Inside advice on interior designers

Interior design can either make or break the appearance of your home, so choosing the right interior designer for the job is essential. Find out what our expert has to say on your design choices.

Q. What should someone look for when choosing an interior designer?

A. People should get examples of interior designers' work and talk to previous clients, asking how the designer adapted to their needs and wishes. Above all, look for experience and knowledge.

Q. Do you provide guarantees for your work?

A. We have insured our workmanship. Our plumbers and electricians are licensed and provide our clients with compliance certificates on completion of the works.

Q. What makes a bathroom idea functional?

A. Each bathroom design has different requirements, based on the age and number of people using it. A functional bathroom design meets all criteria of the people living in the house. An elderly person might require a large 'stepless' shower with support aids, while a young family might want a bath and storage.

Q. What expert advice do you give people planning a new bathroom?

A. Make a wish list detailing all your needs: consider how you work in the bathroom and what could make it better. Look at showroom brochures and magazines and pick out elements of other rooms that you find interesting and useful. If you find it hard to work out what you do like, work out what you don't like.

Q. How long does it take to renovate a bathroom?

A. The completion date can vary according to the scope of works. A standard bathroom, with no moving of plumbing fixtures, would take about three weeks. A bathroom with relocation of fixtures, stone vanity tops, glass shower walls, frameless shower screens, could take up to seven weeks to complete.

Q. What does it take to be an interior designer?

A. Qualifications involve study for three to four years. I studied at RMIT. I work for a builder specialising in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. I am the first contact point, studying the client brief and designing a functional and aesthetic room, sympathetic to the budget.

Contact an interior designer in your area to find out what you'll need to get the most out of your bathroom design: