The Monarch Colonial home renovations are underway! If you missed the introduction to my new renovation series – read it here. While it’s bittersweet to begin a new series after loving my last one (Monarch Revival) so much, I cannot wait to see where my creativity takes this new space.
Before I can put all this newfound design inspiration to use, there’s a massive project that needs to be done first – we’re changing the layout.
This project is WAY too big for just Craig and me to take on, so we’re working with an amazing design team to help ensure we get it right.
Today on the blog, I want to chat about why I decided to hire an interior designer. While it might seem out of character, I recognize the importance of calling in backup for such a significant undertaking. So much of my design process is typically done alone, but for this project, it’s nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of. I understand the expertise required in redoing a layout, and it’s refreshing to get new ideas from a fresh perspective.
Why Hire an Interior Designer?
As someone who has remodeled several homes, you might think I’d be a pro at handling every aspect of home renovation on my own. However, I recently decided to hire an interior designer, Sam Cram Design, for our first Monarch Colonial home project. Let’s just say, it’s quite a big undertaking I could not do alone.
Here’s why an interior designer can be an asset, regardless of your level of renovation knowledge:
Their Expertise and Resources
Despite my extensive background in home renovations, the resources and specialized knowledge that an interior designer brings to the table are unmatched. Sam Cram Design has access to advanced software for precise planning and visualization. Needless to say, my hand-drawn blueprints are put to shame by the technology they have available.
This allows Craig and I to see potential changes in a detailed, realistic manner before any actual work begins. Additionally, after moving to a new area we need new contractors for specific projects. Every interior design company has a trusted network of contractors to ensure that the heavy lifting (from demo to framing to electrical and plumbing work) is done correctly.
Helps Address Difficult Layout Issues
Our current project involves reworking the main floor layout, which has been quite a challenge. The space feels quite choppy, and the kitchen lacks the pantry and overall storage space we had in the Monarch Revival Kitchen Renovation.
To change the layout, there is a lot more strategy behind the scenes than just Craig and myself knocking down some walls. Instead, we need to rework one of the rooms off the foyer and adjust the living room floor plan. This requires that doorways, walkways, and the overall structural integrity be redone correctly.
Sam’s knowledge in layout planning is what we needed and it’s been crucial in making my vision come to life.
Interior Designers Can Plan Major Renovations
While I consider myself a renovation expert after all these years, some projects require more than just a DIY approach.
In this complete renovation project, we are doing the following:
- Centering the fireplace
- Taking down a wall in the kitchen
- Completely redoing the kitchen dimensions
- Adding in a pantry
- Redoing the powder bath
These are significant structural changes that need professional handling. This ensures everything is up to code and we can safely live.
Sam and her team are managing this entire project and I could not be more grateful. The demo, framing, and moving of electrical and plumbing systems will be all taken care of. This ensures everything is done correctly and quickly, so I can get my hands dirty and start doing the design part I love so much.
Keeps A Project On-Track
Time is one of the most frustrating aspects of any home project. For this renovation, we are looking at an entire floor being unusable until everything is finished.
Needless to say, we needed an interior designer to significantly speed up the process. With Sam and her team, we can complete the structural changes much faster than if we were managing everything ourselves.
I cannot imagine the back-and-forth I’d have going on with inspectors, contractors, and even Craig if we decided to do this ourselves. It would never be completed!
Exterior Work Should Be Left To Interior Designer Pros
Another reason to hire an interior designer is when any exterior changes are involved. For example, part of this new layout includes changing a bay window to a square bump-out for our kitchen sink.
Although this might not seem nearly as complicated as interior restructuring, this type of work requires precise execution and integration with the home’s exterior. I don’t even know where I’d begin taking this project one, so I’m happy to have someone bring my vision to life instead.
Don’t Worry, There is Lots of DIY Projects to Come!
While I’m leaving the heavy lifting to the professionals, Craig and I will handle the finishing touches. This is where the fun part comes in, seeing this gorgeous space become the heart of our home.
We’ll install RTA cabinets in the kitchen and add all the finishing touches. This blend of professional expertise for the structural work and DIY for the finishing touches allows us to stay involved while ensuring the critical aspects are handled correctly.
If You’re Considering An Interior Designer…
Hiring an interior designer, even with my extensive remodeling background, has been the best decision. The expertise, resources, and collaboration that Sam Cram Design brings to the table have made this renovation more enjoyable.
If you’re debating on hiring an interior designer for your project, consider how much restructuring needs to be done. Renovations of this nature need to be left to the professionals so everything is up to code and done on time. Although it may seem like I’m always living in a renovation, I cannot have an entire floor of my house out of commission.
We know this seems like a drastic change and a huge undertaking – and it is. But trust me, the vision I have for this home will make these structural changes feel SO worth it! Not only is this our family home, but it’s also my job to take something beautiful and make it our own. We feel so grateful to be in Nashville and have this opportunity!
Long story short – yes. It’s a lot of work and a significant investment, but I see the bigger picture, and we are so excited to get there.
Have you ever worked with an interior designer? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:
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