Everything You Need to Know About Hiring an Interior Designer
- h3design7
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
by Rebeca Perez, Founder & Interior Designer at H3 Interiors
Hiring an interior designer might feel like a luxury—or even a mystery, especially if you’ve never done it before. But the truth is, bringing in a designer can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress (yes, even if you have great taste!).
As a full-service interior designer here in Owings Mills, I get a lot of questions from clients who aren’t sure what to expect. Do you have to know your style? Is it only for big projects? How does the process actually work?
Let’s take the guesswork out of it. Here’s everything you need to know before hiring an interior designer—whether you’re planning a full-home renovation or just want to make one room look and feel amazing.
What Does an Interior Designer Actually Do?
Interior design goes way beyond picking pretty pillows and paint colors (though we love doing that too!). A professional designer brings together function, style, and personality into a space that reflects you, while managing all the moving parts behind the scenes.
At H3 Interiors, I help my clients with:
Space planning and layout optimization
Design concepts and moodboards
Sourcing furniture, finishes, lighting, and art
Custom cabinetry and millwork design
Renovation guidance and collaboration with contractors
Project coordination and installation
In other words, I handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your home.
One of my favorite parts of this job is seeing my clients light up when they see their space finished. It's about more than looks—it’s about feeling at home.
When Should You Hire an Interior Designer?
The sooner, the better. I always tell people, hire a designer before you buy anything major or start construction. Designers can help prevent costly mistakes, like ordering a sofa that won’t fit through your doorway or choosing a floor tile that clashes with your countertops.
Here are a few great times to reach out:
When you’re building or renovating a home
When you’re moving into a new space
When your current space doesn’t feel right, but you’re not sure what to do
When you're too busy to manage the details yourself
When you're ready for your home to finally feel "finished"
Do I Need a Big Budget to Work With a Designer?
Not necessarily! Interior design is more accessible than people think. Some designers offer full-service design (like I do), while others provide à la carte services, virtual consultations, or even just help picking paint colors.
What matters most is that you’re clear about your budget, and your designer respects it.
Tip: A good designer doesn’t just spend your money—they help you spend it wisely. We know where to splurge, where to save, and how to stretch your budget for maximum impact.
What’s the Process Like?
Every designer is a little different, but here’s how it typically works with me at H3 Interiors:
Discovery Call – We hop on a short call so I can learn about your goals, timeline, and needs.
Design Consultation – I visit your home (or virtually) and give you actionable design advice. This is the foundation of every project.
Proposal & Scope – You’ll receive a clear breakdown of deliverables, timeline, and investment.
Design Phase – This is where the magic happens! I create design plans, source items, and refine every detail with your feedback.
Procurement & Coordination – I place orders, coordinate with vendors and contractors, and track timelines so you don’t have to.
Installation & Styling – Once everything is ready, I bring the vision to life—and add the finishing touches that make it feel like you.
What Should I Look for in a Designer?
Interior design is personal. You’re inviting someone into your home, and the relationship has to feel comfortable and collaborative.
Here’s what I recommend looking for:
Portfolio: Do you like their style or range of styles?
Process: Is it clear and organized?
Communication: Are they responsive and easy to talk to?
Expertise: Can they explain why they're recommending something?
Flexibility: Are they listening to your needs, or just pushing their own vision?
And most importantly, trust your gut. You should feel heard, supported, and excited when working with your designer.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q: Do I need to know my style before hiring you?Nope! That’s part of what I help you figure out. You just need to know how you want to feel in your space.
Q: Do you work with contractors or just design?I collaborate with contractors, painters, and builders regularly, ensuring design and execution align seamlessly.
Q: Do you take on small projects?Yes. I offer consultations, styling services, and even seasonal decorating—perfect if you just need help in one area.
Why Hire H3 Interiors?
I believe great design is about more than how your home looks—it’s about how it feels.
When you work with me, you’re not just hiring a designer. You’re getting a partner who listens deeply, cares about the details, and wants you to walk into your home every day and think: this feels like me.
At H3 Interiors, I focus on custom residential design for homeowners who want beauty and function, style and comfort. Whether it’s a full renovation or a room refresh, I bring your vision to life with elegance, intention, and ease.
Ready to Explore Working Together?
Let’s talk! I offer a complimentary Discovery Call to help you figure out if design services are the right next step. [Click here to answer questionnaire →]
And remember, your home should work for you, reflect your story, and support the life you want to live. If you’re ready for that, I’m here to help.
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