WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
Totally agree—if you know you need that walk-in closet, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Here’s what’s worked for me:
- Be clear on your must-haves. Write 'em down and don’t budge.
- A good designer should listen, not just push their “vision.”
- I’ve found it helps to show photos or even a Pinterest board—sometimes words aren’t enough.
- Flexibility’s fine, but if it doesn’t fit your life, what’s the point?
Had one designer try to convince me I didn’t need a pantry… still laugh about that. Non-negotiables matter!
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
Totally get what you mean about sticking to your must-haves. I had a designer try to talk me out of a soaking tub once—like, no way, that’s my one “treat yourself” thing. I’d add: don’t be afraid to ask for references or even tour a past project if you can. Sometimes you pick up on their vibe way better in person than just scrolling their Insta. And yeah, visuals help so much... words just don’t cut it sometimes.
Sometimes you pick up on their vibe way better in person than just scrolling their Insta.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I once had a client who was all about “modern minimalism” online, but when we actually walked through one of my finished projects together, she realized she wanted way more warmth and texture than she thought. Meeting face-to-face or seeing real spaces just tells you so much more than a curated feed ever could. And honestly, if a designer tries to talk you out of your soaking tub, that’s a red flag for me—your home should reflect *your* priorities, not theirs.
- Totally agree with this:
your home should reflect *your* priorities, not theirs.
- I get why designers have their own style, but if they’re pushing you to ditch something you love (like a soaking tub? dealbreaker), that’s a no from me.
- Online portfolios are cool, but seeing how someone interacts in person tells you if they’ll actually listen or just try to sell their “signature look.”
- I always ask for a walk-through of a finished project—they can talk all day about “texture” or “minimalism,” but you don’t really know until you see it IRL.
- If they can’t explain their choices in plain language or get defensive about your preferences, that’s a red flag too.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
- You’re spot on about the “signature look” thing. I’ve seen designers get so wrapped up in their own aesthetic that they forget it’s not their house. If you want a soaking tub, that should be non-negotiable—no matter how much they love open showers or whatever’s trending.
- Portfolios are a good starting point, but honestly, they only tell half the story. I always recommend asking for references and, if possible, talking to past clients. Sometimes the photos look great, but the process was a nightmare for the homeowner.
- Walk-throughs are gold. You can see how materials have held up, how the space actually feels, and whether the details match what you’d want in your own place. I’ve had clients who were sold on a designer’s Instagram, then totally changed their mind after seeing a project in person.
- Communication is huge. If someone can’t explain why they picked a certain tile or layout in plain English, that’s a problem. Design isn’t magic—it’s a series of choices, and you deserve to understand them. I’ve had people ask me to break down the pros and cons of every option, and honestly, that’s how it should be.
- One thing I’d add: ask about their process up front. Some designers are super collaborative, others are more “here’s my vision, trust me.” Neither is wrong, but you need to know what you’re signing up for. I’ve seen projects go sideways just because expectations weren’t clear from the start.
- Also, don’t be afraid to ask about budgets early. Some folks are uncomfortable talking numbers, but it saves a lot of headaches later. If a designer can’t work within your budget or gets cagey about costs, that’s a red flag for me.
- Last thing—don’t get too hung up on credentials or awards. They’re nice, but they don’t guarantee someone will listen to you or respect your priorities. I’ve met plenty of talented people who never went to design school but have an amazing eye and really care about their clients.
It’s your space at the end of the day. If you feel like you’re being steamrolled or talked down to, trust your gut and keep looking.