What does an interior designer do?

Interior Designers are much more than decorators and stylists. In the residential space, including a qualified Interior Designer at the concept stage of design ensures that the spaces within your home reflect your lifestyle and goals. Because they are trained to consider a design from the inside out, they approach design differently from Building Designers and Architects and as such bring a different perspective to your design ensuring that you get the best possible outcome.

Whether you are looking for more space for a growing family, retiring, starting a business or even just getting a dog, an interior designer will consider how you are going to use the space and ensure that the design reflects what you need.

Kitchens, bathrooms, the laundry, and storage areas are often the most important features in a home and generally the most expensive. An interior designer will ensure your money is being spent to the best advantage in these spaces, rather than simply following the latest trend. A well-designed kitchen can become the hub of your home, while a poorly designed one can become crowded, and underutilised. Considering your FF&E [Furniture, fittings, and equipment] early in a project can help keep you in budget and reduce variations on site; for example, ensuring that the location of windows is designed to allow for sufficient space for items such as art and / or furniture..

Here at DfL we focus on residential design and can sketch designs, draft plans, prepare detail documentation, oversee tender packages and assist with project co-ordination depending on what you need.  We can design the whole home, or work with your architect / building designer to refine specific spaces such as the kitchen. 

Check out our Our Work for more details.  

When should I get an interior designer involved in the process?

The simple answer is as early as possible.  It does depend on the project, but the sooner you involve a designer and confirm the details, the less likely there will be variations and unexpected costs during the build.  Some products also have long lead times and may need to be ordered well in advance of the project starting. 

How much will it cost?

This depends on the project. We generally work to an hourly rate, providing an estimate at the beginning of the project and keeping you updated throughout if it looks like this initial costs are going to change.  

We also offer site consult package for $490*. Whether you are at concept stages, reviewing the design for budget or lifestyle changes, or in the final stages and need assistance with final selections and advice on suppliers. The consult includes a personal written report following the session.

*Note: A surcharge may apply for an appointment outside of normal office hours or if your home is not within the Brisbane area.

How long will it take?

Again, this depends on the project.  For instance, a sketch design of your kitchen can be done within a week, an entire home documented to building construction detail stage can take up to six months if we start from scratch and it needs development approval from the local council.  

Does DfL partner with suppliers and contractors or can I use my own people?

You can use whoever you like.   We have wonderful working relationships with various builders, suppliers and contractors who we can recommend if you need. However, all the final decisions are yours.  We don't take a cut of the fittings or finishes we specify and any quotes we arrange go to you. We always recommend getting three tender packages for the final build regardless of whether you use our recommendations or your own.  We can help guide you through a tender process and help with the decision but at the end of the day you sign the contracts and use the people you want. 

Where can I see more of your work?

If you wish to see more work we have done, click on the links to our Houzz, Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram accounts.  Alternatively, get in touch with Josephine and she can discuss your requirements.