Are you hesitant about hiring an interior designer? That is understandable as it isn’t always obvious what we do and how we can help you.
I hope this article might help to address some of those concerns for you and I can help reassure you that we aren’t scary people and that in working with me at Loke Interiors you will have fun and end up with a space you are proud to call your own.
From my experience I think I can easily group the concerns I see people have about interior designers.
Cost and budget concerns
Some people worry that hiring a designer will be expensive and may feel like it’s an added luxury rather than a necessary investment. Coupled with concerns about the potential for hidden costs or scope changes that could increase the overall budget. I also see some people worry that designers might push them into buying high-end items or unnecessary additions, exceeding their financial comfort zone.
At Loke Interiors I work with all my clients to keep them on budget and in fact often working with an interior designer means that you can keep to budget because of the savings we help you make with time and trade discounts. Not only that all my services and the cost of them are clearly shown online and in my tailor-made fee proposal that you will be sent so there would be no hidden costs for you to worry about.
Loss of control or personal input
Clients often worry that a designer will impose their own taste and vision, resulting in a space that doesn’t feel like “theirs” or reflect their personality. Some people may prefer to have more hands-on control in choosing elements like furniture, colour schemes, or layout, and fear that a designer could take over those decisions.
Well at Loke Interiors I take a very collaborative approach and work with all my clients to create a bespoke interior that not only looks beautiful but is liveable and inviting, and belongs to you, because after all, it is your space, not mine.
Misalignment of vision
Clients may fear that their ideas won’t be properly understood or that there could be miscommunication about the design outcome. They may worry if the final result doesn’t match their original vision or expectations, it can lead to disappointment, even with professional involvement.
At Loke Interiors the collaborative process I take means that we agree the design brief up front and we have check in points throughout the project. And yes, sometimes we don’t get it right first time but through open and honest communication we will create your perfect space together in no time.
Commitment and trust
Hiring a designer can feel like a big commitment, especially if the you aren’t sure you want to go through a full design process. You might be uncertain about whether your designer will understand your needs or deliver results. You may be hesitant to trust someone with control over your home, especially when it comes to style, budget, and overall vision.
The design process, if not managed well, can overwhelm some clients, particularly when they it isn’t always easy to fully understand the timeline, decisions, or technical aspects involved.
There are a number of packages avaliable at Loke Interiors and if there isn’t one to suit you I can create one. Through the collaboration process we will work closely on what you hope to achieve from the project and whilst I guide you as much as you would like, I won’t take over, this is your space and you need to feel in control. I will talk you through every step of the project to enable you to meet all the deadlines so you don’t fall behind on time or budget.
Compatibility concerns
A key concern for some clients is whether they will “click” with a designer, both in terms of communication and style. They may worry about personality clashes or differences in design preferences. Clients may feel that a designer doesn’t fully understand their way of living, cultural background, or practical needs, resulting in a design that doesn’t suit their lifestyle.
That is why I have a discovery call with all my clients before we begin working together. In this call I go through a series of questions for us both to establish if Loke Interiors offers the right services for you. We will discuss your project aspirations and I will explain in more detail about the packages available and if we both feel we are right for each other I will leave you with the opportunity of a briefing meeting to continue our design journey together.
Timeline and project delays
Clients might worry that the project will take longer than expected or that delays in material sourcing or contractor work could extend the timeline significantly. Popular designers may have a busy schedule, leading to concerns that the client won’t get the attention or availability they need to complete the project on time.
I believe that a successful project is not just about the final outcome but also about the journey we take together to get there. I take great pride in the attention to detail and the high level of customer service I provide to every client. I limit the number of projects I take on at any given time. This allows me to dedicate the time and care each design deserves, ensuring a personalized and thoughtful experience for everyone involved.
Fear of overcomplication
Some clients may fear that hiring a designer will turn a simple renovation into a more complex and drawn-out process, with too many options or opinions to consider. Even though designers are meant to simplify the process, some clients may feel overwhelmed by all the design decisions, material choices, and consultations.
This is a misconception I am happy to dismiss because I work with my clients to ensure I take away any overwhelm and make it as easy as possible for you to make design decisions with my help.
Practicality of design
I’ve heard clients say they were worried that hiring an interior designer was going to mean there was more of a focus on aesthetics and less on practicality. Some might fear that certain design choices will be difficult to maintain or clean, adding complexity to their daily routines.
Good interior design is about function as well as aesthetics and I always ensure that any space I design with you work for your daily life, not just look beautiful.
Confidentiality or privacy
Allowing a designer into intimate home spaces can feel invasive for some people, especially if they are private or uncomfortable sharing personal details about how they live. Some clients may be anxious about a designer judging their current decor or home organisation.
It’s completely understandable to feel a bit hesitant about inviting someone into your personal space—after all, your home is an extension of who you are. At Loke Interiors, I prioritise creating a comfortable, judgment-free experience where trust and respect come first. My goal is to work collaboratively with you, understanding your needs and preferences in a way that feels natural and non-intrusive. I’m not here to judge but to help you create a space that feels like home, reflecting your personality and lifestyle. The process is all about ensuring you feel heard and supported every step of the way.
Long-term commitment to design
And finally I see clients concerned about how long a design will last before it feels outdated. You might question whether you will want to live with the chosen design for years to come. You maybe anticipating changes in lifestyle (e.g., growing family, working from home), you might worry that a design created today won’t be adaptable to future needs.
At Loke Interiors, I focus on creating timeless designs that are both stylish and practical, with an emphasis on flexibility. During the design process, I take into account not just your current preferences but also any future needs, like a growing family or changes in how you use your home. My goal is to design spaces that can evolve with you, incorporating elements that can be easily updated or reconfigured as your life changes, ensuring your home remains both functional and beautiful for years to come.
To sum up, I understand that working with an interior designer can feel like a big step, but at Loke Interiors, I’m here to make the process enjoyable, collaborative, and stress-free. My priority is to create a space that not only looks amazing but feels like home—a space that reflects your personality, fits your lifestyle, and adapts as your needs change.
If any of these concerns have been on your mind, I hope this article has helped ease them. I would love to chat more about how I can help bring your vision to life and make your home a place you’re proud of.
Are you ready to start your design journey? Let’s talk! Reach out today for a discovery call and let’s make your dream space a reality.
