Top 3 Myths About Working with an Interior Designer
Have you ever thought about working with an interior designer but weren’t sure if it was the right move? There are a lot of misconceptions about who should hire one and what the process is really like. So in this post, I’m breaking down the top three myths I hear all the time—and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: Working with an Interior Designer is Only for the Wealthy
I have never—in more than a decade in the design industry—had a client come to me requesting to spend a lot of money on their home. Interior design is definitely an investment, but there’s a common misconception that working with an interior designer is only for the ultra-wealthy. The truth? I work with clients at all budget levels, and no matter their spending power, everyone wants to maximize their investment.
As a designer, I take on projects of all sizes—from small, two-hour styling sessions to full-scale renovations and custom homes. Many designers (myself included) also offer flexible services like consultations or phased design plans to fit different financial needs.
In fact, hiring a designer often saves clients money in the long run. We help avoid costly mistakes—especially in renovations—like ordering the wrong furniture size, choosing materials that won’t last, or making design decisions that don’t fit the space. A well-planned design ensures you invest in the right pieces the first time, instead of spending more time and money fixing avoidable mistakes.
So, no—you don’t need an unlimited budget to work with an interior designer. If you want to learn more about how much it costs to hire a designer, check out this post.
Myth #2: My Interior Designer will Take Over and Ignore My Vision
One of the biggest fears I hear from potential clients interviewing designers is “I don’t want my house to feel like someone else’s.” There’s a common misconception that working with an interior designer means giving up control and ending up with a home that reflects the designer’s taste instead of your own. But if you hire a good designer, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
My job isn’t to dictate your style, it’s to refine and elevate YOUR vision. At Paige Studio, our design process always starts with an intensive process to understand your needs, lifestyle, and personal tastes. We ask questions, review inspiration boards together, and collaborate with you throughout the entire process to create a space that feels uniquely you.
Think of it this way, you know how you want your home to feel, but you may not know how to get there. That’s where an interior designer comes in, we translate your ideas into a functional and cohesive design that fits your space and works for your lifestyle.
At the end of the day, our goal is your you to come home every day and think “This is exactly what I wanted, only better.”
Myth #3: I Can Do it Myself
With so much design inspiration online, it’s easy to think, “I can just do this myself.” And for some projects, a DIY approach can work! But when it comes to creating a cohesive, well-designed home, working with an interior designer brings a level of expertise, resources, and efficiency that’s hard to replicate on your own.
As designers, we have access to trade-only vendors, better quality, and industry connections that aren’t available through retail stores. That means custom pieces, higher-quality materials, and often, cost savings on furniture and finishes. Plus, we understand space planning, material durability, and construction details that can make or break a design.
Beyond access and expertise, designers also help prevent costly mistakes. From ordering the wrong furniture size to choosing paint colors that look completely different in natural light, small missteps can add up quickly. A designer ensures that every decision—big or small—works together seamlessly, so you don’t waste time or money fixing avoidable errors.
So yes, you can DIY. But if you want a polished, functional space that truly feels put together, working with a designer is an investment that pays off.
There are so many misconceptions about working with an interior designer, but the truth is, hiring a designer can save you time, money, and stress while helping you create a home that reflects your style and functions well for your family. Whether you’re renovating, furnishing a new space, or just need expert guidance, a designer can make the process easier and more enjoyable.
If you’ve been thinking about working with a designer but aren’t sure where to start, let’s chat! Book a complimentary project planning call with me, and we’ll discuss your space, your vision, and how we can bring it to life
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…
