How to Choose the Right Interior Designer

Choosing an interior designer is a big decision. Whether you’re redesigning a single room, a full home, or a care facility, the person you hire will shape how the space looks, feels, and functions. A great designer doesn't just make things look good, they create a space that works for the people who use it every day.

With so many designers out there, how do you know who’s the right fit? It starts with knowing what to look for and asking the right questions before you commit.

Know Your Goals First

Before you even start your search, it’s important to be clear about what you want. Are you updating a tired interior, making space more practical, or planning a full renovation? Do you need someone who specialises in homes, commercial spaces, or care environments?

Having a clear goal helps you filter designers who don’t match your needs. For example, if you’re looking to improve a healthcare space, you’ll want someone with experience in that specific field. Care Home Interior Designers in Manchester understand the balance between comfort, safety, and compliance, something generalists might miss.

Check Their Portfolio

A designer’s portfolio gives you a real sense of their style, versatility, and quality of work. Look for examples that reflect the type of project you're planning. If you see consistent quality, creative problem-solving, and a style you connect with, that’s a strong sign.

You’re not just looking for pretty pictures, you’re looking for spaces that feel lived-in, practical, and carefully thought through. A good portfolio should show a range of projects, not just luxury or editorial-style shots.

Understand Their Process

Each designer has their own process. Some may handle everything from planning to final installation, while others focus on layouts, materials, or furniture selection. You need someone who matches your expectations and involvement.

Ask how they approach each stage, from consultation and mood boards to budgeting and site visits. The more structured and transparent their process, the smoother your project will run.

It’s also worth asking how they manage suppliers and contractors, especially for complex builds. A strong designer acts as a project manager as well as a creative partner.

Check Credentials and Experience

Interior design isn’t just about taste, it involves planning, spatial awareness, regulations, and budgeting. Designers with experience in specific sectors often bring insight you might not expect.

For instance, care environments have very different needs from private homes. They require careful layout planning, durable materials, and designs that support accessibility and wellbeing. Choosing a designer with care sector experience means they already understand these important factors.

It’s also a good idea to check if they’re part of any recognised professional organisations. This can give you extra confidence in their standards and training.

Read Reviews and Ask for References

Online reviews are helpful, but speaking directly with past clients is even better. Ask potential designers if they can provide references. Good designers should have happy clients who are willing to speak about their experience.

When you talk to a reference, ask about communication, time management, and how the designer handled unexpected issues. Were they professional and reliable? Did they stick to the budget? Did the finished space meet or exceed expectations?

These insights can help you spot red flags early.

Discuss Budget and Fees Up Front

Interior design can be a significant investment, so it’s important to understand costs from the beginning. Designers may charge by the hour, by project, or as a percentage of the total spend.

Ask for a clear fee structure and what it includes. Some designers offer all-in-one services with design, materials, and installation. Others may only provide drawings and specifications.

Be honest about your budget and ask how they would work within it. A good designer won’t try to upsell you. They’ll find creative ways to deliver great results while respecting your limits.

Look for Strong Communication Skills

The best design partnerships are built on trust and clear communication. Your designer should listen to your needs, ask thoughtful questions, and explain their ideas in a way that makes sense.

They should also be responsive, open to feedback, and able to manage different opinions or challenges without drama. Projects often run into unexpected changes. A calm, solutions-focused designer can make all the difference when that happens.

If someone seems pushy, vague, or dismissive, that’s a warning sign. Good communication leads to better outcomes, plain and simple.

Style Is Important, But Flexibility Matters More

Some designers have a very strong signature style. Others are more flexible and adapt to the client’s preferences. Ideally, you want someone who understands your taste but can also push your ideas in new, thoughtful directions.

Be wary of designers who only work in one style or don’t show much variety in their portfolio. You want someone who listens first, then creates a plan that fits your vision, not someone who forces their own aesthetic onto your space.

Make Sure They Understand the Users of the Space

Great design isn’t just about how a space looks. It’s about how it works for the people who live or work there.

If you’re designing a care home, for example, the layout must support accessibility, safety, and wellbeing. That means understanding the day-to-day needs of residents, staff, and visitors. A designer who understands those dynamics will make much better decisions throughout the project.

Always ask who they design for and how they research the end users of each space.

Trust Your Gut

Sometimes it just comes down to instinct. After speaking with a few designers, you’ll likely have a clear sense of who feels like the right fit. Do they make you feel heard? Do they seem reliable and excited about your project? That feeling of connection matters.

This person will be part of your life for weeks or even months, so you want someone who’s easy to work with, dependable, and genuinely invested in delivering something that works for you.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right interior designer can completely change the outcome of your project. It’s not just about style, it’s about trust, communication, and shared goals.

When you take the time to check their experience, understand their process, and see how they handle real-world challenges, you’re far more likely to find a partner who delivers lasting value. Whether you’re refreshing your home or creating a purpose-built care environment, the right designer will help you bring your vision to life in a way that’s functional, beautiful, and built to last.