specification services

9. Shed Interior Design

Shed is another interior design consultancy focused on providing interior design work for leading companies worldwide. They have more than 20 years of experience and completed projects worldwide. And to ensure a customized interior, they discuss the project with the client by identifying problems and solutions for their design concerns. Plus, whenever they think of designs, they're innovative, creative, and original.

10. Elliot James

Elliot James is an interior design consultancy with offices in London and Singapore. Their consultancy can help clients with their design needs by letting them answer a questionnaire first. According to the interior design consultancy, the questionnaire includes queries regarding their client's behavior, lifestyle, and preference to know them better. 

Once filled out, they return with an in-depth proposal with a timeline to ensure to keep themselves on track during the project. And you can be sure that when you choose Elliot James, they'll be there for you every step of the way. Plus, they have experts that will realize your interior design vision.

Final Thoughts

Most interior design consultancies have made the mark locally and internationally through their roster of prestigious clients. They bring invaluable experience to the table and will help homeowners and business owners achieve their dreams of getting their new space. That said, you want to make sure you're ready to tap an interior design consultancy when you need full-service interior design work. But if you only need design ideas from professionals, you can rely on design services like Spencil to help you out with your design needs.

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Featured Image: Photo by Yolk CoWorking - Krakow on Unsplash

If you're looking to design your home or office and wondering who to go to, it pays to hire the cr�me de la cr�me. Here are the top ten interior design firms in the US for 2022.

1. Gensler

Founded by Art Gensler, this American interior design firm is one of the largest architecture/design firms in the world. The company's operating principle is to blur distinctions between architecture and interiors. Their design strategy is creating high ceilings, upgraded bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, better indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.

Gensler holds its headquarters in San Francisco but has 50 offices in 10 regions, 28 practice areas, and more than 5,800 team members. They are ranked #1 worldwide and have a reported 2021 design fee of $545.69 million.

2. Jacobs Engineering Group

More than just an interior design firm, Jacobs Engineering Group provides engineering, technical, professional, and construction services. The company's mission is to create a more innovative, connected, and sustainable world. Their clients from across the globe can testify to this as they are ranked #2 in 2022's Interior Design Top 100 Giants.

They are headquartered in Dallas and has 120 offices located throughout the US. They have worked with governments and businesses in more than 50 countries. The company's design fees for 2022 reached $308.27 million.

3. Perkins&Will

Aiming to provide a positive difference in the world,Perkins&Will believes that design can inspire, uplift, and strengthen community spirit. Their mission of putting their clients at the heart of everything they do has done wonders for the firm. Their designs focus on resilience, responsiveness, and excitement.

Their clients seem to agree. The firm's design fees for 2021 have reached $188.00 million. They have more than 20 offices across four continents. Their head office in Chicago lets them cater to their clients from all over the world.

4. AECOM

Taking pride in being hailed as the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, AECOM's vision is to make the world a better place. Their architecture and design arm has worked for Fortune 500 companies and big named brands such as NASA, Unilever, Sony Music, DirecTV, and Box, Inc. They have integrated their high-performance design strategy with sustainable solutions.

Also headquartered in Dallas, AECOM has 90 offices throughout the US and across the globe. It has more than 400 staff and reported $184.21 million in design fees in 2021.

5. HOK

An award-winning design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm, HOK aims to inspire its clients and communities. They do this by providing design solutions with technical excellence, imagination, and sustainability. It was founded in 1955 and is the largest U.S.-based architecture-engineering firm and the fourth-largest interior design firm in 2018.

As early as 1983, HOK has been using technology to create conceptual architectural designs. They have 1,600 people on its staff working in a network of 25 offices across the globe. Their design fees for 2021 amounted to $151.29 million.

6. IA Interior Architects

A global architecture, design, strategy, and specialization firm, IA Interior Architects is an employee-owned firm. The firm's philosophy revolves around working together as a cohesive organization. The company focuses exclusively on interiors offering services such as strategic planning, interior architecture, and design.

IA Interior Architects has 21 offices in key cities in the US, with head offices in San Francisco. Founded in 1984, this top interior design firm has come a long way, reporting a 2021 design fee of $128.80 million.

7. NELSON Worldwide

Another award-winning design company, NELSON Worldwide, offers interior design, architecture, graphic design, and brand strategy services. Like many on this list of the top interior design firms in the US, NELSON also strives to provide to create an impact on their clients' lives and environments through strategic and creative solutions.

The firm's network involves more than 800 people in 20 offices. They deliver their services to clients across the country and around the world. As of 2021, their design fees have reached $110.58 million.

8. CannonDesign

An architecture, design, engineering, and consultation firm, CannonDesign is a global company. They have clients in a wide array of industries, including corporate headquarters, hospitals and medical facilities, hotels, and academic buildings, to name a few. It was named one of the ten most innovative architecture firms in the world by Fast Company in 2017 and 2019. 

CannonDesign was founded in 1945 in New York, where they are still headquartered. The employee-owned interior design firm has more than 1,100 team members in 16 offices worldwide. In 2021, they had a reported $110.00 million in design fees.

9. HBA International

The largest hospitality design firm in the world, HBA International, has headquarters in Santa Monica. This interior design firm's most notable projects include Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut, and Trump International Hotel, Washington DC. Their 57 years of hotel designs have resulted in more than 2,000 completed projects in more than 80 countries.

This award-winner employs over 1,200 designers from across the globe. They have 24 offices worldwide and have reported a $103.51 million design fess in 2021.

10. HDR

Aside from interior design, HDR offers engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction services. Its notable projects include the Roslin Institute building, the Hoover Dam Bypass, and the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. One of its advocacies is to build beautiful and high-performing structures with its diverse talents of designers, scientists, economists, builders, analysts, and artists.

In 2021 alone, HDR has received multiple awards in building, engineering, and construction. The firm has one of the most numbers of employees, with over 11,000 working in more than 200 offices around the world. Its 2021 design fees amounted to $101.46 million.

Final Thoughts

The interior design industry has experienced challenges in the past few years. Looking at the numbers of how these companies have grown, it seems that the industry is fast gaining its tracks back. This list of the top ten interior design firms in the US is growing, and improving the lives of their clients here and across the globe is a testament to this.

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Featured Image: Photo by LYCS Architecture on Unsplash

Are you looking to refresh your home or business with a new interior design? That's great news! But what might be stressful is figuring out how to get started. The process can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

Online interior design services are important for homes and businesses of every size, shape, and scope. They help you understand the possibilities for your space, show you some ideas about what could work best, and lead the way through the process of making it happen. An expert in interior design has extensive training in all things relating to designing the inside of an establishment from top to bottom. Here is more information on interior design services and how they can help you in your renovation project, big or small!

1. Spencil

Let's start with the obvious Spencil is the number one online interior design service for businesses. Ask any business owner, and they'll tell you that hiring an interior designer can be complicated, not to mention expensive. We make interior design services simple, enjoyable, and affordable.

Our pro designers can render stunning 3D designs of your space, allowing you to see the actual plan of your envisioned design. You'll also get to work with a dedicated team of experts who know psychology-backed interior design very well. Best of all, we have a 30-day guarantee, offering 100 percent satisfaction or your money back.

2. Havenly

No matter your space's size, you can count on Havenly to get the job done. To start, you have to take a style questionnaire. Once you complete their style quiz, you get three designs from one designer. Plus, you get a shopping courier service so you can buy decor and furniture via the firm. However, Havenly does not accept renovations for kitchens or bathrooms.

3. Pottery Barn

This interior design services list wouldn't be complete without Pottery Barn. You can avail of their services by setting an appointment with their design team free of charge. Then, Pottery Barn will connect you with its virtual decorators to help you translate your vision to life. After that, they will assemble all the items you need to finalize the room design. From here, you're free to buy them straight from the Pottery Barn store. 

4. Decorist

Decorist also offers interior redesign services for your home. Simply choose a room package and send images of it to the design team. Depending on your service tier, you get to work with celebrity interior designers or up-and-coming newbies. Once you've matched with your designer, they will provide you with two mood boards to choose from. From here, you can provide feedback on the designs and finalize the look.

5. Spacejoy

Spacejoy is another digital interior design studio that you shouldn't miss. It gives virtual interior design suggestions for every room in your home, except for the kitchens and bathrooms. Simply start by uploading images of your room to their portal, answer an initial form, and complete other requirements. You'll get two design mockups and a number of free revisions. Plus, shopping lists are curated for each client, so you don't have to spend hours finding the right decor match. 

6. Decorilla

Like Spacejoy, Decorilla requires its users to fill out a questionnaire to check their design preferences. Clients also need to detail their budget and design specifics during this stage. Once you have chosen your preferred interior, you'll be able to finalize the design with 3D renders, a designated color palette, a floor plan, and a layout. Decorilla offers discounts when you buy furniture from their store, so it's great for people looking to redecorate their place in a hurry.  

7. Collov

On the other hand, Collov has online interior design services that boast affordable prices across all its packages. Once you avail of their service, you immediately get to complete their style quiz. Afterward, you get 2D mood boards to check if you love your new space. You can get a redesign service for free if you don't love it. The best part is once the design is done, you get to shop for the decor in Collov and have it shipped to your door. 

8. roomLift

RoomLift also lets you take a simple design quiz to check your preferences. Unlike other firms, roomLift only has one in-house designer, founder Megan Hersch. You'll be working with her top-notch online interior design services, which include measuring your interiors and creating a custom design for them. By the end of the process, you'll be given a design portfolio with some color swatches and other design references so you can shop and install items by yourself. 

9. Showhomes

Meanwhile, Showhomes provides an all-around makeover for your home. You can schedule consultations with their in-house design team to evaluate your space. From there, the designers will help you find trends, pick color schemes, and suggest layouts. Showhomes can even conduct home stagings for your reference. Because of this, it's perfect for people looking to upgrade their homes. But, it's also a reliable service for realtors who want an interior design home staging to close sales. 

10. The Expert

The Expert is one of the best online interior design services for consultations. If you aren't sure what your vision is, you can book a call with their top designers to get an expert eye to look over your designs. A standard consultation with their top designers lasts for 55 minutes. Now, unlike other services, The Expert won't execute designs, recommend items, or purchase decor. They are a purely advice-based platform. Because of this, it's suitable for homeowners who already know what they want. 

Tips for choosing an online interior design service

There are a few things you should know before hiring an online interior design service. First, determine if you need an interior designer at all. Many people assume that hiring a designer is a necessity, but that is not always true. 

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before deciding if interior design services are right for you: Do you have a clear vision of how you want your space to look? If not, do you have the time and patience to develop a clear vision? Are you working on a strict budget?

Having an experienced professional on your team can help you make your dollars go further. Are you working on a strict timeline? A designer can help you stay on track. If you answered yes to any of these questions, an interior designer might be right for you.

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Featured Image: Photo by Max Vakhtbovycn from Pexels

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Have you moved into a new living space or reorganized your home or office space? It's always best to find an interior designer for these recent changes. After all, they have the expertise and experience to design living and office spaces. And if you want to know how to find an interior designer, here are four options to choose from. But before that, here are some reasons why you will need to hire an interior designer.

Why Should You Hire Interior Designers

You Can Save Time and Money

It's easy to think that doing it yourself wouldn't cost as much. However, you could break the bank if you don't hire an interior designer to spruce up your living, office, or retail space. That said, you can save time and money by hiring a professional interior designer.

For one, you don't have to worry about every little detail, like color, design style, or furniture, to add to your living or office space. Plus, if you hire an interior designer, especially an established one in your city or state, you can save money through the connections and resources they have at their disposal. Plus, they will do their best to stay on budget too.

Interior Designers Can Capture Your Personal Style

You might have a vision of what your space should look like, but an interior designer can achieve that and do so much more! Since they have more experience with designing, they'll know which pieces would work well together, what colors will match, and how to make your space functional while making it look good. And they'll ensure to keep the aesthetic or vibe you want.

It Will Be Less Stressful

Moving into a new home or reorganizing isn't an easy feat. It can take a toll on you and become stressful to you, especially with the added responsibilities of your already hectic life. An interior designer can save you from the stress of designing a new home while you work on managing your day-to-day life. Plus, think of the interior designer as part of your home or office design team. You can collaborate with them and let them take the lead on the design project.

How to Find an Interior Designer

1. Freelance Websites

Freelance interior designers are one of the most affordable options for many business owners and homeowners on a budget. It's easier to find them now via freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr. Most of the interior designers on these sites charge by the hour, and you can expect rates as low as $15/hr. Since they're freelancers, the only deliverables you will receive are their drawings, renders, and mood boards.

2. Interior Design Websites

Although many interior design websites will give you design inspirations or ideas, some of these websites have a dedicated interior designer directory. The directory lists both well-known and new interior designers.

Unlike freelancers, professional interior designers may provide full-service work from consultation to staging. That said, they might charge higher rates than freelancers.

3. Interior Design Companies or Firms

One of the most popular options in getting designs for your home or office is interior design companies. Many of these interior design companies have made their mark locally, state-wide, or even globally. You can rely on them if you need more than just designs. They have a full-service option where on top of the design consultation, they can also stage your home based on their proposed designs.

That said, their services might be steeper than most professionals or freelance interior designers. But you can trust them to help you from start to finish and even get help from contractors to achieve the look they designed for your home, office, or retail space.

4. Online Interior Design Services

Online interior design services are emerging as alternatives to interior design companies or sought-after interior designers with high fees. Some homeowners or business owners are switching to online interior design services because it's more affordable and they have faster turnaround rates.

Plus, you don't have to worry about interviewing your interior designer before hiring them. These services have hired the best interior designers all over the world to provide you with the best designs for your home or office. Spencil is an interior design service, and if you're interested, you can get a quote here.

Final Thoughts

It's so much easier to find an interior designer nowadays.  After all, you're given so many options online with the touch of a button. Even though you're presented with a ton of options, it's good to do your research before choosing the first few options online. 

You want to ensure you're choosing the right interior designer, service, or company to make your home cozier or your office space even more comfortable for your employees. Plus, they can even make your retail space much more enticing for visitors.

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Featured Image: Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

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If you're aiming to design your new home or redesign an existing one, a professional interior designer is what you need. Here are the top ten professional interior design companies to check out in the coming year.

What Does a Professional Interior Designer Do?

An interior designer is a professional that creates aesthetically pleasing houses, rooms, and spaces. They work for their clients, who are homeowners, entrepreneurs, office managers, furniture companies, and many others. Their main concern is to design an attractive, functional, and safe space.

They can work as individuals or in an interior design firm. They are trained to create a design that takes paints, furniture, lighting, and other concerns into a cohesive and appealing look. 

The Top 10 Professional Interior Design Companies You Need to Check Out

1. Decorilla Interior Design Firm

An award-winning interior design company, Decorilla Interior Design Firm has top designers working for them. These designers are scattered over 25 key cities in the US to make it convenient for their clients. Their work includes a wide variety of styles, from luxury homes to casual coffee shops. 

This interior design company's diverse talents have led them to international fame. Their works have been in a few major publications, such as The New York Times, Huffington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.

2. Interior Architects

Another global-level professional interior design company, Interior Architects, designs spaces with the interior architect mindset. Their work leans toward radical ideas, aiming to find creative solutions to enhance their clients' interiors. One of their advocacies is to design with sustainability in mind. 

 One of their main focuses is to create dynamic and vibrant environments. Their team of interior designers, architects, strategists, and specialists work on the commitment to providing creativity, innovation, and growth.

3. Bates Masi + Architects

Looking at their website's landing pages, Bates Masi + Architects' works are simply breathtaking. This comes as no surprise as they have been in the business for over 50 years. Their main objective has been and will always be to enrich the lives and enhance the environment of their clients.

You can find their designs in homes, schools, hotels, restaurants, and many other places. Since 2003, they have received 217 design awards. Their work was featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, The New York Times, and many others.

4. Alyssa Kapito Interiors

Earning a reputation for bespoke designs, Alyssa Kapito Interiors; works emphasize elegant and clean lines. This professional interior design firm has worked on various establishments, including a pre-war apartment, a chic family home, and a modern beach house. 

Alyssa Kapito has recently been added to "Elle Decor A-list," a prestigious list of global interior designers. The firm's work can be seen in House Beautiful, Vogue, The New York Times, and many other significant publications. 

5. S.R. Gambrel

If you're looking for opulence, elegance, and luxury, S.R. Gambrel is your professional interior design firm. Founder Steven Gambrel is one of the most influential designers in residential interiors. He is known for his meticulous work in both residential and commercial commissions.

Gambrel's most notable works have been featured in House Beautiful, Town & Country, Elle Dcor, and New York Magazine, to name a few. His designs mainly focus on highly customized interiors with stunning architectural details.

6. Tsao & McKown

Despite its strong Asian influence, Tsao & McKown's works include diverse design styles. Their design principle is "technology meets traditional methods of fabrication." This means they strive to use their global experience to uplift local cultures and contexts. 

These college classmates have produced work for residential, commercial, and other interior and architectural projects. Their designs can be found in The New York Times, Interior Design Magazine, Architectural Digest, and many others.

7. Champalimaud Design

If you think heritage and contemporary wouldn't be a good mix, Champalimaud Design will change your mind. This New York-based design studio is an expert in creating bespoke luxury environments. Their award-winning work includes designs for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and so much more. 

Their international experience, partnered with a diverse team, enables them to design with history and modernism in mind. You can find more of their work in publications such as Town & Country, Architectural Digest, Traveler, and House Beautiful, to name a few.

8. Hariri & Hariri

Slowly but surely gaining ground in the interior design scene is Hariri & Hariri. This professional interior design firm was founded by sisters Gisue and Mojgan in 1986. The scope of their work includes master plans, interiors, architecture, and furniture design, among others.

Hariri & Hariri was given the Academy Award in Architecture and was inducted into the Design Hall of Fame. Their work has been featured in Leading Architects, Decade of Design, Contemporary Muslin Fashions, and many others.

9. Urbanology Designs

While many strive for perfection, Urbanology Designs want to be known for its exciting and personalized works. Its mission is to create functional spaces yet something that reflects the client's persona. The designers strive to think outside the box and break free from the "normal."

This interior design company blends warm urban with minimalistic modern design so strikingly well. You can find their works in Architecture Today, HGTV Magazine, and many others.

10. Kelly Behun Studio

If you want playful and arty in your home interiors, Kelly Behun Studio is the design partner you need. Their designs are described as intensely unique. This earns owner Kelly Behun the title "interior designer with the eye of a gallerist."

This interior design studio creates spaces that appeal most to its clientele. This, is instead of following what others think of as the norm. Its works have been featured in House & Garden, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and many more.

Final Thoughts

Interior design is more than just scattering pieces of furniture and decor items around a house. It is about finding the right place for the suitable object. It is concerned with the appropriate colors, lights, and other fixtures while adding aesthetic value. This is no small feat, the very reason we need a professional interior design company.

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Featured Image Credits: Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

You might be thinking of redecorating or renovating your home. You're thinking of hiring a professional to do it. However, you're confused when finding out that an interior designer differs from an interior decorator. So, which is which? Let's find out what the many differences are between interior design vs decorating.

What is Interior Design?

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) defines it as the science, art, and business of "planning of a creative, technical, sustainable, and functional interior solution that corresponds to the architecture of a space." It is the practice of enhancing and beautifying an interior of a house or building. It deals with creating an equally functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Who is an Interior Designer?

An interior designer is one who creates plans, does research, coordinates, and manages these enhancement undertakings. They carefully study their clients' homes and living spaces. They do this to provide them with creative, sustainable, and functional designs that align with the structure of the area and the clients' preferences.

What Schooling and Training Must an Interior Designer Have?

Interior designers must undergo specific schooling and formal training to qualify. They are trained to understand color, fabric, furniture design, architecture, drawing, and computer-aided designs, among many others. Interior designers typically apprentice with an established design company before venturing independently.

What Credentials Do Interior Designers Have?

Some states require professional interior designers to pass a qualifying exam to be able to work as one. Once they pass, they have to register with the governing body that handles the department. Take note that some states do not require a license for interior designers. It's better to check the situation in your area first.

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

Aside from those mentioned above, an interior designer designs and renovates interiors. They draw initial floor plans, execute them, and place the decorations. Their main concern is to enhance the look and function of a space.

Who Does an Interior Designer Work With?

Interior designers work with architects, contractors, and anyone involved with the construction. Of course, they work closely with the clients to ensure that they get the distinct look they're going for.

What is Interior Decorating?

Interior designing and decorating are two different disciplines. While many think of the two as the same, they are different in many ways. To put it simply, interior decoration is furnishing a space with beautiful and stylish decorations, furniture, and other details. It is the art of beautifying and embellishing an existing home or office space.

Who is an Interior Decorator?

Interior decorators are more concerned with aesthetics than functionality. Their focus is on visual properties such as color scheme, styling, texture, and other similar specifics. In essence, they do less than what you can expect from an interior designer.

What Schooling and Training Must an Interior Decorator Have?

As interior decorators are not involved in renovations or structural planning, they aren't required to have formal training. Only when the planning and execution of the structure are complete can an interior decorator start work. That said, their concern is on the surface look alone.

What Credentials Do Interior Decorators Have?

An interior decorator can start working even without schooling. However, short courses are available if they want to be more competitive. These training courses teach fabric, color, space planning, furniture styles, and many others.

What Does an Interior Decorator Do?

An interior decorator goes into a room and adds details that would make it pleasing to their clients. They add suitable color carpets, place the sofa where it's best situated, and perform many other beautifying tasks. They can also redesign an existing space and provide the best color scheme or find the most suitable furniture for the room.

Who Does an Interior Decorator Work With?

Interior decorators do not work with architects and contractors like interior designers. Since they come on board after all the structural construction is over, they work directly with the clients. 

Who Should I Hire: Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator

Now that you know the various differences between an interior designer and a decorator, you'd know who you should hire. This will all depend on what your requirements and goals are. If it would involve structural changes such as wall removal, rewiring of your electricals, or adding a new window, an interior designer is the one to should contact.

Interior designers will know how to work and communicate directly with architects and builders. They can help plan for and implement significant structural changes. Again, they are concerned with beautifying your space, but they also have the training to work with renovations.

On the other hand, an interior decorator is the person you need if you aren't looking to install a new door. If all you need is a professional eye to see if the design on your mind will work, then a decorator is your best option. An interior decorator will help you choose the best curtains for that French door or lighting fixture to brighten up your room.

Do note that the differences between an interior designer and a decorator does not end here. Expect an interior designer to charge more than an interior decorator. They have spent on getting their training and licenses, so it's only natural that they will demand higher pay.

According to Home Advisor, an interior designer can charge $6,500 on average. They have an average hourly rate of $50 to $200. Meanwhile, hiring an interior decorator can cost between $2,000 to $11,300, and an hourly rate of $50 to $150. These are a few considerations you should consider when hiring an interior designer or a decorator.

Conclusion

To get the best service for your home or office, it pays to know what your needs are, what will fit your budget, and what you want to accomplish. This way, you can determine which professional you need to hire, an interior designer or an interior decorator. 

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Featured Image Credits: Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash

Designing a space can become a challenging feat, especially for non-designers. After all, you have to consider many rules or elements to ensure that you have a functional and beautiful space. Before you embark on this design journey, what are things to know about interior design before talking to an expert interior designer or doing it yourself?

What Beginners Should Know About Interior Design

Before we get to the things to know about interior design, here are the basics that many expert interior designers follow when they design residential or commercial spaces.

• Color
• Line
• Balance
• Harmony
• Texture
• Scale
• Contrast
• Variety
• Focal Point
• Mass
• Form

Things to Know About Interior Design

1. Get Inspiration

If you want to start designing your home or office space, the best thing to do is find inspiration first. You may have a vision of what your space will look like, and that's good! But it's best practice to check out other spaces for inspiration. You'll get an idea of how furniture is arranged and what colors and pieces to use.

2. Choose a Focal Point

One important step in designing your space is choosing a focal point. This is the area of your room where you'll start putting the pieces together. The focal point DOESN'T have to be the center of a room. It can be near the window or in a corner. That said, you can even put the main piece on that focal point.

3. Put It Into Paper

Don't let your vision of your space get stuck in your head. Start making it happen by putting it into paper. It doesn't have to be paper, but you can use a software to plan your space. By having the design on paper or software, the space you want is tangible, and all you need to do now is make it come to life.

4. Be Practical

It can be tempting to splurge on furniture, decor, or pieces that you think will look good in your home or office. However, you want to be practical at all costs. If you're redesigning your bedroom, you can invest in a bed. After all, you don't only want a beautiful room, but you want a comfortable bed as well. Another piece of furniture to invest in is a couch, whether it's for your home or office. You want one that's comfy and functional. Both of these pieces are large and can catch someone's eye. That's why it's good to spend more on these.

5. Learn How to Layer

Layering is one aspect that interior designers use to make a space look cohesive. And layering is all about putting together everything and making sure everything �fits.� One element of layering is colors. With colors, you want to ensure that the colors match well or it's part of the same color palette or hue.

Another important element to layer is flooring. You might be preoccupied with all your pieces that you may have forgotten about the floor. With the floor, you want to choose suitable tiles or materials to ensure the whole space looks good.

Finally, the most important element to layer is the decor, such as artwork, rugs, or curtains. With decor, you can mix decor up with texture, shapes, or colors. Decor can be the best indicator of your preferences, but you don't have to go crazy with it.

6. Consider Lighting

One thing we may forget when designing a space is lighting. We've been caught up in designing the actual space that we would overlook how light can illuminate or disrupt the space. Make use of your windows when designing your space. Plus, invest in good lights that will give the space a cozy or comforting look. 

7. Talk to An Expert

You don't have to do the interior designing all by yourself. An expert can help you understand better why certain pieces may not go together. Or why having certain furniture will go well with this color. They can provide recommendations and suggestions to you. Plus, they will do their best to add your preferences to your desired space. Even though they have presented some great ideas on how to make the space better, you call the shots on it.

Interior Design Styles or Ideas

Homeowners or business owners have the luxury of choosing from the best interior design style that best fits their budget and taste. But what are some styles you can integrate into your home or office space?

• Minimalist
• Rustic
• Traditional
• Contemporary
• Modern
• Mid-Century
• Industrial
• Scandinavian
• Mediterranean
• Boho
• Japandi
• Nautical or coastal
• Art Deco
• Chic

But how do you achieve any of those interior design styles? Interior designers will use decors, colors, and pieces to execute any of these styles. For example, if you want a boho space or your home office, you can add indoor plants to your home. Plus, you can add neutral furniture to achieve the look.

And if you need interior design inspiration, Spencil has some design or decor ideas for your room, home office, spa, restaurant, or nail salon. And if you need professional help in designing your space, Spencil can certainly provide designs for your home, office, or retail space! You can start by requesting a quote here.

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Featured Image Credits: Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash