3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring an Interior Decorator
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When you move into a new home, it is common to have the urge to redecorate completely. To find just the right pieces and perfect the design style you desire you may want to hire a professional. Employing an interior decorator to help you with your new home décor might be a great idea, but it may not be the right idea for you. Here are three questions to ask yourself before hiring a professional.
1. How much redecorating are you planning to do?
Do you plan to redecorate the whole house, a couple main rooms, or are you really just looking for a new sofa and dining room table? Outlining what exactly you plan to use an interior decorator’s help for will help you determine if you need one or not. If you’re only looking for a few new pieces you can probably make a good decision using your own preferences and a bit of shopping around.
Visit different furniture stores and ask questions and advice from the designers or salespeople. You might be surprised to find how insightful they can be by simply looking at a picture of your home or room and suggesting solutions for the singular pieces you seek. If you’re redecorating the whole house and you want to start from scratch, help from an interior professional might be just the thing for you.
2. How much time do you have to shop?
Many people love visiting different furniture and home décor stores to see what’s out there. They want to try out different fabrics, sit on each sofa or test out each writing desk and dining table. Others either find this activity tedious or simply don’t have the time to put into finding the perfect pieces. Here’s where a professional comes in. If you don’t have time to shop, your interior decorator can help you narrow down your selections and bring you different fabrics, finishes and even whole items to try out before purchasing them. Sometimes the process can take a bit longer this way with more trial and error.
However, a professional can help negotiate trial periods or viewing opportunities with different dealers, so you don’t end up paying a bunch of restocking fees. With a pro you can make selections without having to be present for all of the shopping.
3. What is your budget?
You may want to redecorate your whole house, but do you have the budget to do so? Furthermore, do you have the budget to hire a professional to help? An interior decorator will typically charge you an hourly fee for their services, plus potential mark-up or commission fees on each furniture piece they help select and purchase.
It’s all a normal part of how the industry works, but the additional costs are something you need to consider when reviewing your budget. You may have enough money to purchase the furniture yourself, or even pay for white-glove service, but can you afford the additional help?
If you can hire a professional without sacrificing too much of your budget, it can be well worth it.
About the Author
Daniel Martin, Higgins Group Private Brokerage, Licensed in CT, Lic. #RES.6767971
With over two decades of experience in Connecticut real estate, Daniel Martin is a seasoned Realtor at Higgins Group Private Brokerage, renowned for his exceptional market insight and unwavering client dedication. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Daniel's deep roots in the community, coupled with his extensive professional background, provide an invaluable advantage to both buyers and sellers across Fairfield and New Haven Counties.
Daniel's distinguished career is marked by consistent achievement, earning him the prestigious Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor award from 2014 to 2025. He is a perennial Top Producer, recognized as both a Top Listing Agent and Top Selling Agent, a testament to his strategic approach and keen understanding of market dynamics. His expertise spans a broad spectrum of real estate needs, including guiding First Time Home Buyers, navigating transactions for Single and Multi-Family Homes, Land, New Construction, New Residential Developments, Condominiums, Downsizing, and Rentals.
Beyond his impressive track record, Daniel's professional affiliations include memberships with the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), Connecticut Association of REALTORS (CAR), Bridgeport Board of Realtors, Smartmls and Greenwich MLS. His foundational education in real estate from Naugatuck Valley Community College, complemented by studies at Connecticut School of Electronics and Housatonic Community College, underpins his comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Daniel's unique blend of customer service acumen and technological proficiency sets him apart. He leverages every available marketing resource to ensure his clients' homes gain maximum exposure and stand out in the competitive market.
When not orchestrating successful real estate ventures, Daniel cherishes time with his family, including his wife, two children, and four grandchildren. A passionate musician and golf enthusiast, he embodies the vibrant spirit of the Connecticut communities he serves. Daniel's network extends globally, allowing him to facilitate referrals anywhere in the world.
