When your space sees you, you finally see yourself. It’s more than just a philosophy - it’s what happened when I transformed Alanis, my 200-square-foot vintage Avion trailer, into a home that truly reflected who I am. That experience, combined with my years designing luxury vacation rentals at Vacasa, taught me something powerful: the right questions lead to spaces that don’t just look good - they feel right.

Why These Questions Matter More Than You Think

Before we dive in, let me share a story. A client once came to me after working with another designer. Her home looked magazine-perfect, but she felt like a stranger in it. “It’s beautiful,” she said, “but it doesn’t feel like me.” That’s because traditional interior design often focuses on aesthetics first, living second. But what if we flipped that approach?

What to Know Before Hiring an Interior Designer

First, let’s get real about what interior design actually is. It’s not about creating perfect spaces - it’s about creating spaces that perfectly support your life. Before you start interviewing designers, ask yourself:

When do you feel most at home in your current space?
What moments make you feel disconnected from your environment?
How do you want to feel when you walk through your door?
What daily routines feel awkward in your current setup?

These answers reveal more than any Pinterest board ever could.

10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Interior Designer

1. “How Do You Make Spaces Tell Personal Stories?”

This goes deeper than style preferences. When I transformed Alanis, every inch had to reflect both function and personality. Ask your designer:

How do you incorporate personal elements into design?
What’s your process for understanding a client’s lifestyle?
How do you balance trends with personal style?
What makes a space feel authentic to its owner?

2. “What’s Your Philosophy About Space and Identity?”

Here’s where my “when your space sees you” approach comes in. A great designer should:

Explain how they translate personality into design
Share examples of spaces that reflect their owners
Discuss how they handle conflicting preferences in shared spaces
Describe their approach to emotional connection in design

3. “How Do You Handle the Reality vs. Instagram Expectations?”

Living tiny taught me that real homes aren’t photo shoots. They’re living, breathing spaces where:

Morning coffee gets spilled
Work calls happen in unexpected corners
Pets leave their mark
Life gets messy

Ask how they design for real life while maintaining beauty.

4. “What’s Your Approach to Functional Beauty?”

From my Vacasa days, I learned that spaces need to work hard AND look good. Ask about:

Storage solutions that enhance design
Multi-purpose spaces that don’t feel cramped
How they handle high-traffic areas
Their approach to maintaining style with heavy use

5. “How Do You Create Spaces That Evolve?”

Life changes. Your space should adapt. Question:

How flexible is the design for future needs?
What elements provide the most long-term value?
How do you plan for changing lifestyles?
What makes a design timeless yet personal?

6. “What’s Your Process for Understanding Client Needs?”

My approach starts with listening - really listening. Ask:

How do you learn about clients’ daily routines?
What questions do you ask about lifestyle?
How do you handle competing needs in a space?
What’s your method for prioritizing changes?

7. “How Do You Balance Budget with Dreams?”

Being transparent about money matters. Discuss:

Priority-setting approaches
Phase-able design options
Investment piece strategies
Where to save vs. splurge

8. “What Makes Your Approach Different?”

This reveals their true value. My answer? I combine:

Luxury property management experience
Tiny living expertise
Understanding of both form and function
Focus on personal connection to space

9. “How Do You Measure Success?”

Beyond aesthetics, what matters? For me, it’s:

How the space feels to live in
Whether it supports daily routines
If it reflects personal identity
How it adapts to real life

10. “What’s Your Vision for My Space?”

This final question reveals if they’re listening. They should:

Reference your specific needs
Connect to your lifestyle
Address your concerns
Show they understand your vision

When Your Space Finally Sees You

The magic happens when your environment reflects who you are. Signs you’ve found the right designer:

They ask about your morning routine
They want to know what frustrates you now
They’re interested in how you actually live
They focus on your feelings about space
They see design as a collaboration

Red Flags in Designer Interviews

Watch out for:

More talking than listening
Cookie-cutter solutions
Dismissing budget concerns
Pushing trends over personality
Ignoring lifestyle needs

The Transformation Journey

Great design isn’t just about beautiful spaces - it’s about spaces that make you feel seen, supported, and at home. Whether you’re in a tiny home like me or a sprawling house, your space should tell your story.

Ready to Create a Space That Sees You?

Let’s talk about how to make your space truly yours. Book a free 15-minute call to explore whether we’re the right fit for your transformation journey.

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