A Stress-Free Guide to Working with Your Interior Designer in Singapore

By Sarah Quek 

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If you thought getting your BTO confirmation was the end to all your homebuilding woes, you probably forgot one other crucial aspect of homemaking – interior design. 

Renovation is a colossal endeavour and a daunting process for most. Unless you have an eye for interior design, most new homeowners opt to hire an interior designer (or ID) to handle the home décor. 

Sadly, things can go haywire even when one hires the most competent and recommended interior designer when there is poor communication, conflict of interest or lack of trust. 

You wouldn’t want to go through a few months of interior design hell. So, use our guide to build a professional and stress-free business relationship with your interior designer in Singapore and get what you paid for! 

1. Be Clear About Your Budget

Money matters – not because your interior designer needs to get paid, but because having a clear budget will enable your interior designer to better manage the costs. Furthermore, interior designers are not only for the wealthy, whether you want a total transformation or just a few hours of consultation, they will be willing to work with your budget.

That being said, have realistic expectations based on your budget and be reasonable with your expectations. Don’t expect a Pinterest-style home if you are only willing to fork out a small sum. 

2. Establish the Roles and Responsibilities 

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Before any actual work begins, make sure you have a clear breakdown of the roles and responsibilities. This prevents strained business relationship between the homeowners and the designers. 

Upon meeting your interior designer for the first time, have a conversation about who will be in charge of space planning, interior design concept, project management and procurement.

3. Get Some Inspiration   

Do some research online and at showrooms and compile images of rooms and interior design concepts that tickle your fancy. 

Articulate your preferences clearly to your interior designer to ask for his recommendations. This way, your interior designer would be able to get a better understanding of your requirements and preferences. 

At this point, your interior designer should provide a rough blueprint of what your finished home will eventually look like. Take some time to review them and refine all details before giving your interior designer the cue to commence any renovation.

4. Inspect Your New Home

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Perhaps the most exciting part of homebuilding, renovation also a phase where things could go wrong. 

Have a work schedule to ensure all sub-projects are completed in time and take regular trips to your new home to inspect the progress. 

Once renovation starts, you can start looking around for furniture and appliances. If you are apprehensive about your purchases, get in touch with your interior designer and ask for his/her input. 

Learn to Trust Your Interior Designer

Your interior designer is literally an expert in his field, and you are paying them for their intellectual property. So, give them the space to advise and recommend!