Prepare To Wave The Red Flags!

Hey, we get it! Interior design is a tough industry to stand out in, and sometimes designers may resort to some not-so-honest tactics to attract clients. However, as a client, it's important to protect yourself from the imposters and make sure you're hiring someone who’s the real deal.

So before you even consider reaching out to a design firm, keep an eye out for warning signs that may indicate you might need to do a little extra digging!

First up, we have the “Jack of all trades, master of none”

Now, we're not referring to designers who are versatile and can handle different types of projects. But, when a designer is offering too many services and doesn't specialize in anything, it can be a red flag that they're just throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. You want a designer who knows their stuff and can deliver top-notch results in their area of expertise. Trust us, a busy design firm doesn’t have the extra time on their books to offer menial services!

Next, we have the dreaded “brand identity issues”

If a designers business model or what they specialize in isn’t blatantly obvious, it can be a sign that they're not quite sure themselves or their attempts haven’t been effective and they’re desperately attempting anything. If they’re unable to convey a clear vision into what their design firm is all about, how can you trust they’ll be able to create a cohesive and effective design for your space? Having a brand identity and staying the course shows you a designer isn’t frantically grasping at straws when it comes to their own business fundamentals.

Moving on, we have "no directional growth"

This means that the designer is constantly changing direction and jumping from one thing to the next. While it's good to be flexible when it comes to growth, but too frequent or drastic changes can be a warning sign. You want a designer who has a clear vision of who they are with a track record of organic business growth.

Fourth on our list is "big announcements with no follow through"

If a designer is constantly hyping up their latest project or big reveals to come but rarely seems to deliver, it can be a sign that they're not quite being honest about any of it and just wanting to appear more successful than they actually are. Trust us, you don't want to be left hanging by a designer who has a record for not following through on their promises.

Fifth, we have "online reviews by people with only 1 review under their belt"

Now, we're not saying that all reviews with only one review are fake, but it's definitely something to be wary of. If a designer has a bunch of glowing reviews from people who have only ever reviewed their business, it could be a sign that the reviews are fake and the designer is trying to manipulate their online reputation.

Moving on to number six, we have "over exposed"

While it's great to have your work featured in online publications and magazines, too much exposure can be a bad thing. If a designer is regularly promoting their accomplishments, it could be a sign that they're trying a little too hard to appear successful. Especially if they’re coming from unrecognizable publications. Many of these accolades and awards are often initiated and paid for by the designer themselves!

Number seven is "their website's appearance doesn't match the level of design they're selling"

HGTV promises within a DIY website fail! If a designer's website looks outdated, unprofessional, or disheveled, it could be a sign that they're not investing in their own brand. And if they're not investing in their own brand, how can you trust them to invest in your project? You want a designer who puts the same level of design detail into their own website that they are trying to sell to you!

Next up, we have "posting repetitive pictures on social media"

If a designer often posts throw-back pictures of past projects from years ago, it could be a sign that they haven't been working on anything new. And if they haven't been working on anything new, it could be a sign that they're not as busy as they claim to be. Also be on the lookout for old pictures that are being presented as new or current projects!

Number nine is "off topic social media posts"

If a designer is using their business page to post about their family or other unrelated topics, it could be a sign that they're trying desperately to garner your trust or distract you from the fact that they're not getting a lot of business. While infusing personality into a business page can be a fun way to give potential clients insight into their personality, be a little leery when a business page has a tendency to wonder away from being, well…professional.

And for the tenth and final red flag to look out for is “sales and giveaways”

While many love the thought of a sale or a giveaway, this could pose as a big red flag when it comes to an interior design firm. You want someone who knows the value of their work and their time, not just someone who is trying to drum up business to make a quick buck. This may be a glaring indication that they are struggling to get business on the books!

So, you now know the red flags to keep an eye out for when searching for an interior designer.
But don't panic just yet!

Check out part two of our series, where we'll show you how to investigate your suspicions without going full-on Sherlock Holmes. You'll be able to separate the true design gurus from the IMPOSTERs in no time!