Hiring an interior designer can feel like a luxury. But in reality, it’s a smart move—especially if you’re trying to avoid expensive mistakes, make the most of what you already have, or create a space that reflects who you are (and not just the latest trends on HGTV).
That said, not every designer is right for every client. If you want a room that looks like the Property Brothers just rolled through with a truckload of new furniture, don’t hire me.
What a Good Designer Actually Does
Forget the stereotype of a designer swanning in with fabric swatches and bossing you around. A good designer is a listener, a translator, a problem-solver. They’re trained to see potential where others see clutter, to notice light and color relationships you didn’t know were affecting the mood of a space, and to help you make choices that are not only beautiful—but functional, sustainable, and you.
Why Hiring a Designer Can Save You Money
Yes, there’s a fee involved. But the right designer will keep you from buying five rugs that don’t work, repainting a room three times, or living with a couch you secretly hate. We help you focus your spending where it counts, avoid costly detours, and often reuse or reimagine what you already own.
And if you’re working with someone like me, who follows the TGIF philosophy—Thrifted, Gifted, Invented, or Found—you can expect a layered, lived-in space without the big-box markup.
How to Choose the Right Designer for You
Here are a few things to consider:
- Style compatibility: You don’t need to share the same aesthetic, but you do need to trust their taste. Look at their portfolio. Do their spaces feel like something you could live in?
- Values alignment: Do they talk about sustainability? Do they prioritize reuse? Are they comfortable working within your actual budget instead of subtly nudging you higher?
- Communication style: Are they collaborative or prescriptive? Do they ask a lot of questions about how you live—or just try to sell you their vision?
- Flexibility and transparency: Do they offer hourly consulting? Are they clear about pricing and expectations? Do they listen?
What It’s Like to Work With Me
I’m not here to make your home look like a showroom. I’m here to help you see it with new eyes, to edit what you already have, and to introduce meaning and character instead of filler and fluff. I believe beautiful design is built, not bought.
If you’re open to something layered, soulful, and a little rebellious—then we might be a great fit.
Final Thought
The right designer won’t impose a vision—they’ll help you articulate your own. They’ll amplify your instincts, challenge your assumptions, and make the process fun instead of frustrating. Whether you need a complete overhaul or just a second opinion, don’t underestimate the power of a well-paired guide.
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