I am going to be very direct and crude in some places in this post.
I am not frustrated, but I am just done with clients that set unrealistic expectations from the designers and their teams.
Let me just get some things straight. If you cannot handle bluntness, maybe stop reading right now. Because unfortunately, you may fall into one/some of the categories that I mention in this article.
However, if you want to have and maintain a good life-long relationship with your designer, let me help you with how you can do that. Let me guide you on what to expect and not expect from your interior designer.
Here’s a list of what an interior designer will not do for you-
1. Set a Budget for You
I have come across many prospective clients who come to me for home interior services but they don’t have a budget. Apparently, oftentimes, they’re just testing out the designers for how much they quote and then they choose the one who offers the minimum quotation to them. This is a very wrong approach.
Without an idea of how much you’re comfortably willing to spend on your interiors, it’s almost impossible for the designer to give you a quotation. At best, you should at least know the kind of materials and finishes you want for your home interiors. With that knowledge, a designer can suggest how much budget you should set.
I had to lose many clients because of this until I stopped entertaining such clients. I had given them quotes that were not acceptable to their pockets. And I have also tried giving minimum quotes which have resulted in me ending up with clients doubting my skills as a designer.
Of course, you can get a general idea of how much your budget should be from the designer or your peers. But don’t expect the designer to also give you a design presentation and a quotation without you telling them your budget.
I have also mentioned this as one of the parameters of choosing the right interior designer for your house. Check it out.
2. Anything That They Have Not Taken Up Under Their Scope
This is very obvious. But I still get so many clients who request me to help them out with things I didn’t sign up for.
· Dealing Financially With 3rd Party Contractors
If you’re hiring another vendor or contractor for carrying out the execution work, don’t expect the designer to settle the cost for you with them. It’s not the designer’s job. They may help you out in recommending or referring a contractor from their end. But they are not going to be the spokesperson of either party.
This only leads to creating misunderstanding and brings sourness to the relationships between each other. Avoid this. Settle your own account.
· Suggesting or Helping You Purchase Décor Items.
I hate it when my clients ask me to go help them purchase silly items for their homes. I have even been to purchase a bedsheet and door mats with one of my clients.
It’s very important for you to understand the difference between an Interior designer and an Interior decorator. This is not even a job of an interior decorator! It’s almost insulting if you’re asking your designer to help you buy buckets for your house.
3. Keeping Your Project Above All
A designer handles many projects at a time. Believe it or not, most designers give equal importance to all projects regardless of the budget of the projects. Sure, some clients are special. But don’t take your designer for granted. Stop calling them up during their non-working hours.
It’s rude.
It’s inconsiderate.
Your designer is not your full-time employee. They have a lot of things to look into. You’re mostly not their priority. Respect a designer’s time and efforts.
Understand boundaries. They’re not always going to be at your disposal.
I have managed to ruin relationships with some of my past clients because I was driving, having lunch, or was in a meeting and couldn’t attend their call.
Some things are just not supposed to be said out loud. Some things are just basic etiquette. And sorry to say, but there are people who get their egos hurt when their phone call is rejected or when they don’t get a reply to their message within half an hour.
Step down from the pedestal and treat your designer as a professional.
4. Giving You Post-Installation Services Beyond Promised Time Period
It’s not right to call your designer after 2 years of their completed work to get some broken furniture repaired. They’ve moved on. And so should you. Of course, if they’re promising you any sort of post-installation service, just get the service within the time period guaranteed by your designer.
After that, it’s not their duty to look after your furniture or any interior product for a lifetime. You can also approach local carpenters and vendors to help you out. You just need to pay.
5. Never Say “No” To You
Don’t expect your designer to be at your service all the time. They’re going to often reject your calls, and say NO to you on many occasions for any kind of request you make. They may be busy, tied up in something else, or just don’t want to take up what you’re asking them to.
Can you relate to any of the above situations?
Do you think you crossed the boundary at some point with your designer?
Are you making their life difficult?
Do you think your designer didn’t set clear expectations?
If you’re still in connection with your designer, you have a chance to correct your mistake or have a talk with the designer. This would be my suggestion.
If you think I missed something or wrongly put anything in the above article, do let me know in the comments below and I shall definitely address it.
Peace out.
Cheers,
Samiksha Gupta