Five Things to Consider When Hiring an Interior Designer

How to locate an ideal partner for your next remodel or design project

The best interior designers create spaces that celebrate the way their clients live. Finding a professional who will work well with you is as crucial as the design process. It’s fun to find inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, but the real work starts when you’re trying to find someone who can help you bring your visions to life.

You’ll want to consider these five criteria whether you’re looking for a designer in Buffalo, NY, Western New York, or beyond.

1. Choose an Approachable Interior Designer 

As with any relationship, you and your interior designer need to click. It's not enough that the designer has a "design eye” — you want someone who will bring out the best in you.

Look for someone who has not only a great personality, but who is approachable. You want your designer to value teamwork and to encourage your honest expressions.

The more we know about your likes and dislikes, the more we can prevent future design regrets. 

In the initial meeting, get a sense of not just their personality and style, but whether they will be respectful, attentive, and enthusiastic about your project.

• In my line of work, I sometimes work with clients who are in the middle of a DIY project but can’t decide what to buy. I can deliver full-room transformations or I can simply support you in choosing colors, developing a mock-up, or shopping for the right pieces. Even if you want just a single window treatment, I’m happy to select that for you, and if you purchase decor through me, you’ll get a break on the pricing, too.

2. Select an Interior Designer for Compatibility 

To avoid style shock, look carefully at an interior designer’s portfolio to see if their design style aligns with your vision for your home. 

A skilled designer can adapt to your style preferences and subtly blend different home aesthetics by strategically arranging furniture, tweaking color schemes, or using distinctive interior decorations.

• For example, I work in a range of design styles, from mid-century modern to bold contemporary to Scandinavian. I can incorporate bold color palettes and unexpected furniture designs. Still, I’m probably not your best choice for a“granny-core” aesthetic. I enjoy working on “transitional” projects that are a mix of classic and contemporary. Whatever the style, I ensure the design will be lasting, smart, and versatile. 

3. Find an Interior Designer Who Problem Solves

Everyone has a budget, and every interior design project involves making the best out of available resources. Space constraints, tight budgets, or unusual room layouts, a designer's problem-solving skills are tested at every corner. Gauge an interior designer’s past experiences by asking how they have handled managing budgets of various sizes, including small-budget projects. Ask them practical questions like, “What’s your take on transforming small spaces?” Or “How do you approach cabinet design?”  Give them specific scenarios. The solutions presented can be quite revealing.

• As an engineer as well as a designer, I’m trained to solve problems. I love reconfiguring homes to ensure they meet specific standards. I know how to meet budget constraints without cheaping out on materials. 

4. Look for an Interior Designer Who Follows Through 

A survey of 1,000 Americans revealed that the majority (52%) of homeowners expect home renovations to take longer than expected. This statistic highlights the need for a designer with solid project management skills. A design project stretches beyond aesthetics, requiring skilled professional management of timelines, budgets, materials, and vendors. Ensure your dream remodel doesn’t become a never-ending nightmare. Verify the designer's past project experience, check reviews, and ask for references. See if they adhere to timelines and budgets. Ask how they’ve handled unexpected hindrances.

• Personally, I can’t wait to answer these kinds of questions. The more we can align expectations before a project begins, the better. What would you like to know? Please don’t hesitate to ask. If I’m not the right person, I’ll always aim to point you in the right direction for referrals and resources.

5. Require a Deep Understanding of How You Live in Your Home 

Your home is your sanctuary and a hub for your whole life. Your home’s layout and functionality must work with your lifestyle.

An excellent interior designer will dig deep to understand your lifestyle, daily activities, and personal preferences—basically, how you and your entire family operate in your home.

You may prioritize a home office, a cozy media room, a kid’s playroom or bedroom, a fully-equipped spacious kitchen, or a bathroom oasis. 

Assess how well a designer seems to “get” you and your vision during your initial interactions. Notice the questions they ask, how they answer your questions, and their attention to detail. It will tell you a lot. 

Trust your instincts, verify your assumptions, and find a designer who understands you and cares that their clients are well served.

• I can help you create a super functional space because I have a great understanding of how families live. Details matter!  I encourage clients to make choices that work with how their families actually live, not solely their aspirations on how they should be living. This helps us create not only curated and beautiful spaces, but long-lasting and truly enjoyable homes. 

Enjoy your home and your life

Hiring an interior designer can be an investment that pays off in many ways — years of comfort and satisfaction, resale value, and more. 

While looking for potential candidates, remember you need someone approachable and aligned with you, whose style matches your vision, who can solve problems, who will manage your project professionally, and who genuinely understands your lifestyle. 

Find the best interior designer who meets these criteria, and you are sure to enjoy your next design project’s process as much as the final product.

If you’d like to discuss our compatibility for your next project, please schedule a free consultation.