Top 10 Major Myths About Interior Design

Many people don't seek help from professionals in the field of interior design due to stereotypes formed based on rumors, reviews from acquaintances, and various TV shows about renovation. Flatplan designer Alexey Smirnov tells what to actually believe and what is just myths.

Alexey Smirnov DESIGNERFlatplan is a fast, affordable, and reliable service that adapts ready-made design solutions to any apartment.1. Design Takes a Long Time

Many refuse the help of a designer during apartment renovation because they believe that developing a project can take several months. But it's not always the case. First of all, an experienced designer immediately understands the client's wishes, so there's no need to spend time on endless approvals. 

Secondly, some companies offer to choose from their existing project base and adapt it to your apartment. This allows you to save money, time, and still get a cozy designer interior and all necessary construction drawings.

2. Interior Design is Unaffordable Luxury

Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions. In reality, there are private designers and companies that offer to choose a specific package of services, for example, to save on visualization or cost estimation, and get only what is necessary for construction.

3. Designers Choose Expensive Italian Furniture with Long Delivery Times

It is impossible to deny that such cases do happen. But a good designer should work within your budget, style, and needs. A designer can suggest expensive furniture or plumbing fixtures but cannot force you to buy them. In such cases, there will be a compromise option – a more budget-friendly alternative that fits the overall design concept.

4. Designers Are Creative, But Builders Can't Implement Their Ideas

This myth stems from a large number of TV shows where the wow effect takes precedence. In reality, a professional will not sideline functionality and style for self-realization or design something that can't be implemented in real life.  

5. Designers Only Select Materials and Arrange Items

In reality, selecting decor and materials is only a small part of an interior designer's work. It's necessary to consider the client's tastes, material functionality, architectural features of the apartment, location and condition of utilities, budget, delivery times, compile all project documentation, select suppliers for furniture and finishes, and much more. 

6. Anyone with Good Taste Can Become a Designer

In reality, it's not true. One must know ergonomic norms and have technical knowledge to create drawings properly. A designer should be somewhat of a psychologist who can understand the client's requirements (especially those they don't fully articulate themselves). Additionally, a designer must know the market of finishing materials and furniture, and possess knowledge in construction. 

7. The Designer Must Know Everything About the Project

Each specialist in the field of design and renovation is responsible for their area of expertise. Therefore, if a designer hasn't made an engineering project, it's not their fault. Simply such tasks are not part of their duties. Similarly, one shouldn't expect a decorator to calculate reinforced concrete structures. All technical questions regarding construction should be addressed to the foreman. 

8. You Can't Trust a Designer, They Will Do Everything in Their Own Style

Many decide to create apartment design on their own because they don't trust the designer. But just like we trust a subway operator or our treating doctor, in matters of interior design it's better to turn to a professional. A designer understands all the nuances of their profession and knows exactly how to understand and integrate your wishes. Moreover, all your requirements should be taken into account even before the project concept is created.

9. All Colors and Items Must Perfectly Match

Most people, including beginning designers, try to create an interior from perfectly matching items, fabrics, furniture, and lighting. This is not always the right path. Sometimes an unusual chair or a vibrant cushion refreshes an interior and makes it interesting and unique. There's no need to fear experimentation.

10. A Small Apartment Cannot Be Made Convenient

There is a widespread myth that designers only work on designing houses or large apartments. But a true specialist will be interested in working in small spaces too, because thoughtful layout and material combinations can make even a studio not only beautiful but also convenient. Therefore, owners of small apartments should first consider the help of a designer.