What to Expect from Interior Designer? A Complete Guide

Hiring or choosing an interior designer is exciting, but also a bit overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. What do they actually do? How long does it take? What’s your role in the process? If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone.

This guide explains exactly what to expect from interior designer services—from your first consultation to the final walkthrough. Let’s walk through the full journey so you know what’s ahead.

Before Hiring: Where the Journey Starts

Before you meet a designer, it helps to get clear on your goals. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but knowing what you want to change or improve gives you a head start. Your first meeting is usually called a consultation. Some designers offer it for free, others charge a small fee. It’s a chance to walk through your space, share ideas, and see if your styles align.

The designer will ask questions about your lifestyle, design preferences, budget, and how you plan to use each space. They’ll also take notes, measurements, or photos. If things go well, they’ll send you a proposal. This outlines what they’ll be working on and how the process will flow.

What’s usually included in the proposal or contract:

• The scope of work (number of rooms, services included)

• Fee structure (flat, hourly, or percentage-based)

• Estimated timeline

• Number of revisions allowed

• Terms for cancellation or changes

  
  

It’s worth reviewing this carefully to avoid misunderstandings later. A strong contract sets a professional tone for the entire collaboration.

During the Project: Where Ideas Take Shape

Once you sign the agreement, the design process begins. The designer will create concepts for your space. This might include moodboards, layout sketches, fabric samples, or digital mockups. You’ll review the designs, share feedback, and approve the final direction. There may be a few revisions along the way to refine things.

Next comes sourcing. Your designer will select furniture, lighting, finishes, and accessories. This is where experience matters—they’ll balance your vision, budget, and availability.

Expect to receive:

• Curated product suggestions at various price points

• A breakdown of lead times and delivery expectations

• Professional guidance on where to invest or save

  
  

If renovations are part of the plan, your designer may bring in trusted contractors or work with yours. They’ll coordinate installation, monitor progress, and make sure the vision is executed accurately.

You’ll be kept in the loop with regular updates. A good designer will communicate clearly—flagging any delays, offering alternatives, and helping you make informed decisions.

During this phase, your input is key.

You’ll need to approve selections, provide access to the site, and respond in a timely manner. But once you’ve aligned on the direction, it’s best to let your designer take the lead.

After the Work: Final Touches and Support

When everything is ready, the designer will oversee installation. This is where the space comes to life. They’ll arrange furniture, hang artwork, set up lighting, and add final styling touches. After install day, you’ll do a walkthrough together to make sure everything’s complete. If anything’s missing or needs adjusting, it will go on a “snag list” (also called a punch list).

Common items on a snag list:

• Minor scratches or damages during delivery

• Items that didn’t arrive or need reordering

• Adjustments to placement or alignment

  
  

Once the final list is resolved, the project is considered complete. But your designer may still be available for follow-up support. Some designers include post-project visits, seasonal styling sessions, or help with future updates for an additional fee. Be sure to ask about ongoing support early in the process.

What Most People Forget to Ask

You’ll usually receive some or all of the following once the project wraps up:

• Final layout drawings or renders

• A shopping list or sourcing spreadsheet

• Care instructions for materials and fabrics

• Warranty details for key furniture or appliances

  
  

Timelines can vary. A single-room refresh may take four to six weeks. Larger homes or custom-built elements might take several months. Your designer will help you plan accordingly and adjust if delays arise. Great design takes patience—but the results are worth it.

Conclusion: A Creative Partnership from Start to Finish

Now that you understand what to expect from interior designer services, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Interior design isn’t just about picking paint colours or arranging furniture — it’s about transforming the way you live and feel in your space. It’s about turning your vision into something both beautiful and practical.

At Cohere, we take the stress out of the process. From your first consultation to the final reveal, our team handles every detail — so you don’t have to. If you’re ready for a design experience that’s thoughtful, collaborative, and completely hassle-free, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us and let’s bring your dream space to life.