We know that building or renovating a home is a significant investment, whether you are restoring an existing property or starting new. While many envision beautiful kitchens and unique spaces, the process also requires technical decisions, careful planning, and budget management–it’s a lot to handle on your own.

At Wild Lou Lou, we view interior design as the foundation of a home, not simply a finishing touch. Engaging a designer early helps create a space that is both beautiful and functional.

The Misconception of the ‘Decorator’

To decide when to hire a designer, it helps to know what a modern interior designer does. Some think designers just pick finishes and decor, but their work also includes planning spaces, creating technical drawings, and managing projects. Having a designer on board ensures your home fits your lifestyle and needs.

The Golden Rule: Hire Before You Break Ground

For renovations or new builds, the best time to hire an interior designer is during the planning stage, before construction begins. In the usual 'Design-Bid-Build' process, people often hire an architect first and add a designer later, but this can limit collaboration.

The Design & Discovery Phase

Engaging Wild Lou Lou early allows us to understand how your family uses each space. During the initial design phase, we consider factors such as:

• Do you host large holiday dinners? You’ll need specific clearances for a dining table.
• Do you have a collection of oversized art? You’ll need reinforced walls and specialised gallery lighting.
• Are you a morning coffee person or an evening wine enthusiast? This dictates the flow of your kitchen and beverage stations.

Specifications and the Paper Trail

Selecting finishes, fixtures, and materials during a renovation or new build can be overwhelming. Managing these decisions on your own may lead to decision fatigue and choices that do not reflect your style.

Hiring an interior designer early in new construction allows for the creation of a detailed specification book listing every finish and fixture. This enables you and your builder to obtain accurate quotes and avoid budget surprises. The designer will then provide essential technical documents, including:

• Electrical & Plumbing Schematics: Ensuring outlets are placed exactly where you need them (like inside a vanity drawer for your hairdryer) and that shower controls are reachable without getting wet.
• Tile Elevations: Providing the installer with a map of exactly where tiles start and stop, ensuring patterns are centred, and niches. These drawings provide clear guidance to subcontractors. In construction, precise instructions help prevent costly mistakes and rework.

Construction Admin

Many assume a designer’s role ends after material selection, but essential work continues throughout construction as part of the Wild Lou Lou process. Regular site visits allow us to advocate for you, ensuring design intent is maintained while builders focus on efficiency and code compliance.

Involving a designer during construction helps identify issues homeowners may overlook, such as incorrect fixture placement. This attention to detail distinguishes a custom home. While some view hiring a designer as an added expense, a designer can help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions from the outset.

Preserving Your Sanity

A key reason to hire a designer for your renovation is to reduce stress. Large projects involve numerous emails, deliveries, and schedules. With a designer, you can focus on the enjoyable aspects and review curated options tailored for you.

When is it too late?

While hiring a designer early is ideal, it is rarely too late. However, the later a designer is involved, the more challenging and costly major changes become. For example, after framing, a designer can assist with finishes, but altering layouts or plumbing is more expensive. For maximum value, consider hiring a designer when you begin searching for architects or builders.

At Wild Lou Lou, the client always comes first, and early involvement ensures this vision is integrated throughout your home. Contact us today.