6 Ways Working With An Interior Designer Saves You Time, Money (& Stress!)

In partnership with Gardiner Smith Interior Design Studio

 If you've ever taken on an interior design project yourself and thought that it just would be easier if someone could help me out, then this is the list for you. Because honestly, we’ve all been there - thinking we can achieve a professional finish without a professional touch and realising that it’s actually a touch more difficult that we first thought.

Equally, if you've always presumed that hiring a designer is just an extra luxury that only the wealthy can afford with the privilege of being able to outsource, then actually, you really need to read this list too, because there’s so much more to it than that.

Here is why working with an interior designer saves you time, money & stress.

 

 

1.You Get An Expert Opinion To Add To Your Vision

Having someone who knows what they are doing is really helpful when it comes to designing a home. There are so many things to think about - from understanding light and space to having a vision for what is possible that is based on experience from a fresh set of eyes. Many of us thinking that we cannot have an opinion if we hire someone to design our home - but on the contrary, an interior designer wants to hear what you envision for your home. Then they can often dream beyond your ideas, level up what you’re thinking and interpret your vision into something that could really work for your space.

 

2. A Designer Has Vital Knowledge That Can Make Your Life Easier.

When it comes to making that vision work, what you really need is someone who understands all of the practical elements when it comes to design. This is where we tend to slip up when attempting to DIY-design a space and we end up with proportions of out whack or something that may feel a little off that can become a niggle for years to come. A designer will have science bit down. In the words of L’Oreal and Jennifer Aniston - concentrate! (apologies to those under 35 who may not have that reference in the locker).

But in terms of building regulations, where the electrician needs to put points, where the light comes in from the window, if you can actually fit a table for six in that nook or 24 pairs of shoes in that storage bench… a designer will know that - and they’ll know how to communicate it to an architect or workman for you - and also provide drawings and mock ups so everyone can visualise the end goal. 

 

 

3. You Save A Lot Of Time. 

Because of many of the reasons we've already mentioned, your design process and final result is often quicker and more straightforward. It saves a lot of research time and also saves you from making a lot of mistakes. Most importantly, a professional designer comes with connections; from reliable (and available!) workmen and companies to brands you may have never heard of with pieces that would be ideal for your space. They also often hold the key to demystifying one of the banes of our existence on-island - good local delivery options. 

Speaking of knowing the right products, Gardiner Smith now has an online shop where they have curated unique and timeless pieces - from on-trend cushions to beautiful pieces of furniture - the ideal place to find new pieces for your home. They also offer gift vouchers, ideal for giving to friends & family in a really thoughtful, intentional way whilst still allowing them the freedom to choose the perfect piece for their home. (Or one to pop on your own Christmas list!)

 

4. You Can Save A Lot Money Too.

This is the kicker. Spending money to save money can often feel counterintuitive. However, working with someone who knows the right people to work with, the right way to do things, the best products to use (and can get them at the best prices) and the best way to use the budget that you have, then your project can often get the best results in terms of both time & cost efficiency. Plus, when you work with designers who have their own stock of products (like the Gardiner Smith shop)

 

 

5. Hiring a Local Expert Still Has That Hands-on Touch

If you live in Guernsey and use a local designer, not only will they be able to source skills and products for you using their connections, but they are also never that far away, meaning that can pop over, meet you, get to know your home and even step in should you find yourself in a bind. They understand the logistics of island life - from fitting delivery trucks down the lanes or understanding timelines for orders and booking in work. 

 

6. You Can Still Decide How Much They Help

It’s worth repeating that you can choose how to work with a designer. From just getting help with ideation in the beginning to practical, hands on support & project management. You can make it work with your own time, skills & budget. For example, with Gardiner Smith, you can book a consultation, choose to hand over one room of your house where you really need to get it right - or just rely on their curated shop to influence your design, as the pieces all work really well alongside each other. 

Now, we’ve laid out all the points, we’re sold. Are you? It just makes sense to work with a designer, don’t you think? 

 

 

Meet The Team 

Gardiner Smith are an interior design agency based in Guernsey, run by Sally Gardiner and Katy Smith - two fabulous entrepreneurs we know you’ll love working with.

If you want to work with Gardiner Smith, on either a full service or room by room basis, or even a virtual e-styling project, then find out more via gardinersmith.com which is also where you will find their full online shop and info on how to buy a gift voucher.