designer

6 Questions to ask a Designer before you hire one

| Vanteriordesign

The day has finally come and you bought your dream house that needs to be furnished or you finally have enough money and time to renovate your bathroom, but… where do you start? After reviewing many options and possibilities and many many many ideas on Pinterest and IG, you can get very fast and easy simply overwhelmed.

Hiring a Designer is a great idea when it comes to renovations, staging and simply creating a space you feel 100% comfortable and yourself.
A Designer knows trades, has experience and gets sometimes incredible designer discounts working close with dealerships and manufactures.

I bet that Google will spit you a dozen designers and some of them are even just in the same town as you are. Great! But, which designer is your designer? Pick out 3 designers, book a consultation and start asking questions.

6 Questions to ask a Designer before you hire one

This article is made for everyone who is looking for a designer and don’t know where to start. I recently had written a full article about how to master the initial interior design consultation, which was giving tips to designers in first place, but can be inspiring for clients as well.

  1. Would you mind walking me through your portfolio please?
    There are many many designers with a great portfolio and some of them showcasing a lot of pictures, but not so much of an explanation how they got there. It’s very helpful to understand the designer’s thought and see it through their eyes. The best way to get to know the designer is through his/her past projects and finish/colour/product choices. You will learn very quickly if the designer is on the same page as you, style wise and character wise.
  2. What brands and manufacturers do you admire and work with most?
    This question is very interesting as there are many many many manufacturers and possible trades out there. You would like to make sure that your designer has the right relationships with the manufacturers and trades that provide the products you a) love and b) actually afford. Choosing a designer with the right relationships to manufacturers and product experience is necessary.
  3. Do you understand what I want?
    Good Design means mainly problem solving. Hiring the right person will help you solve the problems. Good design is only possible if the Designer understands the client’s needs and ideas. To verify that you have been understood 100% by your designer is nothing to be ashamed of. Also, give your designer as much as information as you can, weather it is something you like or really don’t like, to create a solution much faster and based on your desire.
  4. How does a design process with you look like?
    This question is very important and should be asked to clarify the whole design process in the very beginning. Hiring a Designer means putting a lot of trust in one person. The bathroom renovation or the big purchase for a new home is a big chapter for you and should be as clear as possible throughout the whole process. The best way to understand the process is having it written out. I call it agreement, some call it contract. It outlines every single step as detailed as possible where the designer will guide you through the process and where he/she wouldn’t. Make sure that you understand the agreement before signing.
  5. What’s the timeframe for this project?
    Agreed, it’s not easy to set a firm time frame for an interior design project, but an estimated time frame shall be possible. This should be usually outlined in the agreement as well.
  6. Is there anything else I should know about you as a designer or about the way you work?
    Round up the questionnaire with an open and simple question. Is the designer excited about the opportunity to give more information? are you important to her/him?
    If the designer is willing to give more insights about the way he/she works and puts effort in to make you understand his/her way of working with clients, you will quick realize if you guys are on the same page. I personally take as much as time as I can during my first consultation. This way it shows potential clients that I am open and listening and giving as much as information as they need to hear to feel 100% comfortable.

I hope this article helped in choosing the right designer for your project.
If you are interested in meeting me and asking all those questions 😉
please send me an email, call or comment below. I offer free design consultations on site or at your nearest coffee shop location within Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler.

Please find my portfolio here.
Happy Tuesday!

xoxo
Sina

Extra Storage but Chic & WOW

| Vanteriordesign

Isn’t storage always something we need? Especially when it comes to clothes and shoes? I DO need lots storage, but I am also kind of looking for extra storage that blends into my bedroom, doesn’t take too much space and that looks super chic. To much to ask? No! Keep it simple with chic & clean lines.

6 Tips to achieve the ultimate chic extra storage look:

  1. I am not a huuuge IKEA fan but I love the Malm Dresser. I don’t care if everyone has them. I have them and I have them my way. 😉
    When it comes to a simple dresser with lots room, I am still going for it. Why not? The great thing is, the dresser comes in different sizes.
    I added two 4-Drawer Chests in white together to make it bigger.
  2. Add Greens. To add a bit more personality I picked two snake plants that join me in my bedroom. One 6″ Pot that goes perfectly on the middle of both Dressers and one 10″ Pot besides the dresser to round up the space between dresser and bed. As already explained in my previous blog post, snake plants are an absolute MUST in any bedroom. Why? Read here more.
    If you’re interested in plants, please feel free to visit my website www.vanteriorplants.com
  3. Candles. To give your bedroom a cozy flair candles are the easiest choice. You can get them in any size and any shape for any budget.
    I picked mine from CB2 in Vancouver. I love the “Brass Candle Bowl” for only $20. This candle brings coziness, but also the glam glam effect into my bedroom.
  4. Jewelry Box. Sort out the jewelry you’re not wearing. Sell them on Marketplace, exchange them in a clothing swap or simply give them away. Pick a jewelry box that fits all your jewelry that’s left, but also suits your style. I picked a mirrored jewelry box that doesn’t take too much space on my dresser, but fits all my fave pieces. I got it a long time ago from Winners, but if you’re looking for something similar chic, I’d recommend the “Oro Champagne Gold Box” from Cb2 as well as the “Small White Marble Box“. Yes, I do love Cb2, but there is also others that caught my eye such as “Abbey Collection Jewelry Box” from Amazon for only $30.00. Chic Chic.
  5. Pictures / Posters. I love the Desenio posters. I am obsessed with their minimal abstract posters and I just can’t get enough. Check out their website and comment below your thoughts. Which ones are your favourites? Please find below some of my fave pieces from Desenio.

  6. Color scheme. Go with a color scheme that you can find within your whole bedroom first of all. I love white furniture with black, rose and gold accents and I sticked to it throughout my whole bedroom design. It looks very glamorous, but still bold. The white dresser doesn’t seem to take away too much room compared to if it was Walnut or anything similar in a darker finish. I’d recommend to stick to white furniture as you can always pop it up with accents in the end (and it’s much more cost effective to changeup the accessories instead the furniture pieces).

Please find some of my fave Desenio pictures on the left for your inspiration:

Thank you for dropping by. I hope you guys got inspired.
Have a great week.

Xoxoxo
Sina

How to master the initial interior design consultation

| Vanteriordesign

Nobody said it would be easy to become your own boss and especially working as your own boss. Besides the marketing, accounting and fun projects, there are first of all those design consultations to succeed to get a job.

How to master the initial interior design consultation?

Set up a meeting.

For a design consultation it’s best to set up a meeting. Once you called your client back, make sure you get the correct address and an overall idea of what the job is about. The worst is to step into a meeting and having no idea what it’s going to be about. It doesn’t hurt to ask a couple more questions beforehand. If you client feels uncomfortable to talk about the budget over the phone, fee that question for the meeting.

Send a follow up.

Once you set up an appointment, make sure that you follow up with your client about the meeting. This can be right after the phone conversation or the day before. This way, you make sure that the meeting day and time is understood on both sides. It’s also important to follow up with your client after the meeting. Guide your client what he/she will expect and what will be done next during your design consultation, but it doesn’t hurt to outline that in an email again.

Prepare.

Most important, for any meeting, be prepared. Make a list of things you need for a design consultation if you attend to forget things. I have 3 most important things: My phone, something to write and sketch and my measurement tape. It will help you being prepared for any questions your client may have.

Be yourself.

Don’t try to be someone else. Be true to yourself. Your client hired you because he/she is interested in YOU and your design, not someone else’s.
With your own energy and drive you will succeed and the client will be more then happy to have met you.

Guide your client.

Guide your client wherever you can. This meeting might be your client’s first design consultation and might not have the same experience as you do.
Everything that seem very usual to you, might not seem usual to your client.
Guiding your client includes as well making sure that the whole design process is understood and agreed. In lots of cases the designer has a certain way of design process, which might not be the perfect way for all potential clients. Which make me switch to our next and last point below.

Communicate with your client.

Figure out what exactly your client’s needs are while you are on site. This is the moment, where you can throw every single question in space and hopefully get your information you need. This is very important to get to know your client and his goals. Your goal is your client’s goal and a smooth process without any discrepancy. Make sure you and your client are on one page before your start the design process.

Write up an agreement.

After your consultation and a follow up email it’s important to write out all the goals and statements in an agreement, that have been discussed. That agreement will be a guidance for your client and yourself. It includes a description of the design process, how much work and hours you will apply to that job and your wage. This needs to be agreed and best signed by your client, before your design process starts.

I hope you enjoyed my little statement. Comment below if you have any questions or anything to add? Thank you.

Cheers, Sina

How to Work with a Designer?

| Vanteriordesign

For some of you it might seems very simple finding the right designer: Google –> Best designer in town –> Paying a bunch of $$ and awaiting results that reflect your inner dreams.
Exactly, your inner dreams and desire of your space!

We are designers, but not magicians.

To be clear from the start, we are talking about creative work. Design is intelligence having fun. No doubt, but there is so much more to it.

Finding the right designer and working together in a way, that we can produce a positive outcome in a timely manner. This is a checklist, knowing what to do and what to expect when hiring a designer.

Those are your first steps hiring successful your designer.

Find below 5 bulletproof points on your checklist you should know about before hiring a designer (or while you’re looking for one!):

  1. Know your Budget

Many times I have been to consultations where potential clients knowing what they want, but they have no budget in mind. 0.
I understand that the whole process can be very overwhelming and many steps are unknown, but we do know how much money we have in our pocket and are willing to spent. Trust me, it’s nothing scary to communicate your options. It will be much easier within the process to start with a clean slate.
When it comes to that question, we are asking to figure out your overall budget. How far can the design go in quantity and material of the furniture, millwork etc. We will base our choices and recommendations on that budget, which will make it much easier returning with a style guide and ideas, knowing the client will be able to afford it. Nothing worse then showcasing furniture that won’t be accessible, due to money aspects. This also occurs to a much faster result, where we come to our next point of view.

Know your Budget!

2. Time is Money

Depending on your communication with the designer, design service may include 4-6 revisions based on the options you would like to see, maybe it include only 2-3 revisions? All depending on your inquiry. But please keep in mind that more work means more time which means = it will cost you more.
Some Designers are working off a design service flat fee – which works – but only if it outlines for example how many revisions this flat fee includes. Any additional work done outside that agreement, will be billed as usually per hour. There is no way around it. Work is work.
Tip: If you’re unsure what you want, communicate that to the designer and take the time to look through your Pinterest with your Designer finding helpful information you like and dislike.

Keep in mind that time is money.

3. Recognizing that our Job is a JOB

You may think by now – I have the best idea – I call my friend, she is a great designer and would love to help. How often have we called friends and family member for help in whatever they are good at? Asking my aunt for her great recipe, asking my dad for help with the PC trouble. Lot’s of time we call the people we know. Calling you designer friend for some tips and tricks may happen, too. And I am pretty sure they would love to take some time out of their busy designer life for you. But, many times, it takes a lot of time. It results in many hours, bringing up ideas, communicating with manufactures, furniture stores, making sure you’re getting the designer discount, taking some phone calls etc etc.
It may look like it’s “just a quick consultation for tips and tricks”, but as we all know – some tips and recommendations may lead into further questions or requiring additional assistance. Your friend will automatically do what it takes to not disappoint. All this work is time consuming. That said, it’s hard work. Please recognize that. If you have a friend or family member that is a designer, please value their work and if they keep offering their help finishing a project with you, thank them and pay them!
This is not a Hobby – It is a JOB!

Please value our job!

4. Plan way ahead

Many Designers having a wait list. Get on it! As soon as you know you are going to built, renovate or whatsoever which include a designer in the (near) future – plan ahead of time. Save your frustration being on a wait list that will not make the deadline.
Besides, if your designer of your choice would be available sooner then later, furniture or millwork might not be on time. Keep in mind, that some furniture will take it’s time to be manufactured. For example Office Furniture from Knoll is taking an approx. time of 8 Weeks including manufacturing, shipping, delivery and installation.
Also, please allow the designer proper time to figure out the concept and do revisions before ordering can begin. It’s totally doable, but plan ahead.

Begin to plan as early as you can.

5. Talk to us

Always talk to us. We are a service industry and we may or may not have everything designed the way you 100% like it. Before moving on for example ordering the final parts per area – please speak up! It’s ok to ask for changes. It would be much worse to not say anything and the final order is submitted, that can’t be changed or cancelled – especially items made to order.

Communication between client and designer is essential!

I hope this helps on your exciting journey working with a designer! If you have any questions, please let me know.
Feel free to leave a comment below.

Ready to book your free design consultation today?
Let’s meet on site. Find here more about my services.

Can’t meet on site within the Greater Vancouver Area, Squamish or Whistler? No worries – we can work easily together
through “E-Design”. A Design Service offered through the world wide web.

Cheers,
Sina

Countertops – Quartz or Marble?

| Vanteriordesign

Hi Everyone,

Today is all about Countertops and I was wondering, if you guys have ever been in the situation before that you had to pick a countertop for yourself or giving advice to a friend? Or maybe you are currently looking into buying new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom?

It’s a “Taff” decision and made right as countertops are usually not the least expensive investment when renovating your space or building.

I have to advice from the beginning: Please do not purchase any cheap Quartz countertop – weather Marble, nor Quartz. Inexpensive Quartz will break easily or leave stains and in the end it won’t make you happy and you have actually more work on you end that you need to sacrifice headaches and your valuable time.

There are a couple Quartz Countertops that I can suggest, but first let me explain to you shortly what the difference is between Quartz and Marble and why I would pick Quartz over Marble for Kitchen and Bathrooms.

What is the difference between Quartz and Marble?

Marble is classic and a natural metamorphosed limestone or dolomite rock.
A lot of countries around the world desire Marble and it’s natural beauty.

Quartz is a man-made, engineers product of natural stone fused with polymer resin.
It’s beautiful and here it comes – durable. The durability makes Quartz powerful.

Why choosing Quartz over Marble?

As you can already guess, it’s because of it’s durability, but also because of it’s opportunity to look exactly like Marble. A few more aspects below:

  1. First of all Marble is very high maintenance. This said, one issue is water, which is usually unavoidable when placing Marble in Kitchen and Bathrooms. It can leave marks.
  2. Be careful as well with acidic materials to be left on the countertop, as it can stain as well.
  3. Marble also requires regular sealing, which occurs to long-term costs.

What’s my favourite Quartz Countertop?

My favourite brands are the following:

Cambria and Caesarstone are offering a wide range of colours. Both having lots of Marble looking options, which are my personal favourites throughout the whole collections. The main difference is that Caesarstone is from Europe and Cambria from the USA.

Where can I see Quartz Countertops?

In Vancouver, B.C. I suggest to visit Floform or Colonial Countertops, although only Floform has Cambria. Every Countertops supplier shall have a showroom and samples to hand out. Please don’t hesitate to ask for samples as it’s important to look at finishes in your own home. I used to tell my clients that it is important to see it in different lighting, especially in your own space where the countertop will be installed.

Worst scenario – Stains

While working for a Countertop Company, I learned a lot about the maintenance and care of the countertops. But what I learned for sure is, if there is a need for advice for a countertop stain or anything similar, please do not use any advice online or try products on it that you have currently handy. Please contact your countertop supplier immediately. They will be able to direct you and let you know what needs to be done.

Thank you

for taking the time reading my article and I hope this article was helpful.

By the way, I am currently in process to pick the countertops for a residence in Squamish  in Crumpit Woods – Stay tuned and follow my instagram to find out more.

Anyways, I wish you lots fun picking and choosing your Countertops and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Have a great day!
Sina

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