Hiring an interior designer is an exciting step toward creating a home that truly reflects your style and functions seamlessly for your lifestyle. But if you’ve never worked with one before, you might be unsure of where to start. Here’s everything you need to know — from researching designers to making the most of the process.

1. Researching and Choosing the Right Designer

Before reaching out, spend some time exploring designers’ websites and social media. Look for:

Portfolio & Style – Do their past projects align with your vision? Even if no single project is exactly what you want, do they show a range that suggests they can tailor designs to different clients?

Process & Services – Not all designers work the same way. Some offer full-service renovations, while others focus on styling. Check if their services align with what you need.

Testimonials & Experience – Client reviews give insight into what it’s like to work with them. Do they mention clear communication, creative problem-solving, and delivering on expectations?

2. The Initial Discovery Call

Most designers offer an initial consultation or discovery call. This is your chance to get a feel for their approach and personality while they assess whether your project is the right fit.

Be ready to discuss:

Your project scope – What areas of your home do you want to change? What’s driving the update?

Your style & inspiration – Pinterest boards, saved Instagram images, or even a few words describing what you love can be helpful.

Budget & Timeline – Be upfront about what you’re comfortable investing and when you’d like the project completed. Designers will help you understand what’s realistic.

This call should feel like a two-way conversation—just as you’re assessing them, they’ll also be considering whether they’re the right person for your project.

3. Transparency is Key

Once you’ve engaged a designer, being transparent and regular communication is the best way to get the results you want. This means:

Being upfront about budget – Designers work within different price points, but they need to know your budget to recommend the right materials, finishes, and suppliers.

Giving clear feedback – If you don’t love an idea, say so! A designer’s job is to interpret your vision, and constructive feedback helps refine the design.

Be engaged - Your designer needs your regular input into the project - so please respond to emails or phone calls and come prepared and focused to meetings.

Trusting the process – Great design takes time. A professional designer will guide you through a structured process to ensure the best outcome.

4. The Importance of Quick Responses

Timely communication helps keep your project on track. If your designer requests approvals on materials or floorplans, responding promptly means no delays in ordering and scheduling trades.

Similarly, designers often work with suppliers who have limited stock or lead times. If decisions take too long, you might miss out on your first-choice selections.

5. What to Expect Throughout the Process

Every designer works differently, but most projects will follow these key phases:

Concept Development – This is where your designer presents initial ideas, mood boards, and layouts based on your brief.

Revisions - Your feedback is worked through and addressed through revisions to visuals, layout and materials.

Detailed Design & Selections – Materials, fixtures, and finishes are locked in, and technical drawings may be created.

Procurement & Supplier Introduction – Your designer may be able to help you purchase necessary items for the renovations, and introduce you to relevant trades and suppliers.

Installation & Styling – The final step where everything comes together for that "wow" moment.

Final Thoughts

Working with an interior designer is a collaborative process that can completely transform your home while making the journey enjoyable (and much less stressful!). The best results come when there’s mutual trust, open communication, and a shared vision for the space.

If you’re thinking about engaging a designer, start with a discovery call to see if the fit feels right—you can book one here!

How to successfully engage an interior designer.