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2.5. What Do I Gain When Designers Offer to Select Furniture and Materials for Me?

When the future interior design is laid out on paper, the client is often thrilled and ready to start bringing it to life. At this point, the designer typically offers, “I can assist you in selecting furniture and materials. How do you feel about that?”

First-time clients, unfamiliar with the intricacies of design projects, might wonder, “Why? Isn’t everything already detailed in the sketch? I can handle this myself! It seems straightforward…”

 

But if it were that simple, would designers offer this service?

 

Let’s explore both scenarios: handling the interior selection yourself versus entrusting it to the designer, and then compare the outcomes.

 

Option 1: DIY Selection

 

The desire to undertake the selection process usually stems from two motivations:

1. A creative drive to try your hand at interior design.
2. An intention to save on renovation and decoration costs.
The first reason is about exploring your own aesthetic potential, which seems justified. However, diving into a field rich with technical specifics can lead to outcomes far from your expectations. A novice in this complex domain must:
1. Research what is available, where, and at what price.
2. From a myriad of options, select those matching their vision and budget.
3. Visit the store to make the purchase.
4. Arrange transportation or delivery of the purchases.
5. Assemble all items and compare them with the design sketches and their vision of the interior.

Practically, this approach often leads to results as far from the original design as Earth is from the Sun. The time, effort, and stress invested seldom translate into complete satisfaction.

 

Many might ask, “So, should I give up on my dream of trying interior design?” My response is, “Absolutely not! Pursue your desires!” You can venture into furniture and material selection if guided by a professionally developed plan with a detailed workflow, especially if the transformation is for a small, standard apartment. Be prepared for a journey through stores and discussions with sales managers.

 

Olesya Blashchenko’s 5 DIY Selection Rules:

 

1. Start with catalogs from manufacturers showcasing products from various angles and with potential decor elements. This helps in selecting furniture that will please you for years. If you’re interested in quality Italian furniture, I can assist you in finding a unique, cost-effective option.
2. Pay attention to local or accessible trade shows and exhibitions. This gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the latest range directly from the manufacturer, get catalogs, and make purchases.
3. Before buying materials, compare prices to determine the most cost-effective option. Remember, the low prices offered to designers might not be available to you, but bulk orders can lead to discounts.
4. Follow this purchasing sequence:

4.1. Select and buy radiators.

4.2. Purchase plumbing fixtures.

4.3. Buy doors.

4.4. Decide on floor and wall finishes, then purchase them.

4.5. Order the kitchen.

4.6. Select and buy furniture for living spaces.

5. When searching for wallpapers and textiles, visit large showrooms with a wide range and bright, spacious halls for thorough viewing. Colors and textures can look different under bright or dim lighting. Keep this in mind to avoid disappointment with your purchase.

 

 

If the DIY approach is solely to save on costs, it’s a misguided goal. Experienced designers typically have agreements with suppliers and manufacturers for materials, furniture, textiles, and decor items at special low prices. The designer’s fee for selecting materials and furniture is often offset by these discounts. As a result, clients get everything needed at a price comparable to what they would pay if they did it themselves, minus the hassle of searching, negotiating, and arranging delivery. This option is available to all my clients, whether the interior design is in Italy or another country. My clients have long known and successfully used this secret.

 

Option 2: The Professional Takes Charge

 

What do my clients receive when they choose the designer-led selection service?

 

1. Precise calculations of the necessary materials. My clients know I won’t buy an extra square meter of tiles that will be wasted. This applies to every material.
2. Organized joint shopping trips to finalize selections. Sometimes, clients wish to participate in choosing certain items. I arrange trips to showrooms and shops, presenting possible options, with the client making the final decision.
3. Finding exclusive materials and furniture. Sometimes, clients want unique styles or items in their homes. My design firm’s managers then send catalogs of top Italian furniture manufacturers or links to renowned art galleries. Whether it’s Italian furniture, top-quality Chinese textiles, or art pieces from famous artists, I help realize the boldest design dreams.
4. I can offer optimal prices even for unique items. Years of successful experience have allowed me to form business relationships with leading suppliers. They offer significant discounts that aren’t available to the average buyer.
5. Immediate response to deviations from the project. Life often throws curveballs. Suppose a tile crucial to the bathroom design is discontinued. I quickly find a replacement that maintains the interior concept without causing the client worry. They continue their life, awaiting the realization of their dream, which will indeed come true. My assistants and I always find a suitable replacement without additional expenses.

 

Now, with full information and understanding of the outcomes of each approach, you can make an informed choice.

 

I am always happy to assist every client, whether with valuable advice or a free recommendation for those not yet ready to use my full range of services. And, of course, I can realize any interior dream, preparing a “turnkey” interior for any living space.

 

Looking forward to meeting you!

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