WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
I actually think seeing finished houses sometimes made it harder for me, not easier. I'd walk through a friend's place and suddenly want their mudroom or whatever, even if it didn't make sense for my life. I get the appeal of checklists, but honestly, what worked for me was figuring out how I wanted to feel in my space, not just what I wanted it to look like. Pinterest is fun, but real life is messier—sometimes literally.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
It’s funny, I hear this a lot—people get overwhelmed by all the “inspiration” out there, and suddenly it’s like, wait, do I need a sunken living room and a dog shower? I actually think your point about how you want to *feel* in your space is spot on. It matters way more than copying someone else’s mudroom or whatever.
If you’re just starting out, I’d say don’t stress about having a perfect vision. Most folks don’t. What helps is jotting down the stuff you know you like (or can’t stand). Maybe you hate clutter, or you dream of a cozy reading nook, or you need a spot for muddy boots because your kids are always outside. Those little details add up.
When it comes to hiring someone, I’d suggest starting with people who ask questions about your life, not just your Pinterest board. The best designers dig into how you live—like, do you eat at the kitchen island or the dining table? Do you work from home? Do you have a dog that needs its own space? That kind of thing. If they’re just showing you portfolios and not asking about your day-to-day, that’s a bit of a red flag in my book.
It’s also totally normal to change your mind once or twice (or ten times). I’ve seen people get halfway through a project and realize they never use their formal dining room, so we tweak the plan. Real life is messy, like you said, and sometimes you don’t know what works until you’re living in it.
One thing I’d add—don’t get too hung up on trends. What looks cool now might not fit your life in five years. I’ve had clients who regretted skipping a mudroom, but also folks who never used theirs. It’s all about what fits your routine, not your friend’s.
I guess the main thing is, trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. And if you find someone who listens more than they talk, you’re probably on the right track.
- I always ask for a breakdown of costs up front—nothing kills a vibe like surprise invoices.
- If a designer can’t explain why something costs what it does, I get skeptical fast.
- I’m all for good design, but if someone tries to talk me into a $2k light fixture, I’m out.
- Function > fancy features. I’d rather have a mudroom that works for muddy boots than a “statement” powder room I’ll never use.
- Also, I make a spreadsheet (yeah, I’m that person) of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and dealbreakers. Keeps me sane.
- Love the spreadsheet idea—totally keeps things grounded when the “ooh, shiny” factor kicks in.
- Couldn’t agree more about function over flash. I’d rather have a proper entry for muddy shoes than a fancy chandelier any day.
- Cost transparency is huge, especially if you’re trying to keep things eco-friendly. Sometimes the “green” upgrades pay for themselves, but only if you know what you’re actually paying for.
- I do think sometimes designers get excited and forget not everyone wants to splurge on statement pieces... nothing wrong with keeping it practical.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
Spreadsheets are a lifesaver—totally agree. When we were picking someone to design our place, I actually made a matrix with priorities: energy efficiency, durability, cost, and then aesthetics. It wasn’t glamorous, but it helped me push back when someone pitched “statement” lighting that ate into the insulation budget. I get that designers want to wow, but I’d rather have triple-pane windows than a trendy backsplash. Funny how the practical stuff ends up being what you appreciate day-to-day... especially when the energy bill comes in.
