Choosing an interior designer is one of the most personal decisions you'll make about your home. You're inviting someone in to understand how you live and to spend a significant budget on your behalf, so it's worth taking the time to find the right fit. The good news is that a handful of well-chosen questions will tell you almost everything you need to know. Here are the ones I'd ask, and what a good answer sounds like.
Can I see your full portfolio, not just the highlights?
Anyone can show you three beautiful photos. Ask to see complete projects, across different homes and budgets. What you're looking for isn't a single signature look, it's a consistent level of quality and detail running through everything. Look for bespoke joinery, considered lighting and real finishes, not a mood board that's been installed without much thought.
How do you charge, and what's included?
A good designer will answer this openly and without flinching. You want to understand exactly how they bill, what's included, and how things like trade discounts and procurement are handled. If the money conversation feels awkward or vague, take note. We're always clear about it, and we set out exactly how we work on our pricing page.
The best designers don't dodge the money conversation. They start it.
What does your process actually look like?
Ask them to walk you through a project from the first meeting to the final styled room. A clear, well-structured process, concept, then detail, then sourcing, then delivery, is the sign of a proper practice rather than just a talented individual. If a designer can't describe how they work, that's worth noticing.
Who manages the builders and trades?
This is where a lot of projects come unstuck. Find out whether the designer coordinates the trades and makers, or whether that falls to you. Having one studio holding the standard and managing the detail is what keeps a project calm and ensures the design is actually delivered as it was drawn.
How involved will I be?
There's no right answer here, only the right answer for you. Some clients love being part of every decision; others prefer to hand it over and be surprised on completion. What matters is that the designer asks the question and shapes the process around how you like to work.
Can you work to my budget?
Be honest about your budget from the start, and watch how they respond. A good designer won't judge it, they'll tell you kindly what's realistic for that figure and where to focus it for the biggest impact. Keeping your budget a secret only makes it harder for anyone to help you spend it well.
Can I speak to a past client?
Any established studio will happily put you in touch with previous clients. Ask not just what the finished result looked like, but what the experience was actually like, how they communicated, how they handled the inevitable hiccups, and whether they delivered what they promised.
If you're weighing all this up and would like a straightforward, no-pressure conversation about your project, that's exactly what a first consultation is for, and you can read what to expect from yours here. Or simply get in touch and we'll take it from there.
