Before You Hire an Interior Designer, Ask These Questions
A guide for clients who want more than just a beautiful space.
At a certain point, hiring an interior designer stops being a question of if—and becomes a question of who.
Let’s Talk About Interior Design
I know—it can feel like a lot.
Between the endless inspiration on Pinterest, the beautifully styled rooms on Instagram, and the dozens of designers you’ve bookmarked, it’s easy to feel like everything is starting to blend together.
The services aren’t always explained clearly. And when you do finally book a consultation, it’s hard to know exactly what to ask—or how to figure out if someone’s the right fit for you.
You probably don’t speak “design lingo,” and you’re not looking to become an expert. You just want to feel confident that your goals will be captured, your space will be respected, and that the process won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed or unsure.
That’s exactly why I put this post together—to make the early part of your design journey feel more grounded and less like guesswork.
First: Ask Yourself a Few Things
Before you reach out to anyone, take a few minutes to check in with yourself. These questions aren’t about getting it “right”—they’re about helping you show up clear on what matters most, so your designer can do their best work.
How involved do I want to be?
You’re the boss—of course. As CEO of your home, you’re making the executive decisions. But what’s your leadership style?
Are you looking for someone who can run with a vision, translate your needs and taste into something you didn’t see coming, and handle the heavy lifting while you focus on approvals and big-picture choices?
Or do you want to be more hands-on—sharing your curated Pinterest board, weighing in on material choice selections, and partnering closely on every step?
There’s no wrong answer. But understanding your level of involvement helps you find a designer who can either take the reins or ride shotgun—or someone who can flex somewhere in between.
Look for clues in how a designer describes their services:
If you see phrases like “collaborative process,” “consultative design,” or “designer for a day,” they likely lean toward shared decision-making or helping you refine and implement your vision.
If you see “turn-key,” “you don’t lift a finger,” or “high-touch,” they may specialize in full-service design where you're trusting them to create something custom and cohesive, top to bottom.
Some designers do a little of both, depending on the project. That’s why clarity on your side is helpful—it gives them the chance to say, “Yes, that’s how we work” or “Here’s how we’d handle that.”
Still unsure? Just ask. Tell them what kind of working relationship would feel good to you, and give them the chance to confirm whether they’re the right fit for that.
What do I think things cost?
This one can feel tricky, especially if you’ve never furnished or renovated a full room from scratch before. Most people don’t have a ready-made number in mind for a “project budget.” That’s okay!
But when a designer asks, “What’s your budget?”—and they will—it helps to offer some kind of reference point.
Try starting with a few anchor items:
What would you consider reasonable for a sofa?
What do you think a dining table or dresser should cost?
What’s a comfortable price range for living room lighting?
Have these numbers in mind before your consultation. You don’t have to know what every item costs—but sharing your gut instinct on a few key pieces gives your designer helpful context. From there, they can help you shape a realistic plan that aligns with your expectations.
Now: Questions to Ask Them
Okay—now that you’ve got a clearer picture of what a successful relationship would look like for you, here are some questions you’ll want to bring into your designer consultations. These will help you figure out if someone’s not just talented, but a good fit for you.
Process & Working Style
What does your process look like, start to finish?
How do you communicate with clients throughout the project?
What’s expected from me—and what do you handle?
How do you approach changes, delays, or sourcing issues?
Fit & Vision
Have you worked on projects with a similar scope or style?
What happens if I don’t love something you’ve selected?
Scope & Services
What’s included in your services? How do you charge for them? Are there any limitations I should know?
Do you work directly with contractors or tradespeople, or would I be managing that?
Do you make those selections?
Do you handle purchasing and receiving items? How does that work?
Timeline & Budget
Based on what I’ve shared, what would a realistic timeline look like?
How do you help manage budget expectations throughout the process?
Final Thought
A designer isn’t just someone who picks beautiful things—they’re someone you’re inviting into your personal space and your daily rhythms. It’s worth spending a little time up front to make sure that partnership feels good.
You’re about to create something beautiful together. It should be fun!
Curious if We’re the Right Fit?
If you’ve made it this far, I have a feeling we might be on the same page when it comes to what makes a home really work.
If you're feeling curious—or even just quietly hopeful—about what working together could look like, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you're ready to dive in or just gathering info, you're welcome to reach out.
[Click here to get in touch →]
Let’s see if this is the right fit, and go from there.
