(And what an interior design consultant actually does!)
Okay, I’m writing this as an interior design consultant so I have included testimonials from clients to back up my claims! Interior design consultancy is so much more than someone making a pretty mood board and picking out a few pieces of furniture..
What design consultants are really offering you (as well as a kick-ass vision) is the chance to buy time.
Yes, DIY is awesome and brings a real sense of achievement but if you are short on time, impatient, prone to power cut-inducing arguments with your other half within 5 minutes of being inside an IKEA, or just simply don’t want the hassle then hiring a design consultant is definitely the way forward.
But, like, what exactly is a design consultant?
Let me explain!
First we’ll cover the design element.. paint samples, wallpaper/fabric swatches, hardware options.. this is all covered in the planning stages. I tend to start by preparing a few different concept examples to see if any resonate with you the first time we meet. If something jumps out at you we can then explore that concept/similar concepts in more detail. If you have your own ideas already and want to share your Pinterest boards with me ahead of the consultation this will help me get a good sense of what you like. If you don’t like anything you see that’s okay too! This first meeting gives me the chance to find out more about you, your household and what you love. I’ll then go away and put together a more considered set of options.
Then, we’ll talk about layout, what’s working, what isn’t, pain points and any general issues you might have with a particular space. I’ll go away and work out some solutions. At this point we’ll have a really good idea of the design style we like and what changes need to be made to maximise the space. We can then start talking about furniture and I will then prepare to source the items required.
Next, let’s talk about the big time-saver, the bit that really provides the value, the project-management.
Of course I start with a consultation and move on to producing pretty mood boards before nailing a concept; but I also take care of all aspects of design – big or small – so you only have to deal with one person – me!
Let’s say you are looking to revamp your guest bedroom, maybe you haven’t even touched it since you moved in to the property.. there could be electrical work that needs doing – new sockets, light fixtures that need moving.. there could then be dated, fitted wardrobes that need ripping out.. of course there’ll then be plastering and flooring and decorating and maybe even new joinery.. that’s now at least 5 people you have got to find, talk to, book in, pay and manage.
By hiring a consultant like me you will only need to deal with one person. I will project manage the whole lot. I have trusted tradesmen that I can recommend but I am more than happy to provide you with multiple quotes so you can rest assured that you are getting quality work for the best price. Throughout the process I will manage the diary and ensure the work is being done to the tightest schedule possible, as we all know home improvement work can be dusty, so I’ll make sure this is only for the shortest period time allows.
I’ll also manage payments so you are able to seamlessly pay invoices in one place instead of having to remember where you put that folded up piece of paper from the chippie 😉
All the while I’m sourcing that furniture and decor for you. Sending you links to pieces I think will work, hunting in shops to suit your style and budget – this can be anything from flea markets to antique shops to The Range! I’m happy to go wherever your design takes me!
So now we have our design concept in place, the contractors have all done their bits, the decorating is finished, the key items have been sourced and purchased at your own pace.. what now? Well the final part of the package is the styling.
I completely understand that renovating is not cheap. It requires budgeting and, more often than not, saving. I allow my consultancy fee to paid in three monthly payments, making it easier for you to afford the other financial aspects (contractors, furniture). You can go at your own pace when it comes to purchasing the furniture and decor, and when you’re done I will come round and style the space for you. It doesn’t matter if this is 6 months after we started. I will pop round, re-arrange, style and photograph the space for you so it is exactly how we imagined it in the concept production stage.
And that, is what I do!
How much do you charge for this life-changing, mind-bending, out-of-this-world service I hear you ask?
Right now I’m offering a special rate of £625+ VAT. This covers up to THREE rooms. That’s right. Unbelievable value for money. This rate is only available if you book before 1st September 2024.
I’m Sophie from Shag Interior and I specialise is maximalism design for both residential and commercial property. I’m based in Cannock but I cover the surrounding areas as far as Stoke. To find out more, book a consultation or find painting/decorating availability call me on 07811 379900 or email sophie@shaginterior.co.uk
Find out more about design consultancy and decorating services here