Eight Questions a Designer Should Ask You

If you’re considering hiring an interior designer to help you with a renovation or redecorating project, you may want to prepare for your first appointment or consultation. So, what should a designer ask you? There are several questions any prospective designer should be asking you to ensure they have a super solid grasp on the project itself, but also on you, your goals and priorities. In this post we’ll discuss what we think those should be so that you feel ready to go!

GENERAL

There are a few general, high level questions they should be asking before diving into the details.

Project Scope

This one is obvious; they should want to know all about what the project entails. Questions such as what is being removed and replaced, the level of construction needed (if any), what are your goals and objectives in doing this project? These types of items are vital to a successful project.

Timeline

This is another important topic. When do you want to start the project, and more importantly are there time constraints in terms of when you need it finished? Perhaps you’re preparing to host a big event and need things to be completed in a specific amount of time. These questions will help designers determine what is realistically possible to achieve in that amount of time.

Budget

Another obvious but important one. Most people are budget-driven, and need to keep costs in line with that budget. Designers will help you prioritize and determine what can get done within those financial constraints.

ROOM FUNCTION

These questions should all be centered around who will be using the space, and what they will be using it for. If you have young children and/or pets, that is greatly taken into consideration when choosing things like finishes and fabrics. If a designer recommends a white sofa with dogs and toddlers, run away as fast as you can.

They should also be asking all about what activities will be taking place in the space. Some of these are obvious - for example we all know what bathrooms are used for. But now more than ever people are creating multi-function rooms and designers should be made aware of all those details. Another piece of this is what time of day do these activities take place? Lighting is a huge part of any design and should be given a good amount of consideration.

NEEDS & REQUIREMENTS

This is another topic that is imperative to a successful design. They should have a number of questions regarding your must-haves for the space. Perhaps you have a family member with special needs that will require certain things. You may also need a specific type and/or amount of storage or seating to ensure the room functions well for you. These needs and requirements should become the core of the design and thought through before any other aesthetic items are addressed. A good designer will always prioritize function as well as form.

FEELING

Simply put, how do you want the space to feel? The answer to this question will dictate so many things as far as the design goes. Colors and fabrics, the overall flow of the space, etc all stem from the feelings you want to evoke when entering the room. You may want the room to be energizing or more calm. You may want it to feel bold and luxurious or more understated. Any of these things you can communicate with a designer will help them form the design around those feelings. You can also show them any inspiration photos you may have if you’re unable to convey the exact feelings. Those visuals are incredibly helpful to understand the overall look your going for.

LIKES & DISLIKES

Ah yes, another obvious but important topic. A designer should have several questions regarding your likes and (possibly even more importantly) your dislikes. Everything from colors, textures, patterns, materials and metal finishes should be discussed. Even if you can only articulate what you DON’T like, this will majorly help a designer when making all of these decisions. Don’t hold back! The more information they’re able to gather in the early stages of your project the smoother and possibly even quicker it will go. Get it all out on the table as soon as possible and these likes and dislikes will become a sort of road map for your designer.

DESIGN STYLE

Are you a fan of traditional design? Or do you repel at the thought of heavy, ornate furniture? Perhaps you’re more into a clean and streamlined contemporary look, or even mid century modern. Knowing your style preference is an incredibly important item on the so-called road map your designer uses to get you to your dream space.

If you’re unsure of which style or combination of styles you like, this is another place your designer can really help. They'll know what questions to ask in order to pinpoint what it is. Inspiration photos can also be a huge help. Showing them to a designer will allow him or her to visualize what those style preferences are and therefore what to gear your space towards.

There is a lot to think about and consider when taking on any sort of home improvement project. Hopefully you’re feeling a bit more organized and ready to compile a list of items you want to communicate with your designer. They truly will be your biggest advocate throughout the entire process and do everything they can to ensure your expectations are met.