WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
Honestly, I don’t buy into the idea that “sustainable” always has to mean “expensive.” If you’re working with a designer who really knows their stuff, they’ll have access to high-end materials that are both eco-friendly and luxurious—without blowing your budget. Sometimes people just use “sustainable” as a buzzword to justify higher prices. I’d rather pay for quality and craftsmanship than settle for something basic just because it’s cheap or labeled “safe.” There’s a middle ground if you push for it.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
Totally agree—“sustainable” gets thrown around way too much, and half the time it’s just a marketing ploy. I’d add that you should really dig into how transparent the designer is about sourcing. If they can’t tell you where materials come from or why something costs what it does, that’s a red flag for me. Also, ask to see examples of their past work—sometimes “luxury” just means overpriced basics. I learned that the hard way with my last reno...
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
I get the whole transparency thing, but honestly, I feel like if you dig too deep into every single material or price, you’ll drive yourself nuts. Not saying you shouldn’t ask questions, but sometimes designers just have their go-to vendors and can’t always give you a full breakdown on every item. I was super nitpicky at first and it just slowed everything down.
What mattered more for me was how well they listened to what I actually wanted, not just pushing their “signature style” on me. I had one designer who showed me all these fancy portfolios, but when it came down to it, she didn’t really get my vibe at all. Ended up going with someone who didn’t have the flashiest website but actually paid attention to my ideas.
Guess my point is, past work and sourcing are important, but don’t forget to trust your gut about whether you click with them. That’s what made the biggest difference for me.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
I totally get what you mean about getting bogged down in the details. When we started building our place, I was obsessed with every single line item on the designer’s proposal—like, I wanted to know why a lamp cost $400 and if there was a secret gold bar inside it or something. It honestly just made me more anxious and didn’t really help the process.
What surprised me was how much the “vibe check” mattered. We met with one designer who had this super impressive portfolio, but every time we talked, it felt like she was designing her dream house, not ours. The person we ended up hiring actually asked about our routines and how we wanted to feel in each room. She even noticed my partner’s weird mug collection and worked it into the kitchen design (which I secretly loved).
I guess for me, it came down to feeling heard and not just being another project. Transparency’s great, but if you can’t have an honest conversation or laugh about your ugly-but-sentimental furniture, it’s probably not the right fit.
I get where you're coming from on the “vibe check,” but I’d add—don’t overlook the sustainability angle, either. Some designers talk a good game about eco-friendly materials, but when you dig deeper, it’s just buzzwords. I always ask for specifics: what certifications do their materials have? Are they sourcing locally? It’s easy to get swept up in aesthetics or personality, but if you care about your environmental impact, you’ve got to press them on those details. And yeah, transparency on costs is non-negotiable... but I’m with you, sometimes you just want to know if that lamp is really worth it or if someone’s padding their margin.
