10 Red Flags When Hiring an Interior Designer
1. They Talk More Than They Listen
🚩 Why it’s a red flag: A designer who dominates the conversation likely isn’t designing for you—they’re designing for their portfolio.
✅ What to look for instead: Someone who asks thoughtful questions and actively listens to your goals, lifestyle, and vision.
2. They Can’t Clearly Explain Their Process
🚩 Why it’s a red flag: A vague or disorganized process leads to confusion, missteps, and frustration.
✅ What to look for instead: A designer who walks you through each phase from concept to install, and sets clear expectations for deliverables and timelines.
3. They Avoid Talking About Budget
🚩 Why it’s a red flag: Budget affects every design decision. If they shy away from the money talk, you’re likely to end up overextended.
✅ What to look for instead: A designer who’s comfortable aligning creative direction with realistic financial boundaries.
4. They Don’t Provide a Contract
🚩 Why it’s a red flag: Without one, you’re vulnerable to unclear scope, surprise fees, and misaligned responsibilities.
✅ What to look for instead: A detailed, professional agreement outlining services, timelines, fees, and cancellation policies.
5. Their Portfolio Doesn’t Show Range
🚩 Why it’s a red flag: If every project looks the same, they may be pushing a “signature style” instead of tailoring design to the client.
✅ What to look for instead: A portfolio that shows versatility and a willingness to adapt to each client's taste.
6. They Can’t Explain Why They Made a Design Choice
🚩 Why it’s a red flag: A pretty space isn’t enough—good designers understand functionality, flow, and principles behind every decision.
✅ What to look for instead: A designer who can confidently explain both the look and the logic behind their selections.
7. They Don’t Talk About Lead Times or Product Delays
🚩 Why it’s a red flag: In today’s world, furnishings and materials don’t arrive overnight. If they avoid this conversation, you’ll likely be frustrated later.
✅ What to look for instead: Honest timelines, backup options, and a proactive plan for delays.
8. They Offer Discounts to “Close the Deal”
🚩 Why it’s a red flag: Great designers don’t need to sell themselves with discounts. This could indicate desperation or a lack of confidence.
✅ What to look for instead: Transparent pricing that reflects experience, quality, and value—not gimmicks.
9. They Don’t Handle Procurement
🚩 Why it’s a red flag: If they hand you a shopping list and walk away, you’re left to deal with backorders, damages, and shipping headaches.
✅ What to look for instead: Full-service designers who manage sourcing, tracking, and installation.
10. Their Communication Style Feels Off
🚩 Why it’s a red flag: If they’re hard to reach, slow to respond, or passive-aggressive from the start, that won’t change mid-project.
✅ What to look for instead: Someone who’s warm, clear, responsive, and easy to collaborate with. You’ll be working closely for months so make sure you actually like them.
Interior design isn’t just about picking pretty things—it’s about trust, communication, and creating a home that reflects you. If something feels off early on, it’s okay to keep looking. The right fit is out there, and your space is too important to settle.
Design by House of Life and Love
Love,
Lindsay