I was asked by a prospective client what my ‘value proposition’ was. I thought this was an interesting and difficult question to answer. There are many tangible and intangible benefits to working with an interior designer.
Then I read a comment where someone thought interior designers just make things look pretty. This person also said they would never pay to work with an interior designer.
I wanted to defend myself but then I thought, someone who thinks like that will probably never understand the value of working with an interior designer. And that I should focus my energies on people who do value working with an interior designer.
What an interior design actually does?
However, I did reflect on what interior designers do. Firstly, interior designers focus on functionality. How the space works in relation to the users of the space. Function is basic to any interior design project. If the space doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter how pretty it is, because the client will never be happy.
As an interior designer, I only start talking about style and colour, once the function of a space is defined, and that a suitable layout is confirmed to suit the function.
To say that a space is pretty, is a one dimensional perspective. My clients are interesting and complex. They have fascinating life stories, loves, and interests. I need to reflect all this in the interior design of their space.
Interior designers create personal spaces
I create beautiful, deeply personal spaces with are carefully chosen pieces. I don’t create ‘stock standard’ spaces with things that are on trend.
To say that interior designers just makes things look pretty, is like saying a musician just makes noise. There is artistry and skill in interior design and ultimately what an interior designer does is provides joy and happiness for their clients.
