The 12 Most Important Questions When Beginning a Project with an Interior Designer

How does your couch fabric work with your new design idea? Using complimentary textures, colors and styles can amplify the ambiance.

Working with an interior design can often save you time and money.  In many cases the designer will be able to provide you with discounts to high end retailers.  Additionally, she will know and have relationships with local and national sources for everything from lighting to unique tiles for backsplashes and bathrooms.

When an interior designer begins working with a new client, they typically ask several key questions to ensure they fully understand your needs, preferences, and the overall vision for the space. Here are 12 important questions.

Using the space wisely means creating numerous functions from the shared space.

What area or space are we working on?  If it is not obvious such as a kitchen then they will discuss with you the purpose of the space.

This helps to define the scope of work, how you and your family want to live in the space and the functionality requirements.  For example a small square room off the great room may be a library and reading room, a children’s play area, an office . . . What do you want and need it to be to make the most of your home? Expert space planning will insure that you and your family live their best lives in your home.

What is your style?

Understanding your style is crucial. This might involve asking about and discussing examples of design styles such as modern, traditional, minimalist, eclectic, boho and etc.

When you've got the beauty of the outdoors at your beck and call, let it be a focal point.

Do you have any specific colors in mind?

Colors play a big role in the mood of a space. I always bring fan decks from 2 to 3 brands of paint to get ideas about what you are drawn to.  You may already have color choices that you have pulled and we discuss those.  (Later in the process most interior designers will present mood boards to pull together everything from the wall color, floors, and furnishings.)

Colors set the stage for the mood of your space. What you want to evoke should be discussed with your designer.

What is your budget for this project? What's your timeline?

Knowing the budget is key to making sure that you and your designer select materials, and furnishings that fit your budget. Further, by discussing scope and budget you have a better chance of keeping your expectations and project on target.  Advice: Be realistic. Building materials are at an all time high.  Work with an interior designer and contractor who have experience in making the most out of your budget. 

Focal pieces add great definition to spaces that may go unloved. Using unique lighting fixtures offers the chance to make a statement and add a light source.

Are there any existing pieces you want to incorporate into the new design?

Do you have favorite furniture, artwork, or heirlooms that you want to preserve and reuse? The designer needs to know which items are important to incorporate into the design.

Using light to increase the feel of a room is great for small spaces that need to make a big impact like offices or meeting rooms.

Is there an existing layout and floor plan of the space? Or do you need to have drawings done to define the space?

Depending on the client and the project we can provide floor plans drawings or renderings that illustrate the complete room with furnishings, etc.

Modern styling can be inviting, as well, by using superb placement & personal accents.

Are there any architectural features you want to highlight or minimize?

Rooms flow better when there is a focal point. By discussing features that you like and features that may need to stay due to budget or building constrains, then your designer can design to these.

"Stuff" doesn't have to look cluttered when you arrange the pieces thoughtfully.

Do you have any inspirations or references?

Before meeting with an interior designer many clients will start a file of inspirations and spaces that they love.  It helps your designer better understand your aesthetics.

Colorful kitchen utensils can take center stage and help ease storage issues.

What are the must-have features or elements in the design? Storage needs?

Do you have specific desires, such as a large dining table, a statement chandelier, or a particular type of storage solution. This helps prioritize design elements.

How involved do you want to be in the design process?

Do you want to be hands-on with every decision, or do you want to give the designer creative freedom. This sets expectations for collaboration and decision-making.  Our approach is to do as much or as little as meets the clients’ needs.  We have one service that we call, “Love Your Home,” that is a collaborative walk-through where we discuss each room and recommend ideas for creating the space that best fits your needs. That may be all you need and want to run with your project.  It all depends on your and your style. 

Great coffee table book and one of the "Bibles" of interior design. Show Now.

If you've got questions about bringing your ideas to life or need guidance on the best use of space, let's talk! Whether you're looking for a floor to ceiling transformation, or a simple color-consult, you'd be surprised what a fresh set of eyes can uncover. Remember, a good designer has good ideas, a great designer takes your ideas and makes them come alive.

---

Photo credits: Photos © Tima Miroshnichenko for Pexels, Karolina Grabowski, Carbon Designs, Caroline Attwood, Joan Greene Design Studio

Note: In some cases, we may receive affiliate credit of 3 to 5%.