WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
I get the urge to lock down your “must-haves” early, but honestly, sometimes the best ideas come from a little flexibility. I’ve seen clients come in with a rigid list and miss out on creative solutions they never imagined. Instead of a hard line between “must” and “nice,” maybe try a “dream big” session with your designer—sometimes the wild ideas actually end up being the most practical. And about budgets... sometimes a small splurge on something unique (like a custom nook or built-in) can totally transform how you use the space, even if it means tweaking elsewhere.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
I totally get the urge to have a super clear list of “must-haves” before you even talk to anyone, but honestly, sometimes that can box you in more than you’d think. I’ve had clients come in with these super detailed spreadsheets and Pinterest boards, and while it’s great to know what you like, it can make it tough to see other options. Sometimes the best parts of a project come from those “what if we tried…” moments.
One thing I always suggest is starting with how you want your house to *feel* rather than just what you want it to have. Like, do you want it to feel cozy? Open? Super organized? That vibe can guide way more decisions than just a checklist of features. And when you’re meeting designers, pay attention to whether they actually listen or just try to push their own style—chemistry matters way more than people realize.
Budget-wise, I’m with you on the small splurges. The little custom touches (like a window seat or a funky light fixture) end up being what people love most about their homes. You don’t have to go wild everywhere—sometimes one or two unique things make the whole place feel special.
If you’re not sure where to start looking for someone, word of mouth is still gold. Ask friends or neighbors who’ve done renos who they used and what the process was like. Online portfolios are helpful too, but nothing beats hearing how someone handles hiccups or changes along the way.
And honestly… don’t stress if your ideas change halfway through. That’s pretty normal. The best projects evolve as you go—it’s part of the fun (and sometimes the chaos).
