6 Questions to Ask About Hiring an Interior Designer

An interior designer creates a master plan for your space to ensure ideal functionality, flow, and aesthetics. They help maximize your square footage and design a detailed floor plan for your entire home, a remodel, or an addition. They turn four walls into a room you absolutely love. To prepare for working with a pro, review these common interior design questions. 

1. What are your specific design needs?

Be ready to tell an interior designer your goals and desires for the project. Are you looking to have an existing space designed with furniture and art? Or do you want a full kitchen remodel blueprint? Create a list of deliverables you’d like, such as a floor layout, floor-to-ceiling design, and furnishings. Depending on the scale of the project, they might collaborate with other professionals, such as a structural engineer or architect. 

2. When do you need this work done? 

Planning a space’s function and layout is one of the first steps to a project. You’ll need a blueprint or rough idea of the remodel or addition before you can get quotes from general contractors for the build. If you want an interior designer to step in after the build, such as just for designing the furniture and paint colors, you can talk with the designer after the build is underway. 

In most cases, an interior designer will need at least a few weeks to create an initial plan, review it with you, and make revisions. Make sure you have a variety of options by contacting at least three interior designers near you for quotes. 

3. What is your approximate budget for design services (excluding project costs)? 

An interior designer costs $2,060 to $15,220, depending on the size of the project and the expertise of the designer. Some designers charge by the hour, while others charge by the square foot or a percentage of the project cost. Kitchen and bathroom design services tend to cost more because they are more complex than simpler rooms, such as a bedroom. 

4. What kind of location is this? 

Your designer will want to know where your home is located, so they can meet building code, but also so they can factor in other details such as how natural light enters the home and what your neighborhood is like. They’ll also want to know details such as approximate square footage and any unique aspects of the property, such as a backyard view you want to put on display. 

5. What is your vision for the space?

Having some ideas and visions for your space can help guide the conversation and maximize the time you have with your designer. Think about your specific needs or desires for a room, such as a kitchen island with lots of storage or a walk-in shower with two heads. You don’t need to have all of the details hammered out (that’s what the designer is for!), but come with some direction for the space. Look at photos online of rooms that inspire you or with aspects you’d like to emulate.

6. What is your interior design style?

Beyond the space functionality, think about your personal style. Is it modern, rustic, or traditional? Your interior designer can offer recommendations and help you clarify your style, but coming with some ideas of color palettes and aesthetics can move the conversation along. Find photos of homes and styles you love that you can share with your designer.