Pinterest is Great, But… Professional Experience is Golden
As a homeowner or someone diving into their own interior design project, you might be tempted to rely on photos from social media and magazines to guide you. And while it’s true that they can provide great inspiration, nothing beats practical, hands-on experience and you will learn some hard lessons if you do not know them. You have professionals for every area of your project you will need to rely on and sometimes you may have one contractor in charge of the whole process. You will need to work with them but you should be educated enough to know what’s going on at all times.
“you are hiring professionals but you are still in charge of your own home”
In this article, we’ll share some key insights and tips that only come from years of real-world design work. Here’s what you need to know about the process—and why real-life experience is crucial for transforming your space whether you DIY or work with a professional. You know what you like, just make sure you connect with the professionals you need along the way. There is more to it than cute pictures.
“if you want to match your tile to your favorite boots go for it”
Trust Your Space—It’s All About the Flow
Articles and visuals can help you identify design trends, suggest color schemes, or generate inspiration from Pinterest-style galleries. It can recommend furniture pieces or layout ideas, but it doesn’t know your home like you do.
What You Need to Know: A professional relies on experience to understand the importance of flow and how a room feels. Even though a space may look great on paper or in photos, it’s about how you move through it. Professionals understand the importance of scaling pieces properly, creating focal points, and arranging furniture for both aesthetics and functionality. It’s not just about matching colors and shapes; it’s about making the space work for you day-to-day. An experienced designer will know how to maximize a room’s potential, even in an oddly shaped space but you know your home. So once you have an idea of what you want then do your homework.
Tip: Before diving into furniture choices, walk through your space and pay attention to how you naturally move through the room. A professional can help you see those movements and can advise you on how to adjust layout for better flow.
Budgeting: The Reality Check No One Talks About
You can read about the broad estimates on costs—say, a sofa should cost about $1,000, or a light fixture around $300.
What You Need to Know: In reality, budgeting for an interior design project requires a deep dive into the specifics of your space, priorities, and long-term goals. Professionals know that the cost of an item doesn’t always tell the full story—there are often hidden costs associated with delivery, installation, or specialized services. For example, custom window treatments or intricate wall finishes may cost more than the item itself. Professionals also understand the delicate balancing act of balancing style with durability, helping you choose items that last. There are always hidden charges only professionals know such as shipping costs or upcharges.
Tip: identify your “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves” and make a list of priority areas in your home. This will help you craft a design plan that fits your budget without compromising on the pieces that matter most.
Material Selection: It’s Not Just About Pretty Fabrics
Be careful of trending fabrics, finishes, and materials for furniture or flooring, suggesting a velvet fabric for a luxurious feel or matte tiles for a modern look.
What You Need to Know: Material choice goes far beyond aesthetics. A professionals experience allows them to assess the functionality, maintenance, and longevity of materials. For example, while velvet is stunning, it may not be the best choice for a family with young kids or pets. Similarly, the durability of natural stone like marble might sound great for countertops, but the level of maintenance required may be too much for someone with a busy lifestyle and not all stone is created equal.
Do your homework and select materials that marry both style and practicality. Along with the aesthetics, consider the wear and tear of daily life, light exposure, climate, and even how your space is used.
Tip: Find out what materials will hold up in the long term from who you purchase from. Trust their expertise when they advise you on materials that will suit your home’s needs.
The Secret to Creating Depth and Warmth
We all know adding throw pillows, rugs, or plants will make a space more inviting.
What You Need to Know: layer different textures and elements to create a well-rounded and welcoming atmosphere. While it’s easy to simply toss a few throw pillows on a couch or place a rug under a coffee table, experienced professionals understand how these elements interact. It’s about creating depth through fabrics, art, lighting, and accessories in a way that transforms a flat, lifeless space into a dynamic, multi-dimensional room.
Tip: layer different textures—like a soft cushion or a sleek leather chair next to a textured woven rug—so that each piece not only serves a functional purpose but also adds to the overall sensory experience of the room. Think of it like smooth and textured are partners and one needs the other.
Lighting: The Difference Between Good and Great Design
It’s OK to use decorative lighting options based on design trends—perhaps recommending pendant lights or chandeliers for focal points.
What You Need to Know: Lighting is one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of interior design. No amount of beautiful furniture or stylish decor can make a space feel right without the proper lighting. Experienced professionals know how to layer lighting for various functions—ambient lighting for overall brightness, task lighting for reading or cooking, and accent lighting for mood or drama.
Tip: Invest in dimmable lighting and use multiple light sources to create different moods for different times of day. Plan strategic lighting placement can enhance your space.
Personalization: Creating a Space that Reflects You
No one can tell you what you like, but they may tell you how to “enhance it and make it functional”.
What You Need to Know: While trends are fun, a good designer will blend your personality with functional design. They take the time to understand your lifestyle, tastes, and preferences, and they find ways to weave that into your home’s design, creating a space that feels authentic and uniquely you.
Tip: Make sure you keep functional in mind when adding personal touches into your space. Whether it’s displaying family heirlooms, incorporating your favorite color palette, or curating a collection of meaningful art, make sure the space reflects who you are.
Troubleshooting: Handling the Unexpected
This is one area you may not want to try to try on your own depending on what the issue is. Professionals can help troubleshoot design dilemmas by offering their expertise.
What You Need to Know: Design projects often come with unexpected challenges—whether it’s a delay in furniture delivery, an item out of stock, or a design element that just isn’t working as planned. An experienced designer has the problem-solving skills to manage these curveballs. They’ve encountered setbacks before and can quickly adjust to find creative solutions, keeping the project on track without compromising the overall aesthetic.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to say something if something’s not working, been installed incorrectly or if you’re feeling frustrated—professionals can quickly adjust and offer solutions. Go to the expert in that field if you have a major problem.
Final Thoughts
Professionals can offer experience, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of design problems when it comes to creating a space that truly works for you. Real-world design is more than just picking a color palette or arranging furniture—it’s about making your space a functional, beautiful reflection of your personality and lifestyle.
When it comes to transforming your home, whether you are a little hands on, a lot hands on or in between, you still need to stay in your land as far as what you want to achieve. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and make sure everything is clear.
Happy Designing!
Carrie
XOXO
