What No One Tells You About Interior Design (and What I’ll Share With You)

When people picture “interior design,” they usually imagine something straight out of TV. A designer breezes in with a latte in one hand, a mood board in the other, and transforms a space with a few dramatic gestures. A cushion here, a new lamp there, a lick of paint — cue the reveal moment with happy tears.

I hate to break it to you, but… it’s not quite like that.

The truth is, interior design is 80% behind-the-scenes problem-solving, spreadsheets, and coordination. The glamorous part — the styling, the pretty finishing touches — is just the tip of the iceberg.

And yet, despite the reality check, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Here’s what no one tells you about hiring or working with an interior designer — and what I’ve learnt to share with my clients from day one.

1. Interior design is less about things, more about people.

Yes, I care about your sofa fabric and your kitchen tiles. But what I care about more is you. How you live, how you move through your space, what makes you feel at home.

Good design doesn’t start with paint charts — it starts with listening. A home should reflect you, not me. My role is to interpret your lifestyle and personality into a space that feels authentic, not like a Pinterest copy-paste.

2. Budgets stretch further than you think (when you plan properly).

One of the biggest misconceptions is that interior designers are only for the mega-rich, or that working with one means blowing your budget. The reality? A good designer actually saves you money.

Why? Because we know where to invest and where to save. We stop you buying the wrong size sofa, choosing a rug that’s too small, or splurging on lighting that won’t even suit the room. We prevent costly mistakes — and those add up quickly.

So no, you don’t need an unlimited budget. You need a realistic one, and someone who can manage it wisely.

3. Good design takes time (and is worth the wait).

We live in a world of instant gratification. Amazon Prime. Next-day delivery. But interiors don’t work like that.

A made-to-measure sofa takes weeks to craft. Tiles get delayed at customs. Joiners are in demand. (And don’t get me started on lead times for fabric.)

That’s why I always tell clients: trust the process. The end result is layered, thoughtful, and built to last. Rushing design is like microwaving a three-course meal — technically possible, but never satisfying.

4. Designers are part creative, part project manager, part therapist.

I often joke that interior design is equal parts creativity and crisis management. You’re designing spaces — but you’re also fielding emails from contractors, smoothing out supplier hiccups, and sometimes mediating between couples who disagree over a paint colour.

And honestly? That’s the beauty of it. Because when you’re working on someone’s home, you’re not just creating a pretty room. You’re shaping the backdrop to their lives. It’s personal. Emotional. And that’s why it matters so much.

5. The magic moment is real (and worth everything).

All the planning, problem-solving, and spreadsheets fade away the moment a client walks into their finished home. The way their face lights up when they see it all come together — that’s the moment I live for.

It’s not TV-drama magic. It’s better. It’s real.

So, what’s the takeaway?

Interior design isn’t just about pretty rooms. It’s about creating spaces that function beautifully, reflect who you are, and genuinely improve your daily life.

It’s not always glamorous, it’s rarely instant, but it’s always worth it.