4 Myths About Interior Design
As a Denver interior designer, I often hear myths about working with designers. Sometimes these myths make people hesitant to hire a designer. Other times, they hire designers for the wrong reasons.
In attempts to clear things up, I’ll share four of the most common myths.
MYTH 1: I CAN DO IT MYSELF
Following design trends or “having a good eye” is usually not enough for doing anything beyond simple decoration. When it comes to kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and anything that requires structural changes, a professional designer is indispensable.
The moment that your project requires tradesmen is when you know that having a designer is a good idea. Because designers hear your vision and then conceptualize how to make it a reality. You’ll gain insight into fresh ideas based on education and hard-earned experience. You’ll be exposed to visions you likely have not thought of, including alternate ideas on how to use space. You’ll be introduced to material selection based on knowledge- not just the words of salesmen at the stores.
What we do at our studio is assist our Denver clients in the process from concept to completion. We not only do the design conceptualization, but we also do visualizations, material selection, and we work with general contractors- yours or one of our recommended ones- to ensure that our design gets optimally implemented.
This saves you from making costly mistakes. And, it saves you a ton of time and grief. We help you navigate the options so that you add the most value to your home while spending your money in the most responsible manner. We encourage you to spend up where it matters and let you know when you get by spending less.
Our work as designers entails complex technicalities including planning spatial layouts, reading blueprints, and understanding building codes and regulations. We are trained to handle these processes. In my case, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Interior Design studies in New York and Barcelona. My education has enabled me to bring significant value to my projects.
Designers can introduce distinctive and intelligent elements to your home owing to our education, work experience, industry knowledge, and vendor collabs. We make thoughtful proposals and create a schedule to ensure that your home design or renovation is completed hassle-free within budget and on time.
MYTH 2: WORKING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER BREAKS THE BANK
We do not cater only to the rich! We work on projects of all sizes and budgets.
As interior designers, we have exclusive access to showrooms and trade fairs that give us high-quality products at very reasonable prices. There are countless brands that exclusively sell to the trade, and they have earned our allegiance by offering great value to our clients.
We have the flair to make spaces look expensive without you having to shell out a fortune. In fact, since I deal with so many vendors and furniture lines, I can often find you an affordable alternative to that expensive piece of furniture you have been eyeing.
Respecting the Earth and your pocketbook, we have the requisite skills to modify your existing furniture if we believe it can make a good addition to your home remodel. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint, a retrofit, new hardware, or reupholstering can uplift furniture and make it look as good as new. We could also give you the unique creative insight to use a piece of furniture in a way that you probably never thought of, making sure that it not only looks pretty but is also functional.
MYTH 3: JUST HIRE A DESIGNER FOR THE DISCOUNTS
As interior designers are frequent purchasers of furniture and home decor, manufacturers and many retailers give us great deals on a large range of decor including furniture, fabric, lighting, and wall coverings. While discounts from established retailers start from around 5%, trade manufacturers offer discounts as high as 70% on the manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP).
Designers then resell these products to clients. The service agreement will state whether the designer will be reimbursed for their time through fees or if they will markup the price of the products sold to clients by an amount they decide compensates for their time and expenses. Or both.
So yes, we do get great discounts, and ultimately you the client benefit from them. Yet, the value you get here is not low prices- because low prices can often be found online. The value is having someone guide you to high-quality items at reasonable prices. That way you purchase with confidence and know that your furniture can last a long time, often for generations.
MYTH 4: A DESIGNER ONLY FOCUSES ON AESTHETICS
Many people fear that an interior designer will leave them with a perfect looking luxury home that is ready for a magazine shoot but that cannot stand up to their daily needs. Every interior design process starts with us trying to understand what the client wants. We aim to understand their family, their personality, and their lifestyle, and only then start our creative process. We let the design style flow out of you- not be imposed on you!
While some designers aim to make the covers of design magazines, we design for the inhabitants of the home. Many of our clients are Denver families that want an added dose of functionality and style in their homes. They want a space that better fits their needs and that makes their homelife feel more special.
We take pride in creating beautiful spaces which reflect our clients’ taste and style. We give equal importance to functionality.
I believe in creating luxurious spaces which are cozy and LIVABLE. I will not design you a kitchen you can’t use comfortably or a couch that you are apprehensive about sitting on. My suggestions to a family with kids and pets are going to be drastically different from what I will suggest to a bachelor. With two boys and two dogs of my own, trust me when I say I know the damage that can be done to fabrics and furniture! Most of us interior designers understand reality- we live in the same world as you. We know that homes need to be functional and comfortable, durable and easy to clean.
I always put my best foot forward to provide my Denver interior design clients the best experience and ultimately a home they love.
If you are a homeowner in Denver looking for a remodel, reach out to me!
I would love to help you and I promise you won’t regret it!
Margarita Bravo
Denver’s Best Interior Designer
Margarita is a luxury interior designer and decorator, remodeler, furniture curator, and creator of experiences. Margarita’s unique skill set has evolved from her strong educational background and European and Latin American sources of inspiration. Now with design studios in Denver, Miami, and Montecito.
Margarita
