Short answer: Now!
But in all seriousness, there are a few key times in life when you’ll want to bring in a professional’s perspective, opinion, and expertise. However, that does not mean that any one time is the absolute perfect time to hire an interior designer. Some key factors come into deciding whether you hire an interior designer before you close on your home, when you’re in the planning stages of moving, or after you’ve been in your home at least 6 months-1 year or more.
My Best Advice
In my experience the “best” time is all the above. In other words, the right time is what feels right for you. Some people want a turn-key experience when buying a home, so they’d prefer to enter their new home with everything in place on move in day. Others want to get a feel for the home before making changes, while others land somewhere in between.
The good news is some realtors, and most designers. offer a complimentary design consult for both new and longtime homeowners, as well as everyone in between. Always check with your realtor and ask if they offer this service, or if they can recommend interior designers who can help you plan. It’s a win-win because you have the expertise of someone helping you find a home and then someone who can help you make it your own.
Be Proactive
Being proactive saves you time and unnecessary stress. That’s just one of the great things about a consultation call, too. They help you get a plan in place, give you an idea of cost and time, and set you up to be fully prepared – whether the time to hire a designer is now or a few months down the road.
Clients who are in the process of buying a home and reach out before they close will avoid the frustration associated with current furniture/ industry delays. Instead of moving in and then not having a sofa for weeks, you can know that when you finally get the keys, you’ll have everything you need (and it’ll look the way you want it to!).
If you can, arm your designer with blueprints, floor plans, model home specs, realtor links, photos, pinterest inspo, etc. That way they can garner as much information necessary and get a feel for who you are so they can get your project going.
Get a Feel for the Home
This doesn’t totally go against the above advice. It’s really a matter of how you prefer to work. Waiting until you move in is a perfectly valid approach. We are not all made the same, some clients really like to get a “feel” for their home first, and sometimes that means a year or two in the house before hiring an interior designer to really make it a home.
Those of you who prefer this waiting time may not be sure what furnishings you want to replace vs. keep until you’ve lived in the new home for awhile. Or maybe you’re considering new flooring or making structural improvements but need time to sit with the ideas before bringing in a professional. There’s also no shame at all in taking some time to save up for big changes and the all the benefits of a professional’s help.
How I Can Help
Luckily for all of you reading this – no matter where you are in the stages of planning and refreshing your home – I’ve got services that can help take all the stress out of making decisions and creating a home that’s all YOU!
What’s Your Décor Personality?
Okay, so if you’re really not even a little bit sure where to start, try taking my Decor Personality Quiz! I’ve set this up to help give you an idea of what you might like and the general style that fits your personality. It’s a fun, quick quiz that might just jumpstart your interior design journey.
FREE Consultation Call
I want to talk to you! I don’t shy away from a good conversation all about what you are looking for, what you’d like your home to feel like, your vision for your space, and how we can make each and every room serve you and your lifestyle. In terms of determining when the right time is to hire an interior designer, the consultation call is the absolute best place to start. We can chat, and I can let you know, based on your ideas, wants, and needs, what would be best for you and your project.
E-Design
I’d just like to gush about modern technology for a moment. You know when you’re looking at an empty room and just can’t imagine your furniture even fitting, let alone looking good? Well, technology, specifically my E-Design services, take all the guesswork out of envisioning your space and allows you to see an almost-perfect mockup of your room (before we’ve lifted any heavy furniture). For clients who simply want ideas, need to see it to believe it, or want to know what a style overhaul would look like, our E-Design plan is perfect!
E-Design can be utilized at any stage and clients can execute the plans whenever they are ready. Once the ideas are submitted via our digital platform, you will have access to them, so they’re ready when you are.
Where are you in the process of home ownership? Are you ready for some changes? Let me know! Share what project you’d like to tackle in your new or memory-filled home with me by tagging me (@your_design_partner) in your Instagram Stories!
Your Partner in Design,
