When to Hire an Interior Designer: A Guide to Timing Your Decision for Maximum Impact

Hiring an interior designer is an investment in the beauty, functionality, and value of your home. But when is the right time to bring a designer on board?

Whether you're planning a major renovation, moving into a new home, or simply looking to refresh a single room, the timing of when you hire an interior designer can significantly impact the outcome of your project.

Here’s a guide to help you determine the best moment to involve a professional.

1. Before You Start Any Major Renovation

Why Timing Matters: One of the most crucial times to hire an interior designer is before you start any major renovation. A designer can help you plan your space effectively, ensuring that every aspect of the design is cohesive and functional. By involving a designer early on, you can avoid costly mistakes, such as poor space planning, awkward layouts, or mismatched finishes that may be difficult to correct later.

Designer’s Role: At this stage, your designer will work closely with you and your architect or builder to develop a layout that meets your needs and enhances the flow of your home. They’ll assist with selecting materials, fixtures, and finishes that align with your vision and budget, helping you make informed decisions from the outset.

1. Before You Start Any Major Renovation

Why Timing Matters: One of the most crucial times to hire an interior designer is before you start any major renovation. A designer can help you plan your space effectively, ensuring that every aspect of the design is cohesive and functional. By involving a designer early on, you can avoid costly mistakes, such as poor space planning, awkward layouts, or mismatched finishes that may be difficult to correct later.

Designer’s Role: At this stage, your designer will work closely with you and your architect or builder to develop a layout that meets your needs and enhances the flow of your home. They’ll assist with selecting materials, fixtures, and finishes that align with your vision and budget, helping you make informed decisions from the outset.

2. When Moving into a New Home

Why Timing Matters: Moving into a new home is an ideal time to hire an interior designer, especially if the space feels impersonal or doesn’t fully reflect your style. A designer can help you make your new house feel like home, ensuring that each room is designed with your lifestyle and preferences in mind.

Designer’s Role: Your designer can assist with space planning, furniture selection, and creating a cohesive colour scheme that ties everything together. They can also help with the placement of art, accessories, and lighting to bring warmth and personality to your new space.

We design functional, thoughtful, and beautiful homes, fit for real life.

At FBD Interiors, our main focus is creating spaces that are both elevated and realistic for your lifestyle. And we walk through every step of the process right alongside you - whether it’s a room refresh, a new kitchen, or a full home makeover/build.

3. Before You Sell Your Home

Why Timing Matters: If you’re planning to sell your home, hiring an interior designer can increase its appeal and market value. A well-designed home can make a strong first impression on potential buyers, leading to a quicker sale and possibly a higher selling price.

Designer’s Role: A designer can help stage your home to highlight its best features, using furniture, décor, and colour schemes that appeal to a broad audience. They can also advise on minor renovations or updates that can make a big impact, such as refreshing paint colours, updating lighting, or improving curb appeal.

4. When You’re Stuck on a Design Decision

Why Timing Matters: If you’ve hit a roadblock in your design process—whether it’s choosing a colour palette, selecting the right furniture, or arranging a room—an interior designer can provide expert guidance and a fresh perspective.

Designer’s Role: Your designer will assess your space, listen to your concerns, and offer solutions that align with your goals. They can help you navigate the endless options available, making decisions easier and more confident.

5. When You Want a High-End Look

Why Timing Matters: Achieving a high-end, polished look requires more than just selecting expensive furniture and finishes. It’s about creating a cohesive design that reflects your personal style while maintaining balance, proportion, and harmony in the space.

Designer’s Role: A designer’s trained eye can elevate your space by curating a mix of materials, textures, and styles that create a luxurious yet livable environment. They can source unique, high-quality pieces that add sophistication and character to your home.

6. For a Complete Home Makeover

Why Timing Matters: If you’re planning a complete home makeover, the scale and complexity of the project make it essential to have a designer on board. From conceptual design to final installation, a designer will ensure that every detail is carefully considered and executed to perfection.

Designer’s Role: Your designer will develop a comprehensive plan that includes space planning, colour schemes, material selection, and custom furniture design. They’ll manage the project from start to finish, coordinating with contractors and tradespeople to bring your vision to life.

7. When Your Space No Longer Meets Your Needs

Why Timing Matters: As your lifestyle changes, your home may need to adapt to better serve your needs. Whether you’re accommodating a growing family, setting up a home office, or downsizing, an interior designer can help you reimagine your space to suit your current lifestyle.

Designer’s Role: A designer will assess your space and propose changes that improve functionality and flow. They can help you make the most of every square metre, creating multi-functional spaces that are both practical and stylish.

At FBD Interiors, we understand that timing is everything when it comes to interior design. Our process is designed to be flexible, allowing us to jump in at any stage of your project to provide the support and expertise you need.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine a nearly finished space, we’re here to help you achieve your vision with ease and confidence.