The Best Questions to Ask When You Interview an Interior Designer

On the left, you can see a painting that our client inherited, which gave us inspiration for the home’s color scheme.

While there are many talented interior designers in Dallas, not all of them will necessarily be the right fit for your project. That’s why asking the right questions when you interview them is important. Here are some questions I would personally ask if I were hiring a designer for my home.

1. What are their credentials?

This home recently won 1st Place for Best Entire Residence Over 5,000 Square Feet in the Dallas Design Ovation Awards.

I’d want to know that my interior designer had a degree from a reputable university, was a registered interior designer, a member of ASID, and had at least ten years of experience. It’s also helpful to see if they’ve been published in magazines and won interior design awards. When you talk to their references, ask: “Would you hire this interior designer again?”

2. Is this person a good fit for my project?

I would interview three to five designers to find the right fit. You can get a sense of the designer’s style and taste by asking them about their favorite colors, their favorite house they’ve designed, and their favorite places to travel. In most cases, you want a designer who can work with any style. However, if you’re passionate about a specific style, it’s not a bad idea to find a designer who specializes in it. During the interview, ask the designer if they’ve done projects similar to yours in the past. If they say yes, have them show you before and after photos.

Any good designer should ask questions to get to know you and how you live in your home when you meet them. It’s also a good idea to find out if the designer is willing to work with your favorite pieces.

We hung the client’s chandelier and antique mirror over this tub. The mirror helps to reflect light into the space.

It’s going to be important that you like your interior designer; you’ll be spending a lot of time with them. That said, I would not work with a friend or family member. It’s better to keep this as a business relationship (although you may very well become friends with your designer afterwards).

3. How do they charge?

No two designers will charge in the exact same way. Some of the different payment methods you see in the interior design industry include: charging by the hour, charging a mark-up on products, charging a flat flee, charging a percentage of the total project cost, or a combination of any of these. Designers who offer a flat-rate option usually have stipulations, such as a limit to the number of adjustments you request.

My love for European antiques can be seen in several of our projects, such as this French Chateau in University Park.

Another thing to consider is that not all interior designers offer the same services. Some designers focus specifically on design consultation for existing homes. My firm is a full-service design firm, which means that my team and I have the experience to manage an entire home project, from planning and construction to design and installation. Full-service design firms can also do remodeling jobs.

4. What is the designer’s process like?

Ask them: how will you present your selections to me? If I were hiring a designer, I’d like for them to give me two color scheme options for each room.

Another good interview question is to ask the designer about a mistake they made in the past. How did they resolve it? Did they learn from the experience? This gives you important insight into how the designer will handle bumps in the road. To prevent potential problems, my firm double-checks items before we order to make sure everything will fit. You can’t be too detailed in this business: it’s important to document everything you do and require signatures for all deliveries.

You also want to find out who else works with the designer. Do their assistant designers have degrees as well? Who will be your primary point of contact? Personally, I wouldn’t work with a designer “so big” they’re farming out the design work to junior designers.

My design firm has experience with both newly built homes and remodels, like this award-winning bathroom remodel.

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions at your interview. Your goal is to find a designer you enjoy working with and who is invested in helping you discover your own personal style, rather than just recreating their own style in your home! If you ask several of the questions discussed here at each of your interviews, you’ll find the perfect match for your project in no time.

At my design firm, we offer a free consultation to get to know you and your project before we start working together. We have a lot of experience working with a variety of styles, from traditional to transitional and contemporary. If you’re currently looking for a Dallas-based interior design firm, give us a call at 214-651-7665. You can also reach us by email at info@chambersinteriors.com.

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Avoid These 9 Costly Remodeling Mistakes

To break up the space in this large kitchen remodel, we decided to use multiple finishes, colors, and materials.

All photos in this article are courtesy of First Showing Photography of Dallas.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably decided to remodel your home, or you’re at least considering it. You may be wondering how to get the ball rolling. What should you prioritize in your budget? How do you avoid delays and hidden costs? Over the course of my interior design career, I’ve been brought in to design many Dallas remodels. Based on my experience, here is a list of common (and sometimes costly) remodeling mistakes that I think homeowners should be careful to avoid.

1. Not having a clear goal in mind

The first step to a successful remodel is establishing your goal. Do you plan on selling your home, or do you see yourself living there for many years? Be careful not to overbuild for your neighborhood if resale is your end goal. When the value of your home makes it twice as expensive as your neighbor’s homes, it’s going to be a tough sell.

Above: a before-and-after comparison of the award-winning kitchen remodel we recently completed in collaboration with Helene’s Luxury Kitchens. The “after” photo on the right is courtesy of First Showing Photography.

2. Delaying decisions

Start browsing hardware and home goods stores near you as soon as you start planning. This helps you get a feel for all the options out there and how much they cost. Make as many decisions as possible before hiring a team. Once the work begins, every change you make in your design can drive up costs.

3. Designing an extensive remodel without help

If you’re looking at an extensive remodel, you’ll definitely want to bring in an AIA architect, an RID and ASID interior designer, or both to help you plan the new space. Make sure to interview them beforehand. They should ask you a lot of questions about your lifestyle and your family’s needs. If they don’t ask you very many questions, that’s a red flag.

We used satin brass for the majority of the hardware in this Dallas kitchen and pantry remodel.

4. Underestimating costs

Remodeling TV shows have a tendency to make projects look simpler and easier than they actually are. Make sure to discuss your budget with a contractor: they’ll be able to tell you if your budget and timeline is realistic for your goals. A good rule of thumb is to set aside enough contingency funds to go twenty percent over budget if you need to.

5. Not considering cost-saving alternatives

Avoid moving your toilet or sink whenever possible; moving these comes with a steep price tag. You can also look into getting a discounted package deal on appliances from the same manufacturer.

If you need more natural light in a space, such as your entryway, you may be able to have a light tube added through the ceiling instead of installing windows. Speaking of windows, don’t replace them if they’re original to the home and can be salvaged. If saving energy is a concern, you can always add storm windows.

6. Spending too much on technology

Unfortunately, technology ages quickly and is rarely a good investment. By the time you’re ready to sell your house, your prospective buyers won’t be impressed by a years-old smart home setup.

For this remodeling project, we were asked to work with the existing wallpaper and cabinets in the butler’s pantry.

7. Not making careful measurements

Measuring your available space is a given, but don’t forget to measure the width of your front door, too. If your new refrigerator or stove can’t fit through the door, you’ll have to return it.

8. Not vetting your contractor

Asking your family and friends for recommendations on Dallas contractors is a good start, but go a step further and make sure those contractors are licensed, certified, and in good financial standing. Try to get their last three references if you can, and check their Better Business Bureau listing and Google Reviews.

9. Planning lighting at the last second

Remember to plan for a mixture of general, task, and accent lighting in the room. Lighting alters a person’s perception of the space, so it should never be treated as an afterthought. You don’t want to fill your newly remodeled house entirely with old and dated furniture, either, which is where an interior designer can come in handy.

We worked with Helene Terry to choose paint for the cabinets and walls, the tile backsplash, and the light fixtures.

Although there has never been a remodel that has gone one hundred percent smoothly, some remodels are simply more successful—in terms of keeping costs down and reducing stress—than others. Set your sights on the end goal, keep these pointers in mind, and you’ll be on track to living in the remodeled home you’ve been dreaming of.

If you’re bringing in a professional designer, the best place to start is by interviewing designers experienced in remodels. Our design team has overseen many remodels in the Dallas metroplex over the years. Give us a call at 214-232-9501 or send an email to info@chambersinteriors.com to schedule a free consultation. We would love to hear more about your project!

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Kitchen Design Basics

All-white kitchens have an open and airy feel to them. This kitchen is from a home we designed in Preston Hollow.

In the past, kitchens were usually set apart from the rest of the home. Homeowners today, however, often prefer their kitchens to be a hub where they can work and entertain guests at the same time. Following are some general guidelines for designing a kitchen that can do it all—whether you're renovating your Dallas home or starting from scratch.

The first floor of this Dallas home has an open concept layout. The kitchen connects to the living room on the right.

Identify Your Goals

Everyone has different needs for their kitchen, so begin the design process by identifying your top priorities. If you love to cook and entertain, make sure you have more than just one stove. If you don't cook often, there's no need to invest in restaurant-quality burners.

Choose a Layout

The size of your kitchen is another important factor in how you should lay things out. When you've got a small space to work with, you may consider installing an island with storage, overhead pot racks, and cabinets that run all the way up to the ceiling. Running cabinets up to the ceiling eliminates the gap that normally just collects dust. By making storage space a design priority, you can store away as many kitchen appliances as possible. This has the advantage of leaving your countertops uncluttered.

As with any small room, you can help a small kitchen feel more expansive by painting the wall colors in a light shade, and letting in as much natural light as possible. Large kitchens allow for more leeway with amenities (such as the number of ovens), as well as dramatic colors and decorative effects. A midsize kitchen can feel more like a big kitchen if you open it up to the family room. One word of caution, however: you might not want kitchen messes to be in your line of sight whenever you’re in the family room!

We worked with Helene’s Luxury Kitchens on this remodel. You can see how the sink, island, and stove form a triangle.

Regardless of whether your kitchen is large or small, it’s worthwhile to plan out pathways. Many designers use the ‘kitchen triangle’ method to plan an ergonomic design. In this method, the fridge, sink, and stove form the three corners of a triangle. Your flatware and dining ware should also be stored close to the dishwasher to make unloading faster and easier. If you want your kitchen to be a ‘hangout’ space, make sure to provide seating that is set away from your work area triangle. Island seating and breakfast tables are two common solutions to this problem.

The stainless steel cabinets and kitchen island (by Bulthaup) share the same gray-blue color in this Kessler Park home.

Pick Complementary Paint Colors and Materials

Speaking of islands, I recommend painting your island the same color as your cabinets to create a unified look. The exception to this rule would be large kitchens, which can visually accommodate a wider variety of paint finishes and colors.

Glass cabinets can help give your kitchen depth and make it feel more spacious. However, remember that your dinnerware will all be on display. If you have dining ware that doesn't match with the rest of your collection, you might want to install frosted glass panes instead.

While there's nothing wrong with stainless steel, make sure to not overuse it. You should also take into consideration the visual flow and rhythm of your kitchen when you choose stainless steel. Putting it everywhere can break up the kitchen's design, making it feel uneven. Stainless steel also scratches easily, so it may not be the best material for counters where you’ll be doing cooking prep. If you have a lot of stainless steel visible in your kitchen and would like to introduce variety, you can have wood fronts installed on your dishwasher, refrigerator, or cabinets.

Glass door cabinets help to highlight the client's beautiful crystal and china collection, as seen above.

Renovating or designing a kitchen can be a lengthy process. Yet regardless of how much cooking you do, you’ll want your kitchen to be a room you enjoy spending time in. A beautiful, thoughtfully-designed kitchen is always worth the trouble!

Just because you have a historical home doesn't mean you can't enjoy the most up-to-date appliances and modern furnishings. If you think it’s time to update your kitchen, consider reaching out to Chambers Interiors. Our design team is familiar with historical home renovation and can help you update appliances while staying faithful to your kitchen’s aesthetic. Contact us by calling our Dallas office at 214-232-9501 or sending an email to info@chambersinteriors.com.

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An Interior Designer’s Guide to Preparing Your Home to Sell

Are you preparing to sell your Dallas home? If so, you’ve probably already begun your own to-do list. While some strategies for showing a home are common knowledge (“clean up,” “make repairs,” “spray air freshener”) there are other ideas you might not have considered. In this guide, we’ll cover all of the essentials involved in selling a home. We’ll also include some tips from our interior design team that your real estate agent may not think to suggest!

We redecorated this 1927 Spanish colonial house in Kessler Park, Dallas. Lee Roth was the landscape architect. New landscaping gives this home plenty of “curb appeal.”

First Impressions

Real estate agents stress the importance of “curb appeal” for a good reason. If your home doesn’t make a great first impression, your prospective buyers may never even step out of the car to see it. This is the time to make your yard and front door as presentable as possible. Trimming the bushes, mowing the lawn, and weeding are must-dos. You may also want to plant some new flowers and add fresh mulch.

A quick and easy way to boost your home’s curb appeal is to put a new coat of paint on the front door. Select a color that stands out from the rest of the home, but isn’t too strong, either. If you have lots of decorative items on your porch, you may want to declutter by removing any items beside a welcome mat and a potted plant or two. Make sure that your house numbers are clear and easy to see from the street. If your window trim is fading, repaint that too. You can also pressure wash the siding of your home and the sidewalk.

When you’re wrapping up, step back and take a look at your own home from the street. If you were a buyer, would you want to tour the home?

Tackle Your Repair List

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to sell your home, make a list of all the repair projects you’ve been putting off, and their potential costs. Focus on projects that are either inexpensive, or that you can do yourself. It’s better to take care of all these fixes before the home inspector arrives.

As for more expensive repairs, some are more necessary than others. A leaky roof will definitely turn away buyers. However, while you may be tempted to renovate your outdated kitchen, proceed carefully. A full kitchen renovation can cost as much as $65,000, and it’s estimated that sellers only make back about 60% of their investment when they sell a home with a renovated kitchen. It may be more worthwhile to simply make small repairs to the kitchen and do a deep cleaning.

Your to-do list should include patching holes in walls, fixing doors and drawers that don’t close properly, replacing kitchen cabinet hardware, replacing light bulbs, and fixing leaky faucets. If your flooring is worn out, replacing your carpets and refinishing wood floors can have a higher cost upfront, but is almost always worth the investment. Replace ceilings that are water-stained, even if the plumbing issue was fixed long ago.

Create a Blank Slate

We repainted the walls in the Kessler Park home with mostly neutral colors. In the dining room, beige is a calming backdrop for the gold-framed antique prints. Before, the ceiling was also a dark terracotta color. Covering it with a light wallpaper helped the room feel more expansive.

You have probably heard that it’s important to depersonalize a home for sale. Potential buyers have trouble imagining their own family photos on the walls when yours are still hanging there! Don’t store personal items in the closets, however: buyers will be opening those to see how much storage space you have. Although it’s not necessary to clear them out completely, you’ll want your closets to look tidy. The more organized your closet is, the more space you’ll appear to have.

Instead of putting photos in the closet, rent a storage space for oversize furniture, collectibles, family heirlooms, and photos. Homes that are clean and open will fetch higher prices than excessively cluttered homes, so a storage unit is a smart investment. If you do want to hang something on the wall, scenic pictures and mirrors are just fine. It would also be wise to remove religious items or political statements from your home for now, as these can distract buyers. Once you’ve moved into your new home, you can proudly display them once again.

If you have the time, it’s also worthwhile to organize your pantry and refrigerator. Some buyers will open everything they can to peek inside. You can declutter your pantry pretty easily by moving anything you aren’t planning on using the next few weeks into storage.

We updated this Plano home with transitional style in mind. Before, the walls were painted red. The metallic gray wallpaper we put up is a good example of what’s considered current in wallpaper today.

As gorgeous as your dark red bedroom may be, the paint color may be divisive for your buyers. Large, brightly colored furnishings (like upholstered couches) can be off-putting to some as well. You don’t want to provoke too much conversation about your unique taste in interior design. So, if your Dallas home is filled with bold colors, we strongly suggest repainting the walls with a neutral color. Good choices include white, cream, khaki, or gray, depending on what you have in the room. It’s also a good idea to remove any old wallpaper, which may make your home feel more dated than it actually is. You can read more about which wallpaper patterns are trendy, and which are considered out-of-date, in our blog about wallpaper.

The more light you can let into the room, the better. Turn on all the lights and open the draperies. Speaking of draperies, it’s better to just remove heavy draperies before a showing.

These curtains are sheer, allowing lots of natural light into the room.

Clean Like You’ve Never Cleaned Before

Be prepared to do a deep cleaning of your home (or hire assistance to do so). After you’ve taken the time to make the counters shine and clear away dust bunnies, you may find rooms getting dirty again with surprising speed. As potential buyers tour your home, your floors and carpets will be tracked with dirt. You won’t need to do another deep-cleaning for a while, but start vacuuming more frequently than you used to. If you have children, ask them to put away their toys each night.

If you have built-in bookshelves, don’t fill them entirely with books. Instead, leave a small selection of your most attractive books and accessories to showcase them. This photo is from the Theta house library we designed at SMU in Dallas.

A bad odor is an immediate turnoff for buyers. Pet owners will need to take steps to eliminate pet odors. While you’re in the thick of showing, you might also want to avoid cooking meals that leave a smell lingering the next day. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to fill the home with a more inviting scent. Fresh flowers, scented candles, and freshly baked cookies are all safe bets.

Begin the Purge-and-Pack Process

Decluttering goes hand in hand with cleaning. Since you’ll be packing up all of your belongings soon, you should take this opportunity to purge items that you don’t want to take to your next home.

On the other side of the coin, you should ask yourself: “Is there anything in my home I could never part with?” Whether it’s a family heirloom, a custom light fixture, or a favorite piece of artwork, you should consider moving it to storage before buyers can see it. It will hurt negotiations if your buyer covets a beautiful painting by your late grandfather, and is told that she can’t have it. Everyone is happier when your buyers never know what they’re missing!

Clearing knickknacks off of counters and shelves will immediately help your home look neater. After decluttering this house, you’ll have more motivation to keep your next house organized, too. This will save you a lot of time if you need to move and sell your next home suddenly.

For now, you can organize items that you use every day, such as your toiletries, in small boxes and put them out of sight. If you have a storage unit, you should go ahead and move out both your books and your bookcases. Homes will also show better with no rugs rather than with outdated rugs.

Most homes for sale will benefit from having some furniture moved to storage. Focus on moving out any pieces that block pathways, whether they are large sofas or extra dining chairs. Reducing the amount of furniture will help to make each room feel larger.

When it’s time to sell, even looking at your own to-do list can feel intimidating. Just remember that every repair you make, and every item you purge, will increase the value of your home and make your next move easier. If you’ve accomplished all of your to-do’s and are ready to take your home sale to the next level, consider hiring an interior designer to stage your home. A clean home will sell better than a cluttered one, and a professionally staged home will sell even better.

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