When it comes to your home, how many of you fear of making the wrong decision?

Well, you're not alone!

For most homeowners, it's not the construction that feels overwhelming. It's all the decisions.

I'm an Interior Designer, but more importantly, I'm a problem solver.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, and for the past five years I've worked alongside KJ Design as an architectural drafter focused on custom home design. During that time, I've had the opportunity to experience the entire process of how a home comes together, from the dream phase, to construction, to the finished space.

Yes, I make things look beautiful, but that's actually not the most important part of what I do.

Over the years, I've noticed that homeowners tend to run into the same few challenges when starting a home project.

Common Challenges Homeowners Face

Feeling overwhelmed by endless choices
Not knowing where to source materials and products
Fear of making an expensive mistake
Difficulty visualizing the finished result
Wanting reassurance before making major investments

The reality is that every item in your home requires a decision. From floor to ceiling, you have to determine not only what you like, but where to purchase it, whether it fits within your budget, how it coordinates with everything else, and how it will perform over time.

Then come the practical questions:

Is it durable?
What maintenance does it require?
What is it made of?
Will it still look good in five years?
Will it need to be replaced sooner than expected

These are the questions that often get overlooked.

Looking Beyond the Price Tag

For example, I had a client who was concerned about hard water in their newly built cabin.

When making decisions like this, it's easy to think in black and white. Tile is expensive. A shower tray insert is more economical. While that statement may be true, it doesn't necessarily solve the problem.

The real question is: Which option will perform best over time?

Let's say the client selects a white subway tile with a light grout. It may look beautiful on installation day, but a few years later those hard water stains and rust discoloration will become all you see.

Instead, I recommended a darker tile paired with a darker grout. While the upfront investment may have been higher, the long-term result is a shower that continues to look beautiful despite the water conditions.

Good design isn't just about what something costs today. It's about understanding how it will function, age, and perform years from now.

So What Does It Look Like to Work With an Interior Designer?

Every project is different, but my process generally follows five phases.

Phase 1: Discovery

This is what I call the game of "100 Questions".

At this stage, we're not selecting materials yet. We're defining the problem we're trying to solve.

Some common questions include:

How do you use your space day-to-day?
Do you enjoy entertaining or hosting guests?
What is most important for you to invest in?
How do you envision using this space?
What frustrates you about your current layout?
Do you have enough storage?

These conversations help me fully understand your lifestyle, priorities, budget, and functional needs so we can create a space that truly works for you.

Phase 2: Concept Development & The Brain Dump

This is where we establish what I like to call the "North Star" of the project.

The North Star is the guiding vision. It's what we come back to when the endless opinions, Pinterest boards, and material selections start pulling us in different directions.

Once we establish that vision, every decision becomes easier.

During this phase, I help clients identify the styles they naturally gravitate toward. Most people aren't just one style; they're usually a blend of several influences.

Inspiration can come from many places and often has nothing to do with homes.

As a person with far too many hobbies, I've found that experiences from travel, art, nature, and everyday life often inspire my design work more than interiors themselves.

Some of my favorite sources of inspiration include:

Dwell
Architectural Digest
Interior Design Magazine

From there, we create mood boards and develop both 2D and 3D concepts that allow clients to begin visualizing the finished space.

When creating floor plans, elevations, and 3D models, I like to start in black and white. First, we establish the function of the space. Then we introduce color, texture, and personality.

Phase 3: Material Selection

How do you know what it will look like if you are only given a small sample piece?

This is the fun part — SHOPPING!

By this stage, we've already established our North Star and refined the layout, so decisions feel much more focused and less overwhelming.

I often become my clients' personal shopping companion, visiting showrooms together so they can see and experience materials firsthand.

This is especially important for major investments like countertops. Small samples rarely show the full movement, depth, and character of a slab. Sometimes the sample and the actual slab look like completely different materials.

The same goes for paint, cabinetry, wood species, and fabrics. These materials should be viewed in different lighting conditions and experienced in person whenever possible.

Some materials have what I call a "chameleon effect". They can look entirely different depending on the environment.

That said, I also LOVE ordering samples online. It makes a random Tuesday feel a little bit like Christmas.

Phase 4: Documentation

This is the stage where you get to sit back and relax.

I prepare detailed drawings, elevations, specifications, and material schedules for contractors and trades.

These documents remove the guesswork and ensure everyone involved understands exactly what is being built and where each element belongs.

Clear documentation helps projects run smoother, reduces mistakes, and protects the integrity of the design.

Phase 5: Installation & Styling

The most exciting part of the process!

This phase involves site visits, final installations, troubleshooting, and ensuring that the details we've carefully planned are executed properly.

It's also when the vision finally comes to life.

One of my biggest responsibilities during this phase is protecting the design intent and helping navigate any field changes that may arise during construction.

How life feels when you work with an Interior Designer!

At the end of the day, great design isn't simply about decorating or creating something aesthetically pleasing. It's about solving problems. It's about helping homeowners make confident decisions. It's about creating spaces that feel intentional, functional, and uniquely tailored to the people who live in them.

When you hire an Interior Designer, you're not just paying someone to pick paint colors. You're hiring someone to filter thousands of decisions into a clear path forward.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by decisions during your next home project, remember:

You don't have to figure it all out alone. That's what designers are here for.

xoxo

Lilianna

What does an Interior Designer really do?