Thinking about hiring an interior designer or decorator? Exciting! A well-designed space can completely transform how you feel in your home. But before reaching out to one, taking the time to consider a few key factors can make the process smoother, more enjoyable, and most importantly—more successful.
Here are five things to decide on before starting your design journey:
#1: BUDGET: Get Clear on Your Investment
Let’s talk money. One of the biggest misconceptions about working with a designer is that you need to know exactly how much everything costs before setting a budget. Not true! What’s more important is knowing how much you’re comfortable investing in your home.
What’s the absolute maximum you’re willing to spend on this project? Having a clear number (or at least a range) allows your designer to tailor the project to your financial goals. It also eliminates the stress of falling in love with a design that’s outside your means.
Be upfront about your budget from the start—designers aren’t here to “spend your money.” A good designer will guide you toward smart choices that balance style, function, and financial feasibility.
#2. STYLE: Define Your Aesthetic
Not sure how to describe your style? You’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed when asked about their design preferences, but the good news is you don’t need to have all the right words—you just need a vision.
Start collecting inspiration:
Save images of rooms that make you feel at home.
Pay attention to colours, textures, and patterns you’re naturally drawn to.
Think about the vibe—do you love a cozy and layered look or a clean and minimal aesthetic?
Even if your style isn’t fully defined yet, sharing visual references with your designer helps them create a cohesive plan that reflects you. Plus, being clear on your preferences from the start minimizes back-and-forth revisions (which can help you save on design fees).
#3. TIMELINE: Be Realistic About Timing
Do you have a specific event or deadline for your project? Maybe you want your space ready before hosting a big family gathering or before a new baby arrives. Whatever the case, share your timeline with your designer early on so they can plan accordingly.
That said, design takes time. Custom furniture, renovations, and sourcing quality pieces don’t happen overnight. Be realistic, allow for some flexibility, and trust the process. A well-designed home is worth the wait.
#4. FUNCTIONALITY: Think Beyond Aesthetics
A beautiful home should also work for your lifestyle and needs. Before meeting with a designer, consider how you actually use your space.
Do you need kid- and pet-friendly materials?
Do you entertain often and need seating for guests?
Are you craving better storage solutions to hide that clutter that you might need one day?
Good design is about solving problems, not just making things look nice. The more insight you can give your designer about your daily life, the better they can create a space that functions effortlessly for you.
#5. COMMUNICATION: Set Expectations
Every designer has a different process, and every client has different expectations. Some homeowners want to be deeply involved in every decision, while others prefer a more hands-off experience.
Ask yourself:
Do you want regular updates or only major milestone check-ins?
Do you prefer email communication, video calls, or in-person meetings?
How much decision-making do you want to handle versus leaving it to your designer?
Finding the right designer isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about finding someone whose communication style aligns with yours. When you and your designer are on the same page from the start, the entire process flows more smoothly.
Ready to Get Started?
By thinking through these five key decisions before reaching out to a designer, you’ll be able to find the right fit faster and make the most of your design journey.
If you’re curious about how we work, check out our blog on How We Work: Our Streamlined Process to see what partnering with us looks like. We’d love to help bring your dream space to life!
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