Totally get this. I learned the hard way that “just one more change” is never just one more.
That hit home. I fell in love with a bunch of open shelving pics, but after actually living with it... let’s just say dust and clutter are real. Now I try to figure out what’s practical before getting too attached to a look.Pinterest is fine for ideas, but you’ve gotta be realistic about how you’ll actually live in the space.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
That Pinterest trap is real. I used to think I could just DIY my way into a magazine-worthy space, but after a few “inspiration boards” and some regrettable purchases, I realized my budget and my patience weren’t on the same page as those dreamy photos. Open shelving looks gorgeous until you realize your mismatched mugs and cereal boxes don’t exactly scream ‘curated minimalism’...
Honestly, I think it’s easy to get swept up in the aesthetics and forget about how much time (and money) it takes to keep things looking that way. I’ve started asking myself, “Will I actually maintain this, or will it just stress me out?” before committing to a design idea. And when it comes to hiring someone, I’ve learned to be super upfront about my budget and lifestyle. No shame in saying, “I want it to look nice, but I also need it to be easy to live in and not cost a fortune.” Sometimes designers push for the ‘wow’ factor, but I’d rather have something that works for me than something that looks good in a photo.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
You’re totally right about the Pinterest trap—those “effortless” spaces are usually anything but. Being upfront about your budget and lifestyle is honestly the best way to go. Designers can get carried away with the wow factor, but it’s your home, not a showroom. I always tell people: if you won’t enjoy living with it, what’s the point? Sometimes the most practical choices end up looking the best anyway.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
I get what you’re saying about designers going wild with the “wow” factor. I’ve noticed that too, especially when scrolling through their portfolios—everything looks so polished, but half of it just doesn’t seem livable. When we started looking, my partner and I actually made a list of our daily routines and non-negotiables (like, I NEED a spot for muddy boots right by the door). That helped us weed out designers who didn’t “get” how we live.
But here’s where I get stuck: do you start with an architect or an interior designer? Some people say get an architect first for the structure, then bring in a designer later. Others say find someone who does both. Is there even a “right” order? It feels like if you pick wrong, you end up paying twice for stuff to be redone... Anyone else run into this?
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
I totally get the fear of paying twice—been there, almost did that. We were on a tight budget, so we started with an architect who was open to collaborating with an interior designer later. That way, we got the structure right without blowing cash on fancy finishes we didn’t need. Some firms do both, but honestly, those quotes were way out of our league. If you’re watching costs, I’d say get the bones right first, then layer in the pretty stuff as you go. It’s not foolproof, but it kept us from redoing things (and from eating ramen for a year).