The Essential Role of an Interior Designer in Home Renovation

An interior designer collaborates with you to understand your preferences, needs, and lifestyle. They craft a design that reflects your personality and ensures the space functions optimally for your daily activities. Whether it's a cozy reading nook or a spacious kitchen island, designers tailor every detail to suit your life.

Hiring an interior designer can be cost-effective in the long run. Designers help you avoid expensive mistakes, such as purchasing ill-fitting furniture or choosing materials that don't complement your space. Their industry connections also grant access to trade discounts, allowing you to acquire high-quality items at a lower cost. Interior designers have established relationships with suppliers, contractors, and artisans. This network provides access to unique materials, custom furnishings, and skilled professionals that may not be available to the general public. These resources can elevate the quality and uniqueness of your renovation .

Renovations involve coordinating various tasks and timelines. An interior designer manages these aspects, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly and stays on schedule. They handle logistics, communicate with contractors, and address issues promptly, saving you valuable time and reducing stress .

Every home presents unique challenges, from awkward layouts to limited natural light. Interior designers are adept at finding creative solutions to these problems. They optimize space, enhance functionality, and incorporate design elements that address specific issues, resulting in a harmonious and efficient environment .

A well-designed home not only improves your living experience but also boosts your property's market value. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that showcases thoughtful design and quality finishes. Investing in professional interior design can yield significant returns if you decide to sell in the future .

Interior designers balance aesthetics with practicality. They ensure that your space is not only beautiful but also functional, considering factors like traffic flow, lighting, and storage. This integration creates a cohesive environment that enhances your daily life.

The subtle elements—such as lighting fixtures, hardware, and color schemes—can make a significant difference in the overall feel of a space. Interior designers focus on these details, ensuring that every component aligns with the design vision and contributes to the desired ambiance .

Engaging an interior designer during your home renovation is more than just an aesthetic choice—it's a strategic decision that enhances functionality, saves time and money, and elevates the overall quality of your living space. Whether you're updating a single room or undertaking a whole-house transformation, a professional designer can guide you through the process, ensuring a result that exceeds your expectations.

Leveling Up at High Point: Sawyer & Forge Interiors

Last week, Michelle Dougherty of Sawyer and Forge took a bold step in her design journey: attending High Point Market for the very first time.

Known as the world’s largest home furnishings trade show, High Point Market is a powerhouse event where new trends are unveiled, industry connections are made, and the future of design is shaped. It's where inspiration meets opportunity—and for Michelle, it was the perfect place to elevate her vision for Sawyer and Forge.

Here’s what Michelle shared about her experience:

Seeing the Bigger Picture
Since this was her first time in attendance, Michelle approached Market with an open mind and a hunger to learn. She found exactly what she was looking for—and then some. This trip opened her eyes to how much opportunity lies ahead. It reinforced the importance of creating effective outreach channels to expand her reach and truly tell the Sawyer and Forge story in a powerful way.

Building Relationships, Expanding Resources
One of the biggest wins from Market was the ability to cultivate new vendor relationships. By meeting manufacturers face-to-face and experiencing the quality of products firsthand, Michelle now has a stronger foundation for guiding her clients through design decisions. She also expanded her knowledge on the full spectrum of price points, which will allow her to serve a wider range of clientele without compromising on style or quality.  She noted, “Building a strong network of trade partners can transform the way you deliver for your clients.”

For Michelle, design is an integral part of daily life, serving as both a functional necessity and a meaningful expression of our identities. High Point helped her solidify partnerships that will help turn that belief into reality.

A Future Beyond Residential
Another eye-opening takeaway? Diversification.
Michelle is now considering opportunities to expand Sawyer and Forge beyond residential design into commercial and retail spaces. She’s energized by the possibilities and is starting to map out how to thoughtfully grow her offerings while maintaining the personalized, client-centered experience that Sawyer and Forge is known for.

The Value of Time and Team
High Point also brought a renewed focus on the value of time as a business asset. Michelle is now considering how she can grow her team to support larger, more complex projects—building a firm that can scale while maintaining its creative soul.

Looking Ahead
High Point Market wasn’t just a trip for Michelle—it was a transformational experience.
She’s coming home with new energy, new ideas, and new partners ready to help bring her clients' visions to life.

And for Sawyer and Forge, the future is just getting started.