The elements of design haven’t changed much over the years, but current attitudes have shifted. While opulence was once celebrated, frugality is now being trumpeted. Yet the right design can transform a property, increasing it in value nearly two-fold, nothing to sniff at in a buyer’s market. As home owners in many cultures move frequently, leaving their exquisite homes behind, it is prudent to consider design elements which are universally appealing, and finding a designer who keeps this in mind is key. Designers should protect the client’s interests, not only by respecting their wishes during the design process, but by creating a look appropriate for the property itself, as some day, another buyer is bound to walk through and generally does not appreciate an over-personalized space. What elements should one keep in mind then, when selecting an interior design expert?

First, do what is right for the space, for the property itself. The best designers will help you create value in your current home. Second, find a designer who understands and listens to you. Third, create a relationship with a designer who is dedicated to following your timetable and budget as closely as possible. A tall order? Perhaps, but considering today’s real estate market, and how a value-added property shines in comparison to an unimproved property, it is a task worth pursuing.

“Interiors do not just happen, as designing is like composing music – the architecture, furnishing, art and lighting are the instruments needed to create a visual symphony," explains Ron Dayan, owner of Piccadilly Designs. “When I work with clients, I’m not there to impose my own taste on them but try to be sensitive and intuitive to their needs, working with information given and that which might be more obscure, as Sherlock Holmes might. To duplicate this process, seek someone whose basic elements in design are scale, color, texture, and functionality. We are finding that well designed interiors sell properties faster and fetch more money when these guidelines are followed."

Protecting Yourself and Your Resale Opportunities

A designer’s goal should be to research, select, design and present to the client. They should be able to specify materials, finishes, purchases and supervise everything from the initial meeting to the hanging of artwork, all while following a budget to the letter, and outlining services offered in a detailed ‘letter of agreement.' Hold them to this. In your ‘letter of agreement,' you can include elements such as; having the designer present the cost of items by producing original invoices, designing key elements themselves (everything from furniture and architectural details to wrought iron work and landscape elements), preparing details and specifications that clearly indicate designs to trade people involved, and being on-site during key installations to minimize costly mistakes. As early planning and follow up are essential to on-time projects, ask that your designer obtain quotes from manufacturers and suppliers early on, anticipate when trade people will be required to start and complete assignments, give early alert of approaching dates and any changes in schedules, and follow through with suppliers as purchase orders and payments are not always enough to ensure accurate and timely delivery. Choose a designer willing to be easily accessible and available on the job-site, someone with a long roster of qualified suppliers, and one who is able to keep you informed of the work progress, on a timely basis.

Find a designer with buying power. One who can buy ‘factory-direct’, benefitting from ‘Stocking Dealer’ prices. Deal only with reputable designers, those willing to show you canceled checks, if need be, to discover true prices and make certain the designer’s stated sources were paid and will not have a claim against you, the homeowner, a rare but unfortunate occurrence in the industry. "Be clear about which services the designer is expected to perform, what compensation they require, what warranties, guarantees and general responsibilities are required of both parties to the agreement," states Dayan.

"A designer requires an inspiration from you, in the form of expressing trust and rendering full cooperation, and in return you benefit from the talent, training and rich experience of a well-chosen designer," Dayan clarifies. How do you, the client, go about creating this relationship? Look for someone with design credentials, (Dayan, for example, is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design, MBID). Find out what their influences are – have they traveled? Do they have a history in art? In architecture? In fashion? In entertainment? Have them show you their portfolio, then expect them to be unbiased and reflective during your perusal of that portfolio. Where have they studied? Who are their former clients? Can they create a unique style for your property or do they have just one ‘style’ they replicate endlessly (West Coast Casual or European Formal, for instance)? Will they bring fantasy and imagination to the job? Are they supportive of your ideas, wacky or traditional? "We have found that the best approach is to carefully listen to the owners while touring the property without rushing to any conclusions," Dayan details, "mentally recording their reaction to the portfolio and then paying special attention to specific comments concerning the work while reviewing it. We prefer to observe their style in fashion, cars, artwork, and the clippings from magazines they are encouraged to gather in preparation for our meeting ~ all of this helps tremendously in the programming phase; the most important one in the project."

Top real estate developers realize that interior design services do not ‘increase their budget’ but rather, improve the bottom line. Residential and commercial property owners and developers, hotels, resorts, yacht and jet plane manufacturers, have all benefitted from expert design assistance. When it is time for you to make that decision, choose what is best for the property’s architecture, and for your timetable and assigned budget. Decide to create your own personality imprint with art and accessories perhaps, enhancing the property for your own use and for the possibility of future residents…and choose someone eminently capable, as this is going to benefit one of the largest investments in your portfolio, your home.

Unique Global Estates wishes to thank Ron Dayan of Piccadilly Designs for his assistance with this article. Dayan has a rich background in architecture, interior design, art and culture and offers a wide scope of services. He has traveled to 35 countries for his inspiration, has designed for high-profile, often celebrity-status clientele, has worked extensively in the film and television industries, and has been featured on ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’. Dayan has a rich background in set design and hails from England where he honed his abilities as a designer of the future…able to quickly decorate homes beautifully, uniquely, and frugally. Dayan’s practice is based in Beverly Hills, California (www.piccadillydesigns.com)

Frugal is the New Black – (article on Reuters, 2008)