Recommendation for interior designing company

darlene82328

Hi Guys

Just bought a house, 100 years old. Need to refurbish all kitchen and bathrooms. We are not sure if we should go DIY(no previous experience at all) or go to Homebase, B&Q that kinda stores.

Anyone can recommend any designing companies with good repuration? We had bettaliving come in yesterday. We were not impressed with the salesman called William plus the bad reviews about them from this forum.

We appreciate everyone who leaves their comments here. Thank you!!!!

ormus

you could always try this pri ck.

sunshinetours

Buy magazines and use internet to get influences and ideas. Will save you money unless you are buying everything high end

This is MSE so can;t see how interior designer would ever save you money!

Leif

The problem with designers is that anyone can call themselves that, and rip you off. I'm sure some are good. Homebase, B&Q etc simply employ contractors, and pay them poorly, so not such a good idea, though they can do good work. I would go with a local company with a good reputation (ask friends, neighbours). Never employ someone without a reference from people you trust.

ormus wrote: »

you could always try this pri ck.

I think I will report you for posting an offensive photo.

har0ld

It would depend on where you are - I'm one, and between jobs, and would enjoy giving advice; however no idea how I could pass on my details as rules for forum do not allow.
Most interior designers aren't really worth the money and qualifications don't necessarily guarantee a good one - besides which what's good for the goose isn't always for the gander...

I always suggest that you consider a mood board - basically brainstorm a whole bunch of images until you come up with the sort of theme you want for the house as a whole and also for each room individually.

Sometimes a good idea to draw out the rooms or even whole floor plans and then take the drawings away from the house and try planning the rooms out without the distraction of what is already in place.

You will then have something that you can take to any professional (whether a designer or just a good sales/design person in a showroom) and then find a way to create what you fancy at the budget you can afford.

A really good interior designer will almost be able to do that for you from a quick walk through but they are few and far between (and usually very expensive) so the more you can do for yourself the better.

Hope this helps good luck, it can be great fun.

muskoka

Whatever you do, don't rush into decisions if possible. I bought a 98yr old house last Dec & rushed & rushed - still took me 8 months, but we did most of work ourselves (as well as working full time). Looking back, I know I should have roughed it & taken much more time to make decisions.

i.e. errors made - Installed cheap bath cos I was in a rush - didn't look around

Big error - chose new limestone fireplace at cost of 2K - upon preparing chimney breast, discovered Inglenook (always wanted one). Too late - had ordered fireplace - couldn't use inglenook. That still REALLY bugs me, though I do like new fireplace.

I had all original doors dipped/stripped - massive mistake Would have been less work to strip doors by hand.

Be very careful what you cost cut on - I wish now that I had had all plaster/lathe ceilings replaced & walls completely re-plastered. Would have ended up with a better finish.

Do you have relatives who have been there, done that - that you can take advice from

More importantly, price it all before you start! Make sure you are monitoring at all times what you are spending & what you are spending it on. You will be amazed how the costs run away - its so easy to lose control of the budget.

darlene82328

Thank you all so much!! Have been looking aroung. It is really hard when you have your first house and always want it to look great at the beginning. We are using NEXT home brochure to inspire ideas at the moment. Hopefully we will get there soon:)