WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
You’re spot on about “sustainable” being a moving target. I’ve seen designers claim all sorts of eco-friendly credentials, but when you dig in, it’s just low-VOC paint and a few plants. I always ask them to break down their vendor list—who do they actually buy from, and why? If they get cagey or act like it’s some big trade secret, that’s a warning sign for me.
Another thing: contracts. It’s boring, but what’s actually spelled out? Some designers will gloss over the details and then hit you with surprise charges for “consultation hours” or “sourcing fees.” I learned the hard way to ask exactly what’s included and what counts as extra.
And yeah, personality is huge. Had one designer who looked great on paper but just didn’t listen—kept pushing their own style instead of hearing what we wanted. That got old fast.
Bamboo... don’t get me started. Everyone says it’s green, but nobody talks about the adhesives or how far it travels. Sometimes the stuff with the best marketing is the least sustainable option in reality.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
All of this is super helpful, especially about contracts and hidden fees. I had a friend who got totally blindsided by “project management” charges halfway through her reno—she thought it was all included. Now I’m kind of paranoid about what’s considered “extra.” Is it normal for designers to charge for every single vendor meeting or phone call, or is that something you can negotiate up front?
Also, on the sustainability thing, I get confused when designers push “eco-friendly” options that are way out of my price range. Is it possible to stick to a budget and still make choices that aren’t terrible for the environment? Or does that just come down to being really clear about priorities from the start? I’m worried about getting pressured into stuff I can’t afford just because it’s labeled green.
Curious if anyone’s actually managed to get transparency on both costs and materials before signing—feels like a unicorn sometimes.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
I’ve been down this road and yeah, transparency is a huge pain point. I actually walked away from a designer who kept dodging my questions about “consultation fees” and upcharges on eco-friendly materials. It’s wild how some will nickel-and-dime you for every email or site visit. In my experience, the honest ones are upfront about what’s included and will work with your budget—even for green options. There are sustainable choices that aren’t crazy expensive, but you have to push back if you feel pressured. If they can’t break down costs and explain material choices in plain language, that’s a red flag for me.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. The “hidden fees” game is a nightmare. I’m in the middle of my first custom build and honestly, I had no idea how much I’d be double-checking every line in the contract. My big thing was making sure the designer wasn’t just pushing their own style or expensive brands. I wanted someone who actually listened, not just nodded and then did their own thing.
I did run into one who kept saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out later,” whenever I asked about costs or timelines. That was enough for me to bail. If they can’t give straight answers up front, it’s only gonna get messier down the road, right?
Also, I found it helps to ask for references and actually call them. One guy I talked to gave me a totally different vibe than what his Instagram showed. Sometimes the social media is all smoke and mirrors... Anyway, if you feel like you’re being “sold” instead of helped, trust your gut.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
If they can’t give straight answers up front, it’s only gonna get messier down the road, right?
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, sometimes the “we’ll figure it out later” thing isn’t always a red flag. On bigger projects, there’s just stuff you can’t pin down until you’re knee-deep in it. I’ve had designers who were upfront about what they didn’t know yet, and that actually saved me headaches later. I’d rather have someone admit they don’t have all the answers than pretend they do and then backtrack. Just my two cents.
