WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
Man, finding that middle ground is tricky. I’ve seen designers who’ll bend over backwards for any request, but then you end up with a house that feels kinda generic. On the flip side, the “my way or the highway” types can be tough when you hit a snag—like your cabinetry situation. I always tell folks to ask about how they handle delays or changes before signing anything. If they can’t give a straight answer, that’s usually a red flag for me.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve seen both extremes—designers who say yes to everything and you end up with a Pinterest board come to life, but nothing really “you.” On the other hand, some folks are so rigid it’s like pulling teeth if you want to swap out a faucet. Honestly, asking about how they handle changes is smart. I’d add: see if they actually listen when you talk about your lifestyle or routines. If they’re not picking up on that, it’s usually a sign they’ll miss the mark later.
Totally agree with this:
That was a game-changer for me. A few things I learned:see if they actually listen when you talk about your lifestyle or routines.
- If you have kids or pets, mention it early—some designers just don’t get the chaos factor.
- Ask to see examples of their past work, but also ask *why* they made certain choices. If they can’t explain, that’s a red flag.
- Don’t be afraid to push back on stuff that feels off. I almost ended up with open shelving everywhere because it “looked nice,” but I knew I’d hate dusting.
You really want someone who gets how you live, not just what looks good on Instagram.
You really want someone who gets how you live, not just what looks good on Instagram.
Honestly, that’s the key. I’ve had clients who wanted all-white everything because it “looked clean,” but then they’d mention their toddler and two dogs. I always ask: how do you actually use this space? If a designer isn’t asking about your daily chaos, that’s a red flag for me. Open shelving is a classic example—looks great, but who’s dusting it every week?
Totally agree about the open shelving—looks cool, but I know I’d never keep up with the dust. When you were picking a designer, did you find it hard to balance what you liked visually with what actually works for your life? I keep second-guessing my choices.
