How to Choose the Right Interior Designer for Your Home Project
Imagine this scenario: you’re getting ready to start a major home renovation project, and you have an acquaintance who “has an eye” and has helped design rooms in a few friends’ homes. You meet, hit it off, and hire her as an interior designer for your project.
Let’s fast forward. Your project is nearing completion, but the results are sadly far from what you had hoped. The process has been bumpier than expected, and even more discouraging, your new home design doesn’t feel like you. Can you imagine anything more disappointing?
The truth is, not all designers are created equal. When you begin a large project requiring a similarly large investment, you want it completed the right way. This means taking the time to find the right guide. While there are extremely talented designers who have not been formally educated in design, they are the exception, not the rule. Today, I’ll be walking you through the steps to choose the right designer for your unique project.
Before you reach for your computer to search for designers in your area, taking a step back and reflecting on your goals will establish your unique needs. Consider your…
Project Scope: Ask yourself what you want to accomplish. You don’t need to get into tiny details, but have a good grasp on what spaces you’d like to update and a general wishlist.
Intended Investment: All decision makers should have a conversation about the planned investment for your project. You may not have a realistic idea of what a project will cost, but you should have an idea of what you are comfortable spending.
Ideal Timeline: When do you hope to start your project, and when do you hope to have it finished? Consider what’s going on in your home during that time. Will you need to temporarily move out? Is there a time you might be out of town that would make it easier for work to be completed?
Desired Involvement: Reflect on how involved you want to be in your project. Do you want to be part of every single decision, or are you more comfortable handing over the reins to a trusted expert?
With a solid grasp on your own needs and intentions for your project, it’s time to begin the search. Whether you find interior designers by word of mouth or an internet search, exploring their website is a must. Be sure to look for…
Expertise & Experience: Generally, working with a trained designer who does all types of projects full time and works for themselves or a design firm will yield the professional results you desire.
Designer’s Style: When browsing a designer’s portfolio, do all the projects look alike? If they do and they align with your own taste and vision, that’s great! If not, you may want to consider a designer with a more diverse portfolio.
Home Livability: Imagine yourself stepping into the homes you see. Could you live there? Are spaces practical as well as beautiful?
Project Variety: Do you see lots of different types of rooms on their website? If your project scope includes a full gut kitchen remodel, and all you see in a designer’s portfolio are living rooms, it may not be a good fit.
Once you’ve found a few potential designers for your project, interviewing them is the next critical step. Many designers offer a complimentary Discovery Call. Not only will you get a sense of the designer’s personality, but this call is also the perfect opportunity to ask the following question:
What is your process? A great designer will have a clear, concise and consistent process to give every client the same excellent experience.
How often will we communicate? Look for someone who is open, communicates regularly, and is flexible when it comes to your questions and desires.
How do you resolve problems? It’s no secret that something goes wrong with every project – it’s a good expectation to have before you begin. The way a designer handles and resolves problems, however, will say a lot about their professionalism and experience.
What is your design team’s involvement? If the designer is part of a large firm, chances are, multiple people will be involved in your project. While each has their area of expertise, it may mean a less personal experience for you.
What is your relationship with trades? An experienced designer will have a network of trusted professionals they can share with you, which is a major benefit.
What is your education and experience? Look for someone forthcoming about this information, which should also be available on their website. While inexperienced designers may charge less for their work, experienced designers usually work more efficiently, have a larger trade network, and provide a smoother overall process.
Could I speak with recent clients with projects similar to mine? A designer who has satisfied clients will likely be willing to share this information. Speaking with past clients will allow you to gain a valuable inside look at working with the designer from the homeowner’s perspective.
Whether you’re building your forever home on the coast or renovating to bring your dreams to life, hiring the right designer is key to getting personalized and lasting results that you will love. You will save time, money and heartache by investing time to find the right qualified interior designer for your project at the very beginning.
My best advice? Find someone you trust and let them be involved in every decision, from the room layout to the last throw pillow. Having one dedicated person invested in the entire outcome ensures every detail is covered. A qualified interior designer will handle everything—coordinating with contractors, sourcing materials, and managing timelines—so your space not only looks amazing but functions well and is completed on schedule.
If you’ve begun your search and we are on your shortlist, I’d love to speak with you about your project. Schedule a Discovery Call, and let’s see if we’re a good fit for each other.
Warmly,
Rochelle
2/04/2025
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