Rental Redesign™:

Redesign for Rentals 
Look to interior redesigners to solve your rental decorating dilemmas.

Rental spaces present unique decorating dilemmas.  Not only are rules typically restrictive, but many renters feel their homes are temporary, making them understandably reluctant to invest in furnishings and customized solutions that may not translate well to their next residence.

Interior redesigners  bring a unique perspective to their clients' decorating dilemmas, one that is ideally suited for rental spaces.  While the  business model of traditional interior design services is largely based on the markup  of furnishings and contract services that are sold to the client,  interior redesigners are overwhelmingly service oriented.  Charging flat rates per room or hourly fees which make their services  accessible to those who aren't interested in  major purchases,  redesigners provide creative services to transform your rooms using what you already own and limiting, or even eliminating, the need for new investment. 

Known by a variety of terms - including interior refiners, interior arrangers, one day decorators, room makeover specialists and home stylists - the interior redesign segment of the decorating and design industry is growing every day.  Yet, while they are all service, rather than sales,  oriented, there are important differences in the approaches of interior redesigners, even among those using the same professional designation. 

Some will interview you in advance and then politely request that you absent yourself from your home during the redesign.  Others will insist on your presence and collaboration.   Some will rearrange your furnishings, while others will only give you a written plan.  Still others will both rearrange your rooms and provide you with written plans to take your rooms to the next level.  Some will only work with what you already own, while others are willing to develop design plans for partially furnished and even empty rooms.  Some will include paint and window treatment consultations and offer a range of follow-up services,  while others will not go beyond what is possible to physically accomplish on the day of the redesign.

If you're in the market for a interior redesign for your rental, it is important that you take the time to decide what it is that you want before you shop for professional help.  Once you are clear about your own goals and expectations,  you can start asking the questions that will help match an interior redesigner's services to your needs, including:

1. What is the scope of services included in the redesign?

2. Will the rooms actually be rearranged on the day of the redesign? If so, is there an additional cost for movers or moving assistants?

3. Will you be given a written plan? If so, what will it include?

4. If you have a budget to go beyond the one day redecorating, will the redesigner provide specific ideas and guidance to maximize your budget and further enhance your room?

5.  Will you be expected to be present to work collaboratively with the redesigner or will you be asked leave your home?

6. What is the cost of the service?  If the redesigner offers flat rates based on the size of the room, ask for a rate card or other written documentation. If hourly charges are involved, ask for an estimate of hours based on the size and complexity of your project.

Whether you choose to collaborate with the redesigner or leave your home, it is important that you have a good rapport with with the professional you choose - after all,  a successful redesign should reflect your personality and vision for your home, not the designer's.  You should feel that the redesigner is approachable, would value your ideas and is willing to take the time to understand what you want and answer all of your concerns.

Companies marketing redesign services vary greatly, from the independent designer  to design agencies, referral operations and even franchises.  Insist upon speaking directly with the redesigner who would be handling your project and assess that person's experience and training independently from the company marketing the services. Ideally you always want the principal of the firm on your project, after all the firm's reputation is built on that of the principal.  Check whether this would involve additional non-advertised fees. 

If you take the time to find the ideal interior redesigner,  you will find Interior redesign to be an ideal solution for the renter,  offering an affordable means to a dramatic transformation of your home in one day with little or no additional investment. 

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