How to Choose the Right Interior Designer for Your Home (Without Losing Your Mind)

So, you’ve decided to hire an interior designer. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a journey that will test your patience, challenge your decisiveness, and—if done right—leave you wondering how you ever lived without custom lighting, perfectly curated furniture, and a color palette that doesn’t scream “builder beige.”

But where do you start? With so many designers out there, choosing the right one can feel a bit like online dating: you’re looking for someone who gets you, doesn’t ghost you halfway through, and—most importantly—won’t lead you down a path of regret.

As an interior designer who just came back from a short holiday break (aka brief hibernation), I’m currently designing a Mexican restaurant, a whole house remodel, a barndominium, a laundry room, a playroom, and finishing two basements—because no two projects (or clients) are ever the same. And that’s exactly the point: the right designer for you is the one who understands your style, your needs, and your level of commitment to the process.

So, how do you find “The One?” Let’s break it down.

1. Know Thyself (And Your Pinterest Boards)

Before you even think about hiring a designer, ask yourself:

• Do I have strong opinions about my home, or do I want someone to take full control?

• Do I love bright, bold colors, or am I more of a “50 shades of neutral” person?

• Am I willing to embrace new ideas, or do I just want someone to validate my existing plans?

Every designer has a different approach—some thrive on collaboration, while others specialize in taking the reins. The more you know about your own style and decision-making process, the easier it will be to find a designer who aligns with your vision.

2. Stalk Their Work (In a Totally Normal, Non-Creepy Way)

You wouldn’t hire a chef who only makes steak if you’re a vegetarian, right? Same goes for designers. Check their portfolio. If every project looks like a sleek, ultra-modern loft and you’re dreaming of a cozy farmhouse, that’s a sign you may not be a match made in design heaven.

I personally love blending modern with natural elements, but right now, I’m balancing the bold energy of a Mexican restaurant with the cozy charm of a barndominium and the practicality of a family-friendly playroom. It’s a design juggling act—but one I love. Find someone whose work speaks to you!

3. Have “The Talk” (Yes, That One)

Once you’ve found a designer you like, it’s time to have a conversation. And no, not just “how much will this cost?” (We’ll get there.) Instead, ask:

• What’s your design process like?

• How involved do you expect me to be?

• How do you handle unexpected challenges? (Because there will be unexpected challenges.)

This is your chance to see if you vibe. Do they seem excited about your project? Do they have a clear process? Do they make you laugh? (Bonus points if they do.)

4. Budget vs. Reality: A Tale as Old as Time

Look, I get it. We all have budgets. And we all have Pinterest boards filled with dreams that, let’s be honest, cost slightly more than expected. Be upfront with your designer about what you’re comfortable spending, and be open to suggestions on where to splurge and where to save.

For example: Want your bathroom room to feel like a luxury spa? Go for it! But maybe you don’t need a marble waterfall island in there (unless that’s your dream—then, by all means, let’s do it).

5. Trust the Process (And Your Designer)

Once you’ve picked the right designer, let them do their job! It’s easy to second-guess decisions or panic when a space is mid-construction and looks nothing like the final plan. But trust me—there’s a method to the madness.

Right now, I’m managing everything from structural changes in a whole-house remodel to picking out the perfect shade of fun-but-not-too-loud paint for a playroom. Each project requires a unique approach, just like every homeowner does.

Finding “The One”

The right interior designer will feel like a partner, not a dictator. They’ll listen, guide, and—most importantly—turn your house into a home that feels exactly right for you.

And if you’re still looking? Well, my schedule just opened up after the holidays… let’s talk. 😉