10 Things To Know If You Love An Interior Designer

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY The Havenly Team

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Published on January 22, 2016

We’re in love with interior designers.

We swoon with wonderment whenever we enter a room that possesses a designer’s touch. And whenever we scroll across a gorgeously photographed space we can’t help but wonder, “How’d they do it?”

Well, it’s simple really. Great interior designers work hard. Like, unbelievably hard. They’re as much artists as they are scientists, and they strive every day to balance their deeply creative instincts with a finely tuned skillset of design principles. The result moves us in a way that feels natural and effortless. So thanks, interior designers, because we literally couldn’t do it without you.

If you’re lucky enough to have one of these gifted individuals in your life – be it a boyfriend, sister, wife, brother, or even a roommate – then there’s a few things you should know to keep you both happy (and on speaking terms).

1. Colors Heal And Colors Harm

Don't take it personally. Colors are very emotionally impactful to your designers.

Designers are as emotionally affected by mismatched colors as they are by rude strangers. If they momentarily descend into a sulk, check the room’s color theme before taking it personally.

2. Hands Off 

Hands off Havenly designer Shelby Girard's faux fur seat cushions – they aren't blankets!You might think that you’re entitled to use every item in the room, but some things are just there to look good. Sorry, that faux fur throw isn’t a blanket. And no, you can’t drink the last bottle of wine, the rack is unbalanced when empty.

3. Social Living 

Check out Havenly on Pinterest, unless you already are.

If you live with a designer, you can rest assured in knowing knowing that your house will always look like someone’s favorite pinterest board.

4. If You Build It, They Will Paint It

Give an interior designer a brush and step aside.Yes, the accent wall is necessary. And yes, that hand crafted end table in candy red is just a bit too red for this modern aesthetic. Give your designer a brush and get out of the way.

5. Cannot Afford Does Not Equal Cannot Have 

Can't afford it? Build it, that's our spirit.Don’t underestimate a designer’s DIY savvy. From floating bookshelves to actual bookshelves, designers will rarely back down from a challenge, so be careful at what you suggest.

6. You Will Learn To Love HGTV 

Havenly Loves Interior DesignersYou will learn to love HGTV. You will learn to love HGTV. You will learn to love HGTV.

7.The Difference Between Judgment And Observation 

Havenly designers are fluent in the language of texture.Be prepared to listen to your designer critique every texture choice that has been made in any environment they enter. They’re not being “judgemental,” they’re simply using their powers of observation.

8. Know Your Chair

Can you name that chair?

Pointing out the designer of each and every chair that you sit in is just one of the many endearing attributes that comes with your designer.

9. Comfort: It’s Not The Only Priority 

Comfort: yeah, we're familiar with the concept.

Comfort certainly is a priority in furniture selection, however – it’s not the only consideration. What’s that mean if a designer is in your life? Well, that overstuffed recliner is more than a comfortable seat. To your designer, it’s a deal breaker.

10. Designer Generosity

Have you experienced the generosity of a gifted designer? Tell us about your experience.

In their professional lives, designers are rarely the end user of a space. That means they put their blood, sweat, and tears into a room for the purpose of improving another person’s life. At Havenly, that type of generosity can make us blush.

Don’t have a designer in your life? It’s not too late to scoop one up. Simply purchase a room design on Havenly and we’ll match you with a designer you’ll love.