WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
I get what you’re saying about asking for more than just pretty photos, but honestly, I’ve found even “real life” examples can be misleading. People stage their homes for tours or after the fact, and that doesn’t always show how things hold up after a few months of actual living. I’d rather see how a space looks after it’s actually been lived in—like, are the finishes scratched up? Do the fabrics pill? How easy is it to keep clean? Not many designers are up front about that.
Also, routines are important, sure, but sometimes I feel like designers hear you out and then just do what fits their own style anyway. Anyone else notice that? I’ve had folks nod along while I talk about needing durable surfaces (kids and dogs...), then they pitch me white upholstery. Just makes me wonder if some of these “collaborative” conversations are mostly for show.
End of the day, I think you gotta trust your gut. If you’re feeling like you have to convince them to care about your lifestyle, maybe they’re not the right fit...
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
You’re not alone—I've had the same frustration. I care way more about how things actually function than how they look in a staged photo. Once, I specifically asked for pet-friendly fabrics and still got pitched a cream sofa... with a toddler and a dog at home. I think you’re right about trusting your gut. If they’re not listening now, it probably won’t get better once you’ve signed a contract. Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth asking to see past projects in person, or at least talk to previous clients about how things have held up.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
- Ask how they handle real-life mess—photos don’t show wear and tear, but your house will see it.
- I always request to chat with a past client; it’s a red flag if they dodge that.
- Get specifics about materials. If you say “pet-friendly” and they still suggest white, that’s a problem.
- Make sure their process includes check-ins for function, not just style.
- If possible, see a project in person. Pictures can hide a lot... I’ve seen gorgeous photos that didn’t match the actual space at all.