Over the next 12 months, we will be welcoming some of our region’s brightest interior talents to share their expertise with you. From joiners, to upholsters and bathroom specialists, we will have everything you’ll need to start your home project fully equipped.
In the first of our blogs, we have invited Interiors of Ilkley to help us ‘cut to the chase’ when looking for the best fitted furniture designers and joiners for your project, with the top five questions to have on the tip of your tongue when looking for the best supplier.
Interiors of Ilkley are a team of two, a furniture designer and furniture installer. They have been working together, designing and installing bespoke furniture for the past 15 years within a range of budgets, many of the projects with us at AMC Design.
Greg & Marcus of Interior of Ilkley
Can the designer actually provide you with what you want?
This is a question that should be considered and rarely is. There are companies who have a narrow, more specific offering, and others that cover all projects. It’s important that the company or designer you’re talking with are the right specialist for your project.
For example, you had a kitchen installed previously and the company did a good job. You ask them to design you a media wall. They may not be specialists in media walls but they will want to keep you as a customer, so they will find a way to ‘get it done’. But this isn’t always the ideal for you as a client. It’s important to ask to see previous examples of projects and the associated designs to ensure they have enough experience to provide you with exactly what you want.
Can the company do all parts of your project?
Let’s take the media wall as an example which is more than just the fitted furniture – it also includes the electrics such as sockets in the right place, perfect lighting solutions or a beautiful fireplace. Who is connecting up all the multimedia devices and running the cables? Does the company provide all of these products and fit them? If not, you’ll need to provide an electrician, fire installer and specify the products you want and where they need to go yourself. Do not underestimate the complexity of this.
The best scenario is to work with a company who can provide you with a full solution to get the job to completion.
Have you thought about your budget?
Deciding on a budget ahead of any first meeting is crucial. Being honest with the company or designer from the offset will save you both time. Although it is important to have a budget figure in mind, it will be your designer and their experience that will be able to give you an accurate estimation of the true cost of the project.
Does the quote and design work include everything you’ve asked for?
You’ve met with your preferred supplier and talked through your requirements. You get sent designs and a quote. Make sure that when you receive these, the entirety of your project has been specified, for example:
- Are you certain that the material matches what you’ve asked for, is it the right finish or colour? Do you have a sample to ensure it is correct?
- Is the lighting accounted for, what colour are they e.g. warm white/cool white.
Details such as these and many more are often overlooked, so it is important to be thorough.
Have you thought about what you would like your project to look like?
Before talking to any suppliers, be sure of your visions. Search the internet for images – Pinterest is great for this. Create a library of images of these and have a think about why you like them. It could be as simple as, the door colour, or maybe it is the feeling the image gives you, due to lighting of the room. Having an idea of what your finished project will look like will help you and the designer get it right.
If you’re interested in more information on starting your own project, please contact us here.