5 Unspoken Truths Designers Wish Clients Knew Before Starting a Project

Key Points

• Involve a designer early to ensure smooth planning and a well-executed vision.
• Set clear priorities and be realistic about budget and draw inspiration from social media.
• Trust your designer and be patient—great results take time and expertise.

Designers have amassed tons of valuable insight from their years on the job, and they oftentimes wish that their clients had a better understanding of all of the various components of the design process.

Here, three pro designers share five pieces of advice that they wish all of their clients knew. If you go into your own project with these points top of mind, you'll already be in much better shape than many people who hire a designer.

Meet the Expert

• Jodi Peterman is the founder of Elizabeth Erin Designs.
• Andrea Schumacher is the founder of Andrea Schumacher Interiors.
• Jennifer Jones is the founder of Niche Interiors.

You Must Involve a Designer From the Beginning

Jodi Peterman, the founder of Elizabeth Erin Designs, wishes that all of her clients understood just how integral a role an interior designer plays from the get-go.

"Bringing in a designer after the contractor is signed is like hiring a chef after you've already bought all the ingredients—it limits what's possible," she says.

Peterman is adamant that a designer should be involved right away in order to ensure a project moves smoothly and reflects a clients' desires to a T.

"That’s how we build intentionality into every square inch—so your home doesn’t just look good in pictures, it actually lives beautifully, too," she says.

Planning Is Key

On a related note, Peterman shares that going into a design project with a clear plan in place is essential, and that oftentimes means onboarding a whole team of professionals, including a designer, contractor, and sometimes an architect or engineer.

"Proper planning at the start prevents overwhelm, delays, decision fatigue and budget blowouts later," she says. "It's not about perfection—it's about alignment!"

Social Media Isn't Reality

While social media can be an excellent jumping off point to help you best convey your style to the designer you hire, it's important to keep in mind that the pictures you see on the internet aren't going to be attainable for all.

“Pinterest and Instagram are a beautiful starting point, but they don’t tell the whole story—especially when it comes to what things actually cost," Andrea Schumacher, the founder of Andrea Schumacher Interiors, says. "That dream kitchen or living room likely had a dream budget to match."

The designer notes that it's important to lay out one's priorities from the beginning—as well as areas in which you're willing to compromise—in order to achieve your desired outcome in a way that is manageable.

Your Designer Is a Professional—Trust Them

The whole reason you hired an interior designer is to rely upon their years of expertise—so sit back and let them do what they do best, pros say.

This means not turning to other people in your life, asking them to weigh in with their opinion on your design project, or second guessing decisions that have already been finalized.

"You do not need your creative neighbor's opinion on every design decision for your home," Jennifer Jones, the founder of Niche Interiors, explains. "Crowd sourcing opinions only leads to unnecessary revisions and additional design hours."

Schumacher agrees with this sentiment, noting that even the slightest alteration can disrupt the flow of a project.

"It’s tempting to jump ahead, source pieces on your own, or change direction midstream, but every decision is intentional and part of a larger puzzle," she says. "Give us the space to do what you hired us to do—craft a home that’s more beautiful and functional than you imagined."

Remember That Good Design Takes Time

It's important to embark on your home redesign knowing that you're not on a TV show—this is real life, and changes don't occur overnight. This is particularly the case when you're weaving custom pieces, like furniture, finishes, and more—into your home, Schumacher explains. However, patience certainly does pay off in the long run.

"It’s worth the wait to get it right the first time," she says.