If you’ve ever thought about hiring an interior designer, you’ve probably wondered:
What do they really do?
How involved will I be?
Is this going to feel overwhelming… or relieving?
Most people don’t hesitate because they dislike design.
They hesitate because they don’t know what the process actually feels like.
So let’s clear that up.
Here’s what it’s really like to work with an interior designer — beyond the Pinterest boards and before-and-after photos.
Good design doesn’t begin with finishes.
It begins with listening.
Before anything is drawn or selected, a designer spends time understanding:
This is where the difference between “pretty” and “personal” design shows up.
Design isn’t about trends.
It’s about translating real life into a space that supports it.
One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is how technical interior design actually is.
Behind every calm, beautiful space are hundreds of decisions involving:
Most of this work is invisible, but it’s what prevents expensive mistakes and daily frustrations later.
A designer’s job isn’t just to make things look good.
It’s to make sure everything works together seamlessly.
What often surprises homeowners is how much of this technical work happens behind the scenes — drawings, documentation, and details that most people never see, but that trades rely on heavily. When those pieces are clear, everything else tends to run smoother.
Many people worry that working with a designer means making more decisions.
In reality, it usually means making fewer and better ones.
Instead of sifting through endless options, a designer:
I’ve seen homeowners come to the table with dozens of paint colors or inspiration images, feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Once the right direction is clear, the anxiety lifts and the process becomes enjoyable again.
A big part of that relief comes from having someone manage the ripple effect of decisions and how one choice impacts ordering, timing, and what comes next. It’s one of the least visible parts of design, but often one of the most valuable.
Working with a designer isn’t about giving up control of your home.
It’s about gaining clarity.
A good designer:
You’re still involved, just not buried under the weight of every detail.
One of the most misunderstood parts of interior design is when the real work happens.
Most of it occurs before demo day.
That’s when:
This upfront work is what allows construction to move forward more smoothly, with fewer surprises and less pressure.
When design is rushed or skipped, those decisions don’t disappear; they simply show up later, often at the most stressful (and expensive) moment.
Most people only see the finished room. They don’t see the layers of coordination, ordering, communication, and follow-through that keep a project aligned from start to finish. That work is what turns a good plan into a good experience.
The best-designed homes don’t feel precious or intimidating.
They feel intuitive.
They support your routines.
They function without you having to think about them.
They look beautiful — but they also hold up to real life.
That sense of ease is intentional.
It’s designed.
Working with an interior designer should feel:
It should feel like someone is holding the full picture, so you don’t have to.
Not every project needs a designer.
But when a space is complex, technical, or deeply personal, having expert guidance can change the entire experience.
If this post helped clarify what working with an interior designer actually feels like, you may also find these helpful:
These posts walk through common questions homeowners face when deciding how much support they need — and when.
Interior design isn’t about fluff.
It’s about function, flow, and feeling at home.
And when it’s done well, it makes everyday life easier — not harder.
"Ashley was great to work with for our house project! She was so patient and explained everything in detail. She really took the time to understand what we wanted and how to make it fit with some existing pieces. She is very creative and always quick with responses. Highly recommend!"
"During the process of building our home, Ashley was a true lifesaver. With our busy schedules, we found it overwhelming to select colors and finishes. However, Ashley took care of everything from start to finish, including handling all communication with our contractor. This allowed my wife and I to focus on our daily lives without any added stress. Ashley's impeccable design sense was evident in every detail, from selecting finishes to coordinating materials. Her expertise and hands-on guidance made a world of difference, and the end result exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for a top-notch, approachable interior designer who gets things done, Ashley is the perfect choice. To sum it up, Ashley's involvement was a game-changer, giving us not just amazing design but also peace of mind during the construction process. We highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a stress-free and satisfying home building experience."
“If you need help with making a room function to its fullest and look amazing at the same time, Ashley is your girl! She has a keen eye for organizing everything so that each piece in a space feels purposeful and special."
"If you are looking for the most amazing Interior Designer, then your search is over! Ashley met and exceeded all my expectations for the remodel of my kitchen, bar, living room, and bathroom. Ashley designed the layout and walked me through every step of the way with picking out paint colors, tile, countertops, cabinet pulls, lighting, and even appliances. Ashley listened to all of my ideas, and with her guidance the final product is so much more than I could have ever dreamed! Ashley is so fun to work with and really takes the time to get to know not only the design features you like, but also what will be functional for you and your family."
"Ashley did an amazing job. She got a good feeling for our style right away and selected high quality pieces within our price range. Super easy to work with and was super patient with us as this was our first time hiring an Interior decorator!"
"Ashley was an absolute delight to work with! She was so patient with me and listed to all my likes and dislikes before we began. The entire remodel process was such a great experience and something I’ll never forget.”
"I highly recommend Ashley and her business! She was amazing through the entire process with her extreme talent for color and design! I love my new flooring and beautiful new kitchen!! I highly recommend her and her company!"