What Interior Designers Actually Do (It’s More Than Just Decorating)

There’s a common misconception that interior designers are simply “decorators.” And honestly, I get why people think that.

With Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok and countless influencers sharing beautiful homes online, it’s easy to believe we can DIY our way through designing a home and that “good enough” is… good enough.

But here’s the thing: decorators and interior designers are wildly different while also overlapping in some ways.

And today, it can be difficult to know who is truly qualified, especially when so many people on social media present themselves as designers.

So… What Does an Interior Designer Actually Do?

Interior designers are trained to think beyond what a space looks like. We think about how a space functions, flows, feels and supports your everyday life.

Many designers — myself included — work extensively in:

• kitchen remodeling

• bathroom redesigns

• basement finishing

• whole-home renovations

• new construction planning

• space planning and layout optimization

Every designer also has different strengths and educational backgrounds.

Some are trained more heavily in aesthetics and decorating while others, like myself, come from a more technical and architectural design background.

That means I don’t just help select finishes and furnishings — I create technical drawings that contractors follow to execute the design correctly. These can include:

• floor plans

• cabinet drawings

• layout revisions

• elevation drawings

• construction details

• permit-ready plans

Floor planning and cabinetry are honestly my jam — and it’s where almost every successful project should begin.

Why Hiring a Designer Early Matters

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting too long to involve a designer.

Many people don’t realize how much a designer actually contributes to the overall functionality of a home. By the time I’m brought into a project, walls may already be framed or plans already submitted.

And often? I immediately see opportunities to improve the space.

A contractor, cabinet supplier and interior designer all look at spaces differently.

Contractors are focused on building. Cabinet suppliers are focused on cabinetry. Designers are focused on the entire experience of the space — flow, functionality, balance, storage, sightlines, lighting and how the home actually supports your lifestyle.

Sometimes small layout changes can completely transform how a home feels and functions.

Then Comes the “Pretty”

Once the foundational layout and functionality are right, we begin developing the aesthetic layers that make a home feel cohesive and personal.

This is where:

• colors

• textures

• materials

• lighting

• furnishings

• styling

• architectural details

all come together to create a home that reflects you.

Yes, technically homeowners can choose finishes themselves. But if you want your home to feel intentional, elevated and uniquely tailored instead of looking like a copy of every trending room online, this is where a designer truly adds value.

Good design isn’t just about making a space look beautiful.

It’s about creating a home that feels aligned with the people living in it.

And Yes… I Help With Exterior Design Too

A lot of people are surprised to learn that I also help clients with exterior design decisions.

That can include:

• deck and patio layouts

• exterior furniture planning

• siding colors

• stone selections

• railings

• decking materials

• walkway materials

• exterior lighting

• window selections

• curb appeal updates

  
  

These are often expensive, long-term decisions, and it’s important to feel confident before committing.

Sometimes seeing all the options laid out professionally helps homeowners avoid costly mistakes and create an exterior that feels cohesive with the home as a whole.

Because at the end of the day, good design isn’t just about decorating.

It’s about intentionally shaping how your home looks, functions and feels — inside and out.