Beige Flags in an ID: Potential Points of Conflict During Your Reno

They’re not deal-breakers, but could give you the ick nonetheless.

Finding an interior designer (ID) is in some ways akin to finding a life partner; you’re going to be interacting a lot over the course of your renovation, with the aim of building a nest that will last for years. So, it’s important to find someone you can entrust your property to, someone who can understand what you’re looking for in a home.

Unfortunately, it isn’t always as clear-cut given that there is no single ‘right’ approach to renovation.

To help you out, here are 5 such 'beige flags' to look out for when choosing an ID. These will in turn give you a better indication of how well you’d work together, in the same way you’d want to find a life partner who’s on the same page as you.

Disclaimer: Every ID/design firm operates differently, so do take these contextually with a pinch of salt!

1. (Mis)alignment of design ethos

It’s a known fact that interior design/renovation requires a delicate balance of aesthetics, practicality, quality of materials and budget. And since everyone gives different weight to each of the factors above, it definitely pays to find out if an ID is aligned with you or, in the very least, willing to foreground your priorities over his/her own.

“At the end of the day, the house is yours, and you want it to turn out the way you wanted it to. That’s why I feel that finding the right ID is important – and while this does take time and effort, it will be worth it,” homeowner Faidzil explains.

2. When an ID doesn’t raise any concerns/questions

On the flip side, an ID shouldn’t blindly agree to everything you say without batting an eyelid either. As the one with technical expertise, he/she should manage your expectations on what can/cannot be done from the get-go, rather than over-promise and under-deliver.

This is particularly so for resale units, where flat designs can vary and some features will not be possible – and it’s an ID’s responsibility to point these out.

However, there are some scenarios in which it may not be an issue if an ID doesn’t raise any concerns during your first couple of meetings. For example,

• Suggestions made are tentative, as even the most experienced ID will still require a site visit to ascertain what’s feasible/needed
• The works required for your requests aren’t complex
• Your brief is so thorough, there’s really nothing left for him/her to ask
• It is the firm’s practice to fully take in a homeowner’s wants/needs/budget over the first few meetings, before closely examining the floor plan and proposing design ideas

3. Soft skills and character traits of an ID

No renovation is without its hiccups. What’s important, then, is that the ID you end up choosing is a good problem solver. A good litmus test for this is whether or not he/she is able to suggest viable alternatives when something cannot be done (e.g. due to structural/layout reasons).

Other things worth looking out for include the demonstration of soft skills/character traits such as accountability, time management and attention to detail. Does he/she keep you updated in between meetings and/or detail clear next steps? Does he/she often miss out details from your previous conversations?

That said, you may not want him/her bombarding you with questions on every little decision involved in your renovation either. So, be sure to set your expectations clearly from the start!

Pro-tip: Read reviews of the individual IDs/design firms you’re speaking with, so as to get a better sense of how they have worked with other homeowners in the past.

4. How the ID communicates with you

Everyone has different styles and preferences when it comes to communication. A good fit, then, is an ID whom you personally feel takes initiative in your discussions while being a good listener.

Homeowner Dean explains, “Making [renovation] decisions was quite tough. Fortunately, [my ID] and I gelled quite well together – he understood what I was looking for right from the start. He played the part of the ‘rationalist’ while I was the one full of ideas.”

5. Shying away from talking about ‘awkward’ issues like budget… or talking about them way too much

Lastly, topics such as budget, after-sales service or what’s excluded from the quote can be rather tricky.

Some homeowners prefer IDs to be upfront about pricing before taking the discussion any further, while others have had unpleasant experiences where IDs repeatedly push for packages or pricier options, despite their unique requirements and budget.

To that end, how a prospective ID approaches these topics is just as important as how well his/her design ethos, soft skills and communication style align with your preferences. So, lay down your expectations from the start and… choose wisely!

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