Renovating a space or building a house is something most people will go through at least once in their lives. It can be a long or short process, depending on the dimensions of the house and the extent of the work you’re planning; hopefully, it will be easy, but you should be prepared for a good dose of stress – just in case. Rest assured, however, that moving into your dream home will be both a great satisfaction and a big emotion.
But how do you even start a renovation? The countless architectural styles, furniture types, materials, finishings and decorative objects available can be tricky to navigate, so you will have it easier seeking the assistance of a specialist. If you’re uncertain who that professional figure should be, let us help you understand.
Architect, interior designer or interior decorator?
A project of this kind usually involves many different jobs. There will be plumbers, electricians, painters, carpenters, and each of them will care for a specific job – hopefully, in the best possible way. Their work, however, needs to be planned, coordinated and overviewed during the entire process, making sure everything unfolds as desired and meets standards and expectations.
Three professional figures can help you: an architect, an interior designer and an interior decorator. Every one of them has specific skills and is therefore specialised in a certain type of renovation rather than another. Who does what, you may ask? Let’s discover it.
Architect: building from scratch and renovating extensively
Let’s say you own a plot of land and want to build your dream home from scratch; or you are about to move into a new place that’s very old and has never been renovated in decades. Both situations require extensive work, and the project will take into account a wide range of aspects. Starting from the appearance of the exterior in the case of a new building, the designer will then consider the interior layout, and define the location of rooms that need specific connections to the plumbing and electrical system (the kitchen, the bathrooms, the laundry room…). Finally, he’ll present you with options for the flooring, the windows and doors and maybe the main furniture – kitchen and wardrobes especially.
In this case, the architect is your go-to figure. Building from the ground up is obviously his job, and also in the case of an extensive renovation, he knows exactly the dos and donts – that is, he can tell you precisely which walls can be moved (or removed), where a new window can be opened and so on. More importantly, he is also legally allowed to produce the paperwork required for this kind of project, something not all interior designers can do.
Interior designer: making the most out of your place
You can guess it by the name already: an interior designer specialises in… interiors. He (or she) is the one to call If you think your furniture layout could be optimised, the lighting setup does not set the right mood or the kitchen is not as functional as you’d like. His priceless tips will guide you through making the most out of your place: you won’t believe how much of a difference moving the sofa across the room can make, and how better a room feels if the lights are placed in the right spots.
An interior designer can work alongside an architect, either in a big renovation or a new construction, or he can work alone If you like the overall layout of your home but still feel like something more can be done to improve it. An experienced designer will listen to your desires, understand your needs and quickly point out what needs to be done to bring your place to the upper level.
Interior decorator: breathing life into spaces
But what happens after the interior designer tells you how to set up your house? And who should you call if your interior is perfectly functional, but the furniture you chose ten or twenty years ago feels updated and you no longer want to see it around? Enter the interior decorator, the one who helps you give a soul to your home.
Starting from your current space a decorator will guide you through the choice of furniture, art, decorative objects and wall finishings. He will suggest the chairs, sofa, and lighting fixtures that best suit your style; he’ll present you with a choice of paintings and sculptures that can give a unique character to the rooms; and he’ll connect you with his trusted craftsmen to ensure the job is executed according to the highest standards.
An experienced interior decorator knows design history, and where to source the best furniture. Many decorators even stock a collection of special pieces, ready to find their home, or can create tailor-made pieces just for you. A decorator gives your home a strong identity, and thanks to his help your interior will be undoubtedly and unapologetically yours.
You now know some more about the work of these three different designers, and how they can help you. If an interior decorator is what you need, feel free to give us a call: we can’t wait to hear about your goals and turn your dream home into a reality. Are you ready to embark on a great project?
