You’re right, a good designer digs way deeper than paint colors. I’ve seen clients surprised by how much time is spent on workflow and storage—sometimes it’s almost therapy. That “day in the life” thing is actually pretty common now. It’s awkward, but it helps catch stuff you’d never think to mention, like where backpacks always pile up or which counter ends up as the mail dump.
I do think it’s smart to push back when things get too “magazine” and not enough “real life.” But honestly, sometimes you just need someone who isn’t used to your mess pointing out obvious fixes. The shoe drawer example is great—half the time those little tweaks make the biggest difference, even if they sound weird at first.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
That “day in the life” thing is honestly so underrated. When we did our remodel, our designer literally followed us around one Saturday morning—felt weird at first, but she noticed stuff I’d never have brought up. Like, she pointed out how we always left the back door open while unloading groceries and suggested a little bench and cubby right there for bags. Never would’ve thought of that myself.
I do get a bit skeptical when designers push for stuff that looks great in photos but doesn’t fit how you actually live. We had someone pitch us this super sleek mudroom with all these fancy finishes, but it just didn’t make sense for our muddy boots and garden tools. Ended up going with something way more basic, but it works for us.
One thing I wish more designers talked about is how your choices impact energy use and materials. Ours was pretty open to my questions about insulation and recycled materials, but I had to bring it up first. Not everyone’s thinking about that stuff, but it makes a difference long-term—especially if you care about air quality or reducing waste.
Funny enough, the smallest changes made the biggest difference for us too. We added a pull-out drawer for dog leashes near the door and suddenly mornings got way less chaotic. It’s wild how those little tweaks can shift your whole routine.
Guess what I’m saying is, don’t be afraid to ask “why” about every suggestion—even if it sounds weird at first. Sometimes the oddball ideas are the ones that actually stick and make life easier.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
- That “day in the life” approach is gold. I’ve seen it make a huge difference—sometimes folks don’t even realize how they move through their own space until someone points out the little stuff. Like, you’d be surprised how many people end up with a fancy mudroom that looks great on Instagram but turns into a dumping ground for muddy boots and dog toys. Real life isn’t always photo-ready, right?
- I always tell people: don’t get dazzled by the glossy portfolios. Sure, those magazine shots are nice, but if you’re tripping over your own shoes every morning, what’s the point? Function beats fancy every time.
- Energy use and materials—totally agree, that should be part of the first conversation, not an afterthought. I’ve had clients who didn’t even know you could get insulation made from recycled denim (yep, old jeans). It’s wild what’s out there if you ask.
- The little tweaks are where the magic happens. One family I worked with wanted a “statement staircase,” but what actually changed their lives was a hidden charging drawer in the kitchen. Suddenly, no more phone cords everywhere. Sometimes it’s the boring stuff that ends up being genius.
- Don’t be shy about pushing back on ideas that don’t fit your lifestyle. Designers are creative, but they’re not mind readers. If you need a spot for muddy boots or a bench for grocery bags, say it—even if it feels obvious or silly.
- And yeah, sometimes the “weird” suggestions are the ones that stick. Had a client who insisted on a dog shower in the mudroom. I thought it was overkill... until I saw how much cleaner their house stayed after rainy walks.
Bottom line: trust your gut, ask all the questions (even if you think they’re dumb), and remember you’re the one living there—not the person taking the photos.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
You nailed it with the “day in the life” thing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched people get excited about some Pinterest-worthy nook, then realize it makes zero sense for how they actually live. It’s wild how much gets overlooked when you’re distracted by pretty pictures. Honestly, I wish more folks would push back and ask “does this actually work for us?”—that’s not being difficult, that’s being smart.
And yes, energy and materials should be right up front, not buried in the fine print. There’s so much more out there than people realize—insulation, flooring, even paints that are way better for your health and the planet. Don’t let anyone rush you past those choices.
I’ll admit, sometimes I cringe when clients want “quirky” features, but every now and then those are the things that make a house feel like home. The dog shower is a perfect example. At the end of the day, your house should fit your life, not some magazine spread. Trusting your gut isn’t just good advice—it’s essential.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
Funny you mention the dog shower—my neighbor put one in and swears it’s the best thing ever, but I’d never use it. I always wonder, how do you balance those “just for us” features with resale value? Ever had something you loved that totally confused future buyers?