WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
You’re hitting the nail on the head with most of these points. I’ve worked with a lot of designers over the years, and honestly, the ones who look great on paper (or Instagram) aren’t always the ones you want in the trenches with you when things get messy. The “pretty pictures” trap is real—anyone can stage a photo shoot after blowing past budget and deadline, but that doesn’t help when you’re trying to live through a reno.
I’d add that it’s worth asking how hands-on they are with trades and subs. Some designers are fantastic at picking finishes but disappear when it’s time to coordinate with electricians or plumbers. That’s where projects start to unravel. If they’re not willing to get their boots dirty on site, you’ll end up playing middleman more than you’d like.
On communication—couldn’t agree more. If they’re slow or vague before you sign, it’s not going to magically improve once there’s money on the table. I’ve seen clients get ghosted for weeks over simple questions, which just drags everything out.
One thing I’d push back on a bit: sometimes even the best designers can’t control every hiccup (like supply chain issues), but how they handle it is what matters. Flexibility and problem-solving are way more valuable than a perfect mood board.
References are good, but if you can talk to someone who had a project go sideways and still came out happy, that tells you everything you need to know about how that designer operates under pressure.
At the end of the day, give me someone practical and adaptable over someone who just wants another portfolio piece. The real world is messy—your designer should be able to handle that without losing their cool.
“If they’re not willing to get their boots dirty on site, you’ll end up playing middleman more than you’d like.”
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen designers who vanish once demo starts, and suddenly the client’s calling me about tile layouts or lighting heights. The best ones are right there, sleeves rolled up, hashing out details with the crew. That’s when things actually run smooth. And yeah, a pretty Instagram feed doesn’t mean much if they can’t handle a curveball on site. Give me someone who can pivot and problem-solve any day.
TITLE: What Should I Look For Before Signing With An Interior Designer?
- Don’t get blinded by portfolios. I’ve seen plenty of “award-winning” designers who freeze up the second a site issue pops up.
- Ask how often they’ll actually be on site. If their answer’s vague, that’s a red flag. You want someone who’ll show up when things get messy, not just for the photo ops.
- Communication is huge. If they can’t explain their decisions to both you and the trades, expect headaches. I’ve had to mediate way too many times because a designer ghosted after demo.
- Check if they’ve worked with your contractor or architect before. That history can make or break a project.
- Don’t underestimate flexibility. Stuff goes sideways—materials delayed, walls not where plans said... The best designers roll with it and find solutions, not excuses.
Honestly, I’d rather work with someone less flashy but reliable on site than a “visionary” who disappears when things get real. Instagram’s nice, but it won’t help you when the tile order’s wrong and everyone’s looking for answers.
I get where you’re coming from about wanting someone reliable on site, but I’d actually add one more thing—ask about their approach to sourcing materials. A lot of designers talk the talk about sustainability, but when push comes to shove, they default to whatever’s cheapest or fastest. If eco-friendly materials or healthy indoor air matter to you, it’s worth digging into their track record there. Flashy portfolios rarely show what’s behind the walls... and sometimes that’s where the real impact is.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
- Totally agree about digging into what’s behind the pretty pictures.
- I’m always worried that “sustainable” just means “expensive,” though. Anyone else run into that?
- I’ve had designers push fancy eco stuff that blew my budget, but then I found some who actually knew affordable options—so it’s possible if they’re creative.
- Definitely worth asking for specifics, not just buzzwords.
- At the end of the day, I’d rather have something simple and safe than flashy and full of chemicals... but yeah, cost matters too.
