WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
You’re spot on—if a designer can’t walk you through their process, that’s a huge warning sign. I’d add that the best ones actually *listen* to how you want to live, not just what you want it to look like. I’ve built homes where the “wow” factor was less about fancy finishes and more about how the kitchen felt during a Sunday morning. Efficiency’s great, but if you’re not excited to come home every day, what’s the point? I always say, if you can’t see yourself laughing or relaxing in the space, keep looking.
if you’re not excited to come home every day, what’s the point?
Couldn’t agree more. I’d just add—don’t get too swept up by portfolios alone. Some designers are great at photos, but not at making a place feel like *yours*. Trust your gut if something feels off.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
It’s wild how much of this process comes down to that gut feeling, isn’t it? I’ve seen so many projects where the “perfect” portfolio just didn’t translate to a place people actually wanted to live in. Sometimes the most polished photos are just... staged moments, not real life. I always ask myself—does this designer seem curious about how I actually live? Or are they just pushing their own style?
One thing I’ve noticed: the best spaces come from conversations, not just contracts. If you’re not comfortable sharing your weird routines or little quirks (like, I dunno, needing a spot for muddy boots or wanting a reading nook in the laundry room), it’s probably not the right fit. The right designer should ask questions that make you think about what you really want, not just what looks good on Pinterest.
I get the temptation to chase after the “wow” factor, but honestly, the houses that stick with me are the ones where people can’t wait to get home. That excitement isn’t something you can fake with fancy finishes or trendy colors. It’s about finding someone who listens, not just someone who delivers a slick presentation.
And yeah, trusting your gut is huge—but I’d also say don’t be afraid to push back or ask “why” when something feels off. Sometimes the best ideas come from a little bit of friction or debate. If a designer can’t handle that, it’s a red flag for me.
At the end of the day, you’re the one living there, not the person behind the camera. If you’re excited to walk through your own front door, you did it right.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
You nailed it—portfolio shots are only half the story. I’ve watched folks get totally dazzled by renderings, then end up with a space that looks great in photos but just doesn’t function for their actual life. Happens more than you’d think.
Honestly, I tend to look at how designers handle constraints. Like, do they get creative when you mention budget or a weird site layout, or do they just try to steer you back to their “signature look”? If they can’t flex a bit, that’s usually a sign it’ll be an uphill battle once real-world stuff hits.
One thing I’d add: ask about their process early on. Some designers are big on vision boards and mood lighting... which is fine if you want a showpiece. But if you’re raising kids or have three dogs tracking in mud, you want someone who gets excited about storage solutions and durable floors too. I once worked with a designer who literally forgot to put in a coat closet—looked amazing but nowhere for winter gear. Rookie mistake, but it happens.
Gut feeling matters, sure, but I also like to see how they communicate when things don’t go as planned. Are they defensive? Do they problem-solve? A little pushback is healthy—if they can’t explain their choices without getting prickly, that’s usually my cue to move on.
At the end of the day, the best homes are the ones that work for your actual routines and quirks—not just what’s trending this year. If you find someone who asks more questions than they answer at first, that’s usually a good sign they’re paying attention to what makes your life tick... not just what fills out their portfolio.
If you find someone who asks more questions than they answer at first, that’s usually a good sign they’re paying attention to what makes your life tick... not just what fills out their portfolio.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I’ve seen designers get tripped up by real-life stuff like weird plumbing runs or needing a spot for muddy boots. It’s wild how many overlook the basics—like your coat closet story, I’ve had similar with laundry rooms. You’re right, it’s not just about pretty pictures. The ones who dig into your routines and ask about the nitty-gritty details are worth their weight in gold.
