Do I need an interior designer? I get asked this question from time to time. Not everyone’s situation is the same, but in most cases, a designer can ease your stress by keeping the project organized, efficient, and in line with your design goals. Which type can you relate to the most?
Mom #1: You know what you want when you see it and can’t walk away from HomeGoods without a key find.
You’ve started a project and bought a few things you love. You are now finding that something feels off. There are so many instances where people have a mish-mash of things they purchased, but they just don’t all go together in the same room. The project started in the middle, and now it’s getting out of control. It’s not easy to say no to an impulse purchase, but it leads to a more cohesive design approach. A designer will figure out the best plan with the purchases you made, edit where possible, and pull the design vision together for a cohesive look. Being patient isn’t easy, but waiting to purchase and utilizing your designer for key items will pay off.
Mom #2: You are hesitant to hire help because you worry designers will strong-arm you into a different design direction or into purchasing expensive custom-only pieces. You had a bad experience, and it’s tough to trust again.
Finding someone that will relate to your needs and take your goals to heart is vital to success. It’s your house after all! The design process should be tailored to you and not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Not every designer will be the right fit, so finding someone that will listen and be upfront is a great starting point. Your honest feedback on realistic budgets allows the designers to focus on the appropriate pieces. You should never feel pressured into buying anything. Allowing a designer to stretch their creativity can produce some amazing results, but only if you both have spoken about the perimeters at the beginning. 
Mom #3: You have TOO many ideas, and you are in an endless cycle of indecision.
If you’re this kind of person, you need help eliminating the ideas that don’t fit the goals. Sometimes it’s just better to have a neutral third party deliver this message gently! It’s a big burden lifted when you can have an individual guide the way. Sure, Pinterest is a great site, but it can pull you in so many different directions. A designer will narrow down your options, stay with the vision created, and present several that will be realistic possibilities. They will save you lots of time and effort so you can focus on making choices to move the process along.
Mom #4: You look around your house and see the same color/pattern/style A LOT, but you don’t really love it as you did before.
There’s a level of comfort in picking the same color/pattern/style. You know you like it, and you know it will fit into the other similar aspects you have. But is it making your rooms flat? Do you find you always pick the same color? A designer can create interest by introducing new accent colors, mixing patterns, and adding layers to the foundation you started. 
Mom #5: You’re not afraid to make decisions, but you may make hasty decisions almost impulsively.
Some people get pulled in too many directions by salespeople in a showroom, and next thing they know, they have a bunch of tile that doesn’t fit the feel of the house….and they HATE IT in their home. How did they let this happen? It’s easy. The showroom salesperson is showing you lots of amazing products. They are all very popular and on-trend. BUT, is it right for your house or something you really like in the showroom? Does it achieve your design goals? Or did you just completely sabotage the entire concept, and now you’re heading in a radically different design direction? A designer can keep you on track and out of the weeds!
Mom #6: You and your spouse have very different styles and never seem to agree. You may even like different styles, and you can’t seem to pick one over the other.
Mixing styles isn’t easy. It’s particularly difficult when two people are polar opposites, let alone when you throw in a budget and deadlines! Designers can be a neutral voice of reason. A little give and take is also recommended, as compromise is the key to success here. Designers can find the right balance of different styles in a room, so in the end, you should see both of your personalities in your space. 
Mom #7: You’re worried the budget will be blown if you hire a designer.
Yes, it’s true – hiring a designer will cost money. It’s not something that should be an afterthought when you hit a snag in your project, though. It’s always best to hire before you start the process with an architect, especially so designers can be brought into the mix before major decisions are made. A designer should be a part of the overall budget, so you see realistic numbers, and you can make informed decisions. Fixing problems is an extra cost that typically could have been avoided. Designers add value by participating throughout the process and collaborating with other professionals on your team. Often, designers can save you money with creative solutions. 
Mom #8: You relocated, and now your new home isn’t the same style as your last.
First, congratulations on your move! Now you have some new challenges ahead and decisions to make. A designer will help with short-term fixes or long term overhauls. Working with a designer to bring your new home to life can help you settle in as quickly as possible by prioritizing your goals and budgets.
So how do you know what designer is right for you?
Do they listen to you or just yes you? Do they overpromise or give you the hard reality when needed? All those scenarios and more mentioned above, I’ve experienced with my clients. It’s not a one-size-fits-all profession!
By hiring someone you are comfortable with to guide you through the process, you will see they are your allies, advocates, researchers, fact-finders, treasure seekers, sounding boards, comfort providers, problem solvers, and cheerleaders. 
My value comes from the creative solutions made possible by seeking connections and relationships with artisans, artists, workrooms, trades, showrooms, and experts. This allows me to gather important information and advice from professionals for all sorts of dilemmas that we could face in a project. I love building unique teams that work well together. I’ll forever be grateful for industry experts that I utilize in projects for their expert opinions, reliable crews, and professionalism.
I find interior design is so exciting because it’s more than a room’s function or home’s architecture. It’s finding unique ways to curate a mood. It’s your house, and I’m respectfully humbled that you are bringing me into your lives to tell your story.
Hue Designs, LLC is an interior design firm dedicated to making the daunting process of interior design more accessible and less stressful. It takes its name from the most basic of design tools – the color wheel. A hue is a primary color in its purest form – the very foundation of color. Hue Designs believes every project begins with a solid design foundation, to which your personality and character are added by layering accents. Just as a hue can be made unique through nuanced shading and toning, your project will be uniquely you.
As owner and interior designer, Bethany Armstrong personally works alongside each client, listening to their needs and formulating plans that bring their ideas and wish lists to life. Whether you are looking to refresh a single room or remodel your entire home, Bethany can help solve design dilemmas while making the process fun. Layer by layer, your house becomes a home.
Be sure to check out her Instagram @hue_designs, Facebook @huedesignsllc, or website www.hue-designs.com. Feel free to reach out directly at [email protected] to discuss your next project.
