How to Choose an Interior Designer: A Complete Guide
There are a lot of designers out there and we’re not all created equal. Finding the right one is overwhelming but the key is to know how to evaluate your options, and find someone who's not just good at design, but good for you. Some are incredibly talented while others are just getting started. Some specialize in exactly what you need, while others would be completely wrong for your type of project.
We've put together this roadmap to walk you through the entire process, from figuring out what you actually need to signing a contract with confidence.
Step 1: Clarify What You Need
Before you start your search, get clear on what you're hiring a designer for. Not all projects require the same level of design support, and understanding your needs will help you find the right match.
Things to ask yourself:
What's the project scope? The scope determines what type of designer and service level you need. Are you renovating your entire home or just the kitchen? Furnishing a single room, or your brand new home? Building new construction?
How involved do you want to be? Do you want someone to handle absolutely everything while you go about your life? Prefer to be given 2-3 options to choose from? Or do you want to be actively involved in every decision? Your ideal involvement level matters when choosing a designer and service model.
What's your realistic budget? Be honest about what you can spend, including both designer fees and the actual project costs. Designers can work within different budgets, but they need to know what you're working with from the start.
What's your timeline? Do you need to move in by a certain date or are you flexible? Is this urgent or can it unfold slowly? Your timeline will affect which designers are available and how they'll structure the project.
What's your biggest pain point? Are you drowning in decisions and need someone to guide you? Do you have a vision but don't know how to execute it? Are you overwhelmed by the idea of coordinating contractors? Understanding your main pain point helps you communicate what you need.
Answering these questions before you start reaching out will make your conversations with designers more productive, and help you evaluate whether they're the right fit.
Step 2: Understand the Different Types of Design Services
Not all designers offer the same services so make sure you're looking for someone who actually provides what you need.
Full-Service Interior Design This is comprehensive, hands-on management from concept through installation. The designer handles space planning, material selection, contractor coordination, furniture sourcing, project management, and styling. Best for major renovations or if you want a someone taking care of all the intricacies of the design process and organization.
Design Consultation This typically involves one or a few meetings where the designer provides professional guidance and recommendations. You receive a plan, but you execute it yourself. Best for people who want expert direction but can handle the implementation.
E-Design or Virtual Design Everything happens remotely. You receive design boards, shopping lists, and layouts, but no in-person involvement. Best for straightforward projects or people comfortable with online-only services.
Specialty Services Some designers focus exclusively on kitchens and bathrooms, or just space planning, or only furniture selection. Best when you have a very specific need.
Make sure the designers you're considering actually offer the level of service your project requires. Don't hire a consultant if you need full project management, and don't pay for full service if all you need is a consultation.
Step 3: Start Your Search
Now that you know what you need, it's time to find candidates. Here's where to look:
Personal Referrals Ask friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues if they've worked with designers they loved. Personal recommendations are invaluable because you can see the actual work and hear about real experiences.
Your Network of Home Professionals If you have a contractor, architect, or real estate agent you trust, ask them for designer recommendations. These professionals work with designers regularly so know who's good and who would be right for your project.
Online Portfolios and Instagram Look at designers' websites and Instagram accounts to see if their aesthetic resonates with you. Do you see quality work? Attention to detail? A variety of styles, or a signature aesthetic? But remember that you're not just looking for someone whose work you like. You're looking for someone who can bring your vision to life.
Design Directories Platforms like the Boston Design Guide, or local design directories can help you find designers in your area. Read reviews and look at completed projects.
Local Showrooms High-end furniture and tile showrooms often have relationships with local designers and can provide recommendations.
Design Publications Check local magazines like Boston Home, New England Home, or Boston Magazine for featured designers.
Aim to identify at least two to four designers who seem like potential fits. You'll narrow this down after initial conversations.
Step 4: Do Your Research
Before you reach out, do some homework on each designer.
Read Reviews and Testimonials What are past clients saying? Look for comments about communication, staying on budget, managing timelines, and the overall experience. One or two negative reviews aren't necessarily dealbreakers, but patterns matter. What matters is whether they execute well, solve problems creatively, and deliver polished results.
Check Their Experience How long have they been in the industry? Have they done projects similar to yours? Experience isn't everything (some newer designers are incredibly talented), but it's worth considering for complex projects.
Look at Their Process Do they explain their process clearly on their website? Do they seem organized and professional in how they present themselves? This gives you clues about how they'll manage your project.
Verify Credentials Are they members of professional organizations like ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) or licensed in your state if required? This isn't always necessary, but it indicates commitment to the profession.
Step 5: Reach Out to Your Top Candidates
Contact your top candidates. Most designers offer an initial discovery call to determine if there's a good fit.
What to Include in Your Inquiry:
Brief description of your project
Timeline (if you have one)
Ballpark budget
What you're hoping to achieve
How you found them
Be honest and clear. Be realistic about your budget and clear about scope. Designers need real information to tell you if they're a good fit or if your budget is realistic for your expectations.
What to Expect: Most designers will respond within a few days with an invitation to schedule a call, or an explanation that they're not the right fit (they might have have the time to take on your project).
Step 6: Interviewing Designers
This is where you can (both) really evaluate fit. Remember that an interview goes both ways, and your potential interior designer will be just as eager to learn more about you and your project. They will (or should) ask you some of the questions you asked yourself in Step 1.
Questions to Ask:
About Their Experience:
How long have you been designing professionally?
Have you done projects similar to mine in scope and style? Can you share some examples?
About Their Process:
What does your typical process look like from start to finish?
How involved will I be in decisions?
How do you communicate throughout a project?
What deliverables will I receive (plans, renderings, schedules)?
How do you handle contractor coordination?
About Fees and Budget:
How do you charge for your services?
What's included in your fee? What's additional?
Can you give me a ballpark estimate for a project like mine? (this won’t be a direct answer because of different project variables, expectations, and timelines )
How do you handle budget overruns or changes?
What's the payment schedule?
About Timeline:
How soon could you start?
What's a realistic timeline for my project?
What factors might cause delays?
About Working Relationship:
Who will be my main point of contact?
Do you work alone or with a team?
How responsive are you to emails and calls?
References:
Can you provide references from past clients?
Don't hesitate to ask questions. A good designer wants you to feel informed and comfortable.
Red Flags at This Stage:
No response after a week or more
Vague or unprofessional communication
Pressure to commit before you've had a real conversation
Unwillingness to answer basic questions about their process or fees structures
Step 7: Evaluate Beyond the Portfolio
Yes, you should like their work. But that's not the only consideration. Here are other crucial factors:
Communication Style Do they listen well? Do they ask thoughtful questions about your needs and lifestyle? Do they explain things clearly? Are they responsive? Poor communication is the number one complaint about designers. If it feels off during the interview, it won't improve during the project.
Personality Fit Do you genuinely like them? Do you feel comfortable being honest with them? Do they make you feel heard, or talked over? You'll be spending months working closely with this person. Chemistry matters.
Understanding Your Vision Do they seem to "get" what you're going for? Are they excited about your project? Do they ask questions that show they're thinking about your specific needs?
Professionalism Do they show up on time? Do they present themselves professionally and personably? These details indicate how they'll manage your project.
Transparency Are they upfront about costs, timeline, and potential challenges? Or do they gloss over the hard stuff? You want someone who's honest, even when the truth is inconvenient.
Problem-Solving Approach When you describe challenges or concerns, how do they respond? Do they jump to creative solutions? Do they seem flexible and resourceful? You want someone who solves problems, not creates them.
Availability Make sure their availability aligns with your timeline. Do they have time for your project? Some designers are booked months out. Others can start right away.
Step 8: Check References
Talking to past clients will give you information you can't get anywhere else.
Questions to Ask References:
About the Process:
What was it like working with this designer?
Were they responsive to questions and concerns?
How involved were you in decisions?
About Budget and Timeline:
Did the project stay on budget? If not, were overages communicated clearly?
Did the project finish on time?
How did they handle unexpected issues?
About Results:
Are you happy with the final result?
Were there any surprises or disappointments?
How has the space held up over time?
The Big Question:
If you were starting over, would you hire this designer again?
Why or why not?
Listen for both what they say, but how they say it. Enthusiastic recommendations sound different from polite but lukewarm ones.
Step 9: Compare Your Options
Now you've met with a few designers, checked references, and have proposals, it is to compare. Sometimes the choice is obvious but other times, it's harder. If you're torn between two, consider:
Which designer made you feel most confident and comfortable? Trust your instincts about who you'll enjoy working with.
Who seems to understand your vision best? The designer who "gets" you from the start will likely deliver better results.
Who has the most relevant experience? If one designer has done five projects like yours and another hasn't, that experience matters.
Whose process aligns with your needs? Make sure their service model actually matches what you need.
Don't just choose the cheapest option. Also don't assume the most expensive is automatically the best. Choose based on value, fit, and confidence.
Step 10: Review the Contract Carefully
Once you've made your choice, the designer will send a contract or letter of agreement. Read it thoroughly before signing, and be sure to ask about anything in there that you don’t understand.
What Should Be Included:
Scope of Work Exactly what services the designer will provide. This should be detailed and specific.
Deliverables What you'll receive (floor plans, elevations, specifications, renderings, etc.).
Fee Structure How the designer charges, and the total estimated fees.
Payment Schedule When payments are due and what they're for.
Timeline Expected project duration and key milestones.
Responsibilities What the designer is responsible for and what you're responsible for.
Change Orders How changes to the original scope will be handled and charged.
Termination Clause Terms under which either party can end the agreement.
Ownership of Work Who owns the design documents and how they can be used.
Liability and Insurance What happens if something goes wrong, and what insurance you’re expected to carry.
Dispute Resolution How disagreements will be handled.
Questions to Ask Before Signing:
What happens if I want to pause or cancel the project?
What happens if you need to leave the project?
How are extra services billed?
What if we go over budget or timeline?
Don't sign anything you're uncomfortable with or don't fully understand. It's completely appropriate to have an attorney review the contract, especially for large projects.
If something in the contract doesn't match what you discussed, speak up. Good designers want you to feel clear and comfortable with the agreement.
Step 11: Set Up for Success
Once you've signed on, do these things to start the relationship right:
Be Honest and Communicative Share your real budget, your real concerns, and your real preferences. The more honest you are, the better the designer can help you.
Respond Promptly When your designer asks questions or sends options for feedback, respond in a timely way. Projects stall when clients go silent, and your project might be put on hold if too much time passes without communication from you.
Trust the Process You hired an expert. Trust their guidance, even when it pushes you outside your comfort zone. You can always say no, but consider their recommendations seriously.
Speak Up About Concerns If something feels off or you're unhappy, say so early. Don't wait until the end to express disappointment. Good designers want to know if you're concerned so they can address it.
Be Realistic Understand that with renovations (or even furnishings) things take time, go wrong, and budgets can shift. Your designer will help you navigate challenges, but some things are beyond their control.
Enjoy the Process Yes, it's work and there will be stressful moments. But you're creating something beautiful so try to enjoy watching it come together.
Red Flags to Watch For
Throughout this process, watch for warning signs that a designer might not be the right choice:
During the Search:
No clear information about services or process
Negative reviews mentioning the same issues repeatedly
Designer seems too busy to give you attention
During Interviews:
They don't ask many questions about you or your project
They're vague about their process
They talk more than they listen
They dismiss your concerns or preferences
They speak negatively about past clients
In the Contract:
Terms are unclear or overly complex
Scope of work is vague
Fee structure doesn't match what you discussed
Designer is reluctant to clarify confusing terms
If you see multiple red flags, keep looking. There are plenty of wonderful designers out there so don't settle for someone who doesn't feel right.
The Bottom Line
Hiring an interior designer is a significant decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Take your time, do your research, ask good questions, and trust your instincts.
The right designer will make the process enjoyable, keep you informed, and deliver results that exceed your expectations.
Ready to Start Your Search?
If you're looking for an interior designer in the Boston area who takes a thoughtful, collaborative approach to creating beautiful, functional spaces, we'd love to talk.
At Nubuor Designs, we believe the best projects happen when there's trust, clear communication, and a shared vision. We work with clients throughout Greater Boston and beyond on everything from full-home renovations to single-room furnishings.
Contact us to schedule a consultation. Let's see if we're the right fit for your project.
Related Posts:
