Custom Interior Designer vs. DIY

As homeowners, we become adept at distinguishing between jobs that are great do-it-yourself weekend projects and those that require a pro. Clearing a minor clog? Go ahead after a quick Google. Dealing with gurgling pipes or whiffs of rotten eggs? Call the plumber. Hanging cafe lights on your patio? If you’re fine on a ladder, DIY. Replacing wiring? Don’t even think about it; get the electrician in there!

But what about interior design projects? If you want to plan the home of your dreams or revamp a room or two, should you hire a professional or tackle the task yourself?

Custom Interior Designer vs. DIY

The good news: If you take a do-it-yourself approach to home design, you won’t inadvertently flood your basement or knock out power to the whole neighborhood (at least we certainly hope not). But there is a risk that you will not achieve the look and feel you were going for – and that your space, your sanctuary and refuge, will not exude the comfort, style, and elegance you’re seeking. That said, let’s look at some considerations when it comes to custom interior designers vs. DIY.

Working with a Custom Interior Designer

When you partner with a designer who understands your goals, and your style, you:

• Use Their Expertise. Yes, you have great taste! A professional, however, brings their trained eye to the table, leveraging industry experience to layer color, texture, lighting, and other elements to create spaces that are both strikingly beautiful and eminently practical. They also bring their connections, which makes sourcing unique and custom pieces seamless.
• Regain Time – and Reduce Headaches. Most people are driven to make their spaces as comfortable and cozy as possible. Professional designers have it down to a science. With proven processes, they can guide you through decisions and selections efficiently and get you across the finish line faster. Doing it on your own can be stressful; there will inevitably be issues, snags, and delays. The difference with a design partner is that they can maneuver swiftly around the obstacle so you don’t get waylaid by being overwhelmed.
• Access Personalized Solution. Perhaps ironically, DIY design can lead to a less personalized space that can feel a bit generic. With a designer, you will gain access to solutions that are tailored specifically to your style and lifestyle, as well as products and materials that aren’t as readily available to the general public. Less box store-chic and more you.
• Make a Wise Investment. With their insiders’ knowledge and connections, professional designers can score you advantageous deals and discounts while making decisions that maximize your budget. This can save you money in the long term. And it can make you money as well. Leveraging their expertise in current design, attention to detail, and ability to create a cohesive whole, they can help you boost the value of your property.
• Take Advantages of the Services You Need. You may not want full-scale design services. But maybe you need some assistance with accessories or color selections. Perhaps you’d like a “Designer for a Day” to give you targeted recommendations and solutions. It is up to you.

We must also consider potential drawbacks of working with a design pro:

• Initially at least, cost can be a deciding factor. You budget for their services, as well as for the items they help select. While the right partner is sensitive to your budget, it can add up.
• DIY allows you total control over your project. That in itself can be a major benefit to many. The idea of putting your home into someone else’s hands may be daunting, especially if there is not that element of trust established.

Doing It Yourself

If you choose to tackle your design project on your own, you can achieve:

• Cost Savings: Upfront, the cost of DIY design may be lower. You’re not paying design or selection fees, and you can choose pieces that are well within your budget. Will they be perfect or optimal? Perhaps!
• Total Control. You have complete freedom and control over every decision, from colors to accessories to selections. For some, this is an opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind space.
• A Sense of Pride. You did it. You made this happen! When finished, the feeling of accomplishment (especially when it turned out just like you hoped!) is powerful.

Again, though, weigh potential disadvantages:

• Investment of Time. Designing an effective, elegant space takes time. From researching products, colors, and layouts to trying to locate products and place them impactfully, you can feel like you’ve taken on another full-time job. If you don’t have that much time and are devoting weekends here and there, your project can drag out for far longer than you’d like. And what if something goes wrong during installation? You paint a wall to find that you hate the way the light hits the color? You mismeasured your space and now the sofa doesn’t fit?
• Stress! Another consideration is the mental load you’ll take on. A design project is a lot. Decision fatigue, unexpected expenses, delays, a budget goal that gets left behind as you realize you need X, Y, and Z to complete the project… Not to mention the stress of having a part of your home in disarray.
• Lack of Industry Expertise. Again, design is not just about having “good taste.” It encompasses so much more, as discussed. Trial and error is a great way to learn – but it is also a great way to bust your budget and push your destination further and further away. You will also likely not have access to the crucial industry contacts and resources that custom interior designers do. Exclusive vendors may not offer products and materials to the general public, so your selection is more limited and possibly even more costly.
• Less Effective Results. It can be difficult to achieve the vision that’s in your mind’s eye, and DIY projects run the risk of resulting in a lack of cohesion, harmony, and balance.

Which Path is Right for You?

When weighing custom interior designers vs. DIY, the right decision is the one that is right for you. It depends on your level of experience, comfort, and your personal preferences when it comes to your home. When evaluating the pros and cons, though, know that a trusted design partner can help you navigate the challenges and achieve the transformational effect you desire. In our book, anything that helps us enjoy a timeless, elegant interior and reclaim our time and takes more stress off our shoulders is well worth it!

If it is worth it to you, connect with Home & Willow Design.