Working with interior designers

There are misconceptions about the services and costs of interior designers; that they only create designs for those with lots of money and certain tastes in style. I believe in changing people’s views and hope that these interior design frequently asked questions help to dispel some of the myths about interior designers and explain how we can work together.

Of course if you have a question that isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to help.

At what stage should I get an interior designer involved in a renovation project?
As soon as you can so that we can ensure that all the interior design implications are considered.  I can work with architects and builders to make sure fundamental elements of the design are considered from the start.  This can mean spending less and avoiding decisions you may later regret.  This could be as simple as considering the room layout, lighting, storage solutions or simply where a door is placed.

Can an interior designer save you money?
Most homeowners who use an interior designer find that investing in an interior designer at the right time actually saves them money because everything is done right the first time! All clients have different budgets and Loke Interiors’ packages provide options for those with different size budgets. I can also be hired to create a bespoke package to work within your budget.

Is it worth using an interior designer?
Many people find it difficult to decide which direction they want to take a room stylistically and/or are limited to what they can find on the High Street. Others simply don’t have the time and inclination. Interior designers can accomplish your interior design dreams giving you a well-designed space you are proud of and where you and your family and friends can relax, be happy and make memories. That seems like a great investment, doesn’t it?

Interior designers just make thinks look pretty
Interior designers are trained to work with architecture through the history of design, spatial and light planning, and in the fundamentals of design, such as colour, pattern, texture and balance… this means interior designers can create practical solutions and inspire their clients which result in a design that is perfect for you.

How long does a design scheme take?
This depends on the scope and size of the project. Once we have met and I have gathered the brief I will be able to estimate the time required to complete the design work. I will be able to give you a more definitive timetable once the client agreement is signed and will keep you informed every step of the way to ensure we meet your required timeline. I only take on a select number of clients at anyone time to ensure that I am able to give each client the time they need and that I can meet deadlines for everyone.

Interior designers make you get rid of everything and start from scratch
As a trained designer I can work with pre-existing elements that you may wish to keep and will make recommendations about what will work best with the design and space. Lots of clients aren’t starting from scratch so I am used to working around key pieces or elements of a space that cannot change. You will still be surprised how a space can be transformed even with some elements remaining.

What hidden costs are there?
Loke Interiors prides itself on being transparent about its pricing strategy and so if you purchase one of the packages the price you pay is the price you see and confirmed in the final quote. In the final quote you are sent it will outline the number of amends that are built into the package price and if it takes us longer than expected to agree the perfect design and more amends are required these are charged at my hourly rate but only after us agreeing that first.

I can also provide a sourcing (shopping) and project management service with your contractors.  You can find more about this here.

When are payments due?
When you are sent the client agreement and the quote you will see the payment terms clearly explained. But generally speaking you will be invoiced at a number of stages over the course of the project with a deposit required at point of engagement.

Can you work with any budget?
Loke Interiors are transparent about the cost of the packages available so you can easily decide if you can afford the design services. With regard to the budget for the physical realisation of your project then generally I can work with most budgets and would discuss this with you in our initial phone consultation to ensure that your budget is realistic.

How do you charge?
Loke Interiors believe it is really important that you understand what is involved in working with an interior designer and how much it costs. Therefore there are a number of packages on offer with fixed prices for you to choose from.

I can also charge by the hour for bespoke packages, details of which can be found here 

How do I figure out my budget?
The budget you want to spend on your space is a personal decision and I can work within the boundaries of your budget, if you are upfront about that from the first meeting. If you don’t have a number in mind I can help guide you to determine a realistic budget for your space and will be sure to stay within that scope. You can get an idea of how much my interior design services costs my exploring my pages.

What happens if problems arise during our working relationship?
Loke Interiors believes in finding a solution for every situation. I will always do my best to mitigate any issues by keeping your project organised, being transparent, and acting quickly to address any issue that should arise, along with providing potential solutions. It is important that as a client you are open and honest with your feedback and thoughts so we can prevent any issues occurring or nip them in the bud early on.

What happens if I don’t like your design ideas?
During our initial phone consultation and subsequent briefing meeting we will go through a comprehensive questionnaire where I am able to fully understand your ideas, design wishes and aspirations. This is the most important aspect of Loke Interiors design process to ensure a fully personalised and bespoke service for each customer so it is really important you are open and honest.

I understand you may not know exactly what you want or be able to articulate it, that’s why you have contacted me for help. I always recommend that clients collect reference images or use my image library to help me understand your style preferences. The more information you give me the more aligned to your taste my designs will be. Of course, if when I present the concepts you don’t like them we would talk about what changes need to be made and provide alternative solutions and this is factored into the design process.

I am not sure from your portfolio if you would work with my design style?
Loke Interiors are excited to work on projects from all design styles and on all ages of property. The portfolio images and those on social media are just a small selection of the work I have designed over time. From country cottage to minimalist town house and everything in between, including themed children’s bedrooms.

During our consultations with each other I will ask you a lot of questions about what you want your space to look and feel like and what your design tastes are to work out the best design for your personality and space. Every client is different and that is what makes my job so much fun!