When it comes to interiors, it’s often best to leave it to the professionals

Home is where the heart is, so it’s natural to want to live in a space that reflects your personal tastes and style. Whether you’re not quite sure what aesthetic you’re after or have your ideal home planned out to the tee, it can often be difficult to bring your dreams to fruition; perhaps you’re having trouble sourcing that perfect sofa, or simply aren’t able to conceptualise the right way to bring your vision to life. To ensure the living spaces in your new home align with your style, it can be well worth it to hire an interior designer.

Even the most creative minds can benefit from bringing fresh eyes to the project (particularly if the eyes in question are professionally trained), with an interior designer ensuring your space is not only stylish but also functional. Lauren Lewis, Creative Director at leading Australian styling and design firm BOWERBIRD Interiors, particularly recommends those building a new home consider engaging an interior designer. “Building a home is a very exciting time. A lot of thought, effort and energy is spent on getting the design, layout and features right,” says Lauren. “So when you’ve spent all this time on the build and exterior, it should be a no-brainer to make sure the interior complements and enhances your new home’s key features.”

For newly built homes and spot renovations alike, here’s why it’s worth considering working with an interior designer.

You might have your ideal style in mind, but an interior designer understands that the perfect space is both beautiful and functional. A crucial element of the interior design process involves getting to know a client and their lifestyle. “An interior designer has the eye for the best spatial plan, colour palette and style for your home,” notes Lauren, adding that “it’s important to incorporate the lifestyle you want to live into each room, so techniques like how to maximise the living space and natural light, and improving functionality will benefit your living arrangements in the long term.”

So, while a natural marble countertop may fit into the kitchen of your dreams, an interior designer will take your everyday lifestyle into account and advise you accordingly. If you’re a fiend in the kitchen and love to experiment with new culinary delights, your interior designer will likely recommend a quartz or travertine alternative that delivers the same aesthetic without being as prone to staining. “Most importantly, they know how to create a seamless look that’s functional and leaves you in awe at the same time.”

One of the key benefits of working with an interior designer is their access to the best craftspeople and suppliers in the industry. “They have access to the latest stock and styles, and can narrow the thousands of options down to just a few,” Lauren tells us. “This not only increases the range of furniture and styles available but also ensures you’re getting the best value for every dollar you spend.”

Plus, in-the-know interior designers come equipped with a wealth of knowledge, with savvy secrets and tips, like the pieces to splurge on (a high-quality statement sofa) and where you can cut corners (decorative end tables and throw pillows). “Working with an interior designer can remove the stress involved and save you lots of time and money.”

Unable to source the pieces you really want? It may be because nobody is selling them (yet!). “We have access to trade stock as well as suppliers who don’t necessarily sell directly to consumers,” says Lauren. For the particularly discerning client, an interior designer can also create custom designs for a truly unique home. Whether it’s bespoke hardware adorning your cabinets or a one-of-a-kind artwork straight from the artist themselves, an interior designer will be able to leverage their insider access to design the home of your dreams.

For creatively minded homeowners, there’s often the fear that hiring an interior designer will result in your home looking like every other home on the Instagram explore feed. However, a good interior designer will prioritise your vision; they’ll just ensure you get it right the first time by taking into account logistical considerations and overall aesthetics. Plus, by lending their experienced eyes to a project, interior designers are often able to identify untapped potential in a space and provide creative solutions and workarounds. Perhaps they’ll be able to repurpose an unused vintage chest of draws as a towel and linen storage space, or even dive into their little black book to enlist an artist to upcycle your pre-existing furniture into a work of art using the colour palette of your dreams.

To learn more about BOWERBIRD Interiors and view their latest projects, visit their ArchiPro profile here.

Words by Tanisha Angel