TOTALLY AGREE ABOUT PRACTICALITY OVER FLASHY STUFF
You nailed it—those “wow” features are fun until you’re scrubbing them every week. I learned the hard way with open shelving in the kitchen. Looked great in photos, but dust and clutter drove me nuts. When I hired my designer, I literally asked, “What do you regret in your own house?” Got some real talk that saved me money and headaches. Don’t be shy about those questions... it’s your space, after all.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
Couldn’t agree more about asking designers what they regret in their own homes. That’s where you get the honest stuff, not just the sales pitch. I’ve seen so many people get caught up in the “statement” features—like glass staircases or those waterfall counters—only to realize later they’re a pain to maintain or just don’t fit their lifestyle.
If I had to break it down, I’d say start by making a list of your non-negotiables. What do you actually need day-to-day? Then, when you talk to designers, ask them how they’d handle those priorities. Don’t be afraid to push back if something sounds cool but doesn’t make sense for your routine. I once toured a house with a sunken living room—looked awesome, but the owner hated it because it was a tripping hazard for their kids.
Also, check out their previous projects and ask about things that didn’t work out as planned. You’ll learn way more from their “oops” moments than their highlight reel.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
Couldn’t agree more about looking past the “Pinterest-perfect” stuff. I see houses with those floating staircases or all-white kitchens and just think... who’s going to keep that spotless? Not me.
- Asking about regrets is underrated. If a designer can’t admit they’ve made mistakes, I’d be wary. Everyone has at least one thing they’d change.
- Non-negotiables are key, but I’d also say: think about what you *don’t* want. Sometimes it’s easier to know what to avoid than what you actually need.
- Maintenance is a big one. Had a friend who did marble everywhere—looked amazing for six months, then the stains started. Now she covers half her counters with cutting boards.
- I’d add: ask about timelines and budgets, too. Some designers have champagne tastes and caviar budgets… on your dime. Be upfront about where you’re willing to splurge vs. save.
- Don’t get talked into “features” just because they’re trending. Heated towel racks, for example—nice idea, but I barely use mine and it’s just another thing to break.
- One thing I learned: ask how they handle changes mid-project. Plans always shift. You want someone flexible, not someone who’ll nickel-and-dime you for every tweak.
I’m not anti-designer at all, but it’s easy to get swept up in the fantasy version of your house and forget about real life. Day-to-day living beats magazine spreads every time.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
I get the hesitation around “Pinterest-perfect” looks, but honestly, some of those features—like floating stairs or all-white kitchens—can work if you plan for real life. It’s not always about avoiding them, but making sure the materials and finishes are practical for your lifestyle.
- Maintenance is huge, but sometimes people overestimate how much of a hassle things will be. I’ve seen engineered quartz that looks like marble and holds up way better.
- On timelines and budgets: I’d push back a bit. Sometimes the client’s indecision or late changes are what really blow up costs and schedules, not just the designer’s taste.
- Trends aren’t always bad either. Some “trendy” features end up being classics—open shelving, for example, if you actually use your kitchen.
Just saying, it’s not always black and white. Sometimes the fantasy can be made livable with the right planning.
Sometimes the client’s indecision or late changes are what really blow up costs and schedules, not just the designer’s taste.
Couldn’t agree more here. People blame designers for “overruns,” but honestly, half the time it’s because someone wants to swap out tile after it’s already ordered. Seen it a hundred times. Pinterest is fine for ideas, but you’ve gotta be realistic about how you’ll actually live in the space. Floating stairs look cool—until your dog hates them or your kid drops a toy through the gap every day. Still, with the right planning, most things are doable if you’re honest about your needs.