What Questions Should I Ask My Interior Designer in Our First Meeting?

So, you’ve hired an interior designer, and now you’re anticipating your first meeting. Whether you feel full of excitement or sense of anxiety or a little of both, your designer will help alleviate any worry you might have.  

They will come prepared with questions of their own to help them determine how they may best serve you and help you realize the vision you have for the final result. Once you prepare for your meeting by creating a list of questions to ask, you’ll show up confident knowing you will be able to work from a place of proactiveness when partnering with your designer.

In addition to a list of questions, we suggest you also create a profile of your home and family to share with your interior designer. This may take a bit of time to do up front but will cut down on the time you have to spend answering these same questions below your designer will ask.  

Get to Know Your Designer 

·       Visit their website and review their portfolio. 

·       Review the designer’s “about” page. 

·       Read any media spotlights or magazine features they provide. 

·       Browse their blog to get an idea of their approach. 

·       Visit their Houzz and social media profiles. 

 Questions to Ask Your Designer 

·       What is your process? 

·       Is my vision for my room/home realistic? 

·       How long will the project take? 

·       Will you manage the whole project? 

·       How much will I be involved and in what ways? 

·       Will my wants/needs fit within my budget to provide good quality and value in every aspect? 

·       How and when will you communicate project progress, status, and any over-budget costs? 

·       Do you see any potential issues or problematic elements for the project? 

·       Will I need to be present when contractors are scheduled, or will you accommodate? 

·       How will I need to prepare for the start of the project at home? 

·       Will you arrange for furniture to be moved out or will I need to? 

·       What do you require of me to get started? 

Questions to Ask Yourself 

·       How do I and my family use the proposed space? 

·       Will pets be allowed in the space? 

·       Will kids be playing in it? 

·       What does the project include? 

·       What would I like my designer to do? 

·       What pieces in the room or home are non-negotiable keepers? 

·       What is the general color palette I’m drawn towards? 

·       What style do I most like? 

·       Any special must-have features for my space? 

·       What is my budget for the project? 

·       What timeline would I like to follow? 

So, as mentioned, while it might take some time and effort to dig in and get your portion of the questions answered, it will ultimately be valuable to the success of the project and your designer's ability to complete it satisfactorily.  

Talk to you soon,

Paula R