13 Design Questions to ask a designer
Designing a home isn’t just about what looks good - it’s about what feels right. Whether you’re furnishing your first space or elevating your forever home, every project starts with one thing: good questions.
We believe great design is a conversation. The most thoughtful homes begin not with color swatches or fabric samples, but with clarity - about how you live, what matters to you, and how you want to feel in your space.
To help you start strong, we’ve gathered the 13 most common (and crucial) questions we hear from clients - plus the insights we offer in return. From timelines to budgets to that one piece you’re not sure you can part with, these tips will guide you toward a smoother, smarter design journey.
Let’s dive in.
1. What’s the first step in the design process, and what should we expect when working with you?
Before a single fabric swatch is considered or a mood board is created, we start with something far more essential: understanding you.
The foundation of any successful design collaboration is built on clarity, trust, and alignment. That’s why our design process begins with a Discovery Call - a candid conversation where we explore your vision, expectations, and just as importantly, ensure we’re the right creative fit. The clients we work with value thoughtful design, are open to collaboration, and are ready to approach their project with realistic expectations—both in terms of budget and timeline.
Once we decide to move forward together (and truly, why wouldn’t we?), we assign a lead designer to your project. This designer will conduct a Programming Meeting, a deep dive into your lifestyle, needs, and aspirations for the space. This is more than a checklist of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves”- it’s an exploration of how you live, entertain, and recharge.
Expect a lot of questions. Thoughtful design is problem-solving at its most beautiful, and we believe the details matter. After this meeting, we retreat into our creative cocoon to develop the first design concepts. There may be a brief period of radio silence, but rest assured - we’re hard at work, shaping an extraordinary vision just for you.
2. What’s the best way for us to prepare before starting a design project?
Think of this as your pre-game ritual—the more intention you bring, the smoother (and more magical) the process will be. Here’s how to show up ready:
• Know your Scope and Budget: What are we designing, and what’s the investment range? Clarity here gives us the freedom to be both wildly creative and strategic. No surprises- just smart, aligned decisions from the start.
• Bring your Inspo: We love seeing what lights you up - whether it’s a Pinterest board, a favorite hotel, or a color that makes you feel something. The more visual breadcrumbs, the better.
• Get Aligned at Home: If you’re co-designing with a partner or spouse, make sure you're on the same page. We’ll guide you through the design - but we’re not here to mediate furniture feuds.
• Trust the Process: Design is not linear. There will be twists, turns, and aha moments - and that's where the magic lives. Let us handle the heavy lifting; your job is to stay open.
At the heart of it, preparation isn’t about perfection - it’s about partnership. When you come in curious, clear, and collaborative, the possibilities open wide.
3. What is the biggest misconception about working with an interior designer?
That we’re just here to fluff pillows and pick paint swatches!
While styling is part of the magic, true interior design is equal parts art and science. We’re trained in architecture, spatial planning, materials, and construction logistics - and yes, we know our way around a mood board, too.
We translate ideas into buildable, livable, breathtaking spaces. That means understanding building codes, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring every detail - whether structural or decorative - serves both form and function.
Another common myth? That hiring a designer is a luxury you can’t justify. In reality, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make. We help you avoid costly mistakes, maximize your space, and add long-term value to your home. Good design doesn’t just look good - it works hard for you.
4. How do you help clients balance their budget while still achieving a high-end look?
Luxurious design isn’t about spending the most - it’s about spending smart.
• We Prioritize with Purpose: Whether it’s custom millwork, statement lighting, or a forever-piece of furniture, we help you invest where it counts and where it lasts.
• We Know How to Source: A well-designed space blends high and low, bespoke and ready-made. We know when to splurge and when to save, ensuring that every element contributes to a cohesive, elevated look.
• We Think in Phases: If your dream wishlist is longer than the current budget allows, we’ll break the project into intentional stages - so each phase feels complete and cohesive.
With the right strategy (and a little creativity), even a modest budget can deliver a space that feels tailored, thoughtful, and effortlessly elevated.
5. What are some unexpected costs that we should be aware of when budgeting for a design project?
A well-planned budget is the backbone of any successful design project—but even the best-laid plans can hit a few bumps. That’s why we always recommend setting aside a 20% contingency fund for those surprise expenses that pop up - especially in San Francisco, where older homes tend to have more secrets behind their walls than stories.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
• The “Behind-the-Scenes” Reality Check: Once demolition starts, hidden issues like foundation quirks, outdated wiring, or surprise plumbing can come to light. These upgrades -think extra sub-panels or structural reinforcements - aren’t glamorous but are often essential.
• Project Delays: Timelines are our specialty, but things like inspections, crew schedules, or damaged materials can slow the process. Flexibility in both schedule and budget keeps things smooth.
• Logistics, Logistics, Logistics: Shipping, customs, freight, and storage fees can sneak up fast, especially with custom or imported pieces. Many clients underestimate these costs, but we make sure to flag them upfront.
• Furniture Sticker Shock: If you haven’t shopped for quality furniture lately, get ready. A well-crafted sofa or chair is an investment that pays off in comfort, durability, and timeless style.
• Scope Creep: It’s easy to fall in love with new ideas mid-project, adding extras beyond the original plan. To avoid surprises later, we suggest a discretionary fund for those irresistible “must-haves” that may pop up.
Experienced designers anticipate these costs and help you navigate them with confidence. Unexpected expenses are part of the journey - but with thoughtful planning, they won’t derail your dream.
6. How do you handle differences in style when designing for couples or families with varying tastes?
Designing for multiple people with distinct styles isn’t a challenge - it’s an opportunity to create something truly unique. Instead of forcing compromise, we focus on cohesion, finding the perfect balance between contrasting aesthetics. Here’s how we approach it:
Listening First: In our initial Discovery Call, we take note of each person’s design preferences, priorities, and non-negotiables. Thoughtful design begins with understanding.
The Individual Questionnaire Test: We ask each person to complete our detailed design questionnaire independently. This helps uncover personal style nuances and gives us a clear picture of where tastes align (or diverge).
Finding Common Ground: Whether it's a shared love for natural textures, a particular color palette, or a preference for clean lines, we identify elements that bring both perspectives together.
Educating and Guiding: Sometimes, differences in taste come from a lack of exposure to new ideas. We present curated selections that reflect both styles, along with expert recommendations on what will work best in the space.
Design Diplomacy: If certain decisions spark debate, we encourage clients to discuss privately before finalizing selections—ensuring a smooth and harmonious process.
At the end of the day, the best designs aren’t about one person “winning” over another. They’re about creating a space that feels like home for everyone who lives there - layered, personal, and undeniably beautiful.
7. How do you approach designing a space to reflect a client’s personality and lifestyle?
Design isn’t just about making things pretty - it’s about telling your story. From day one, we’re in listening mode, paying attention to what makes you you, and weaving those threads into a space that’s not only stunning but smartly tailored to your life.
From our very first Discovery Call to the in-depth Programming Meeting, we ask the kind of questions that go beyond paint swatches:
What do you reach for every morning?
What colors light you up?
Where do you go (mentally or literally) to recharge?
And then there are the details you may not even notice - your go-to shoes, that necklace you never take off, your travel snaps tucked in a drawer. Those are often the moments that inspire the most meaningful design touches.
But we’re not just here for the vibes. First, we make sure the space works - how you move through your day, what drives you nuts, and where your routines could use a little lift. Function first, always.
Then, we dive into the fun stuff: Are you into clean lines and simplicity? Or are you all about texture, color, and curated chaos? Maybe you’re a little of both—and that’s where things get exciting.
In the end, our goal is simple: to create a home that doesn’t just look amazing - it feels like you. Every square inch.
8. How do you help clients who aren’t sure what their style is?
That’s not a problem - it’s a starting point.
In fact, not knowing your style can be a gift. It means we get to go on a design treasure hunt together. Through curated mood boards, magazine tears, and “love it or leave it” style quizzes, we’ll help spark your instincts and uncover what really speaks to you.
We’re not here to squeeze you into a box. Instead, we look for patterns in your preferences - colors that keep popping up, materials you gravitate toward, the kind of light you like in a room. Even your home’s architecture can drop hints and steer the direction in surprising ways.
And if your tastes are a little all over the place? Even better. Some of the most interesting spaces are the ones that blend styles in bold, unexpected ways. A modern loft with ornate vintage finds? Yes, please.
At the end of the day, your style doesn’t need a label. It just needs to feel right. With a little guidance (and maybe a few “wait, I love that” moments), we’ll help you uncover a look that’s all your own.
9. Can you work with existing furniture and décor, or do you always start from scratch?
We definitely don’t believe in tossing everything out and starting over (unless you want to - then we’re in!). More often, it’s a mix: some pieces stay, some get reimagined, and others make room for what’s next.
If you have furniture you love - or even just like enough - we’ll evaluate how it fits into the new design. Maybe that comfy sofa just needs updated pillows and a killer rug. Maybe your current dining chairs work perfectly with a bold new table. Our job is to bring fresh perspective and help your space feel elevated, not uprooted.
Of course, we’ll be honest if something isn’t serving the vision (or your space). But we’re always game to incorporate what matters to you - and find creative ways to make it shine.
10. What’s the key to making a home feel cohesive rather than a collection of disconnected rooms?
Cohesion doesn’t mean every room needs to match - it means they need to talk to each other. A well-designed home flows like a great story: each chapter has its own voice, but they all belong in the same book.
Start with a Common Thread: It might be a repeated material, a favorite color, or even a shape that subtly shows up from room to room. These little echoes help create a rhythm that guides you through the space.
Let Color do the Heavy Lifting: You don’t need identical palettes everywhere, but a thoughtful progression of tones and hues makes the transition from one room to the next feel natural and intentional.
Every Room Gets a Star - Just Not the Same One: As one of our favorite design mentors said, “Always pick a star.” Maybe it’s a chandelier, a bold piece of art, or a sculptural chair. Just make sure the stars across your home feel like they’re in the same cast - not competing for the spotlight.
Think Beyond the Visual: Texture, lighting, even acoustics play a part in making a home feel cohesive. A space that flows well should not only look good - it should feel good from every angle.
In the end, it’s about harmony, not sameness. Every room can shine in its own way - as long as it feels like part of the same beautiful world.
11. What are some design elements that instantly make a space feel more luxurious?
Luxury isn’t about having more - it’s about choosing better. It’s in the small moments that whisper refinement, not the ones that shout. Here’s how we dial up the luxe, without overdoing it:
Color with Confidence: Think rich jewel tones, moody neutrals, or soft tonal palettes that layer beautifully. The right shade (in the right sheen!) can turn plain drywall into a dramatic backdrop or a serene sanctuary.
Texture, Texture, Texture: Velvets, bouclés, silks, brushed metals, aged woods… when you layer tactile materials thoughtfully, a room suddenly feels like it’s giving you a hug -and that’s peak luxury.
Fewer Things, Better Things: One gorgeous, handcrafted dining table > five forgettable fast-furniture pieces. We prioritize quality, provenance, and craftsmanship - because the things you live with every day should be worth admiring.
Lighting That Loves you Back: Good lighting is magic. From sculptural pendants to dimmable sconces, we use layers to create warmth, highlight focal points, and flatter the space (and everyone in it).
Details That Feel Tailor-Made: Custom built-ins, perfectly fitted drapery, or a thoughtfully curated gallery wall can give your home that made-just-for-you feeling. It’s the quiet luxury of things that just fit.
A Little Twist. The unexpected - a vintage chair in a modern room, an art piece that makes you look twice, a wild pop of color - keeps things interesting and shows that you’re not just following trends; you’ve got taste.
Ultimately, luxury is about intention. When every choice is thoughtful, even the simplest space can feel like a work of art.
12. What’s a trend you love right now, and one you wish would disappear?
Lately, we’re swooning over moody, saturated color palettes - think rich plums, earthy browns, and dusty blushes tones. These tones wrap a space in depth and warmth, especially when layered across walls, trim, fabrics, and finishes. (Yes to color-drenched rooms that feel like a whole mood.)
We’re also thrilled to see craftsmanship making a major comeback. Handmade tiles, bespoke furnishings, and sustainably sourced materials aren’t just trends - they’re a return to design with soul. When every piece tells a story, the whole space feels more personal and enduring.
Now… let’s talk about the trends we’re gently showing the door:
The infamous karate-chopped pillow. We said what we said. No one’s living a softer life because their cushions look like origami.
Painted accent walls that feel more like a last-minute panic move than a design decision. There are so many more intentional ways to create visual impact.
At the end of the day, we’re not anti-trend - we’re pro-taste!
The designs that endure are the ones rooted in meaning, craft, and a bit of daring.
13. What’s one small change people can make in their homes to instantly elevate their space?
Paint. Everything. Walls, trim, ceilings - don’t be afraid to commit to color. A thoughtful palette can completely transform a space, adding depth, emotion, and intention faster than almost any other design move.
Other impactful upgrades that make a big difference:
Wallpaper - always. Whether it’s a bold graphic print or a quiet, textured weave, wallpaper instantly injects personality and polish.
Lighting upgrades. Swapping out builder-basic fixtures for something sculptural, vintage, or artisanal instantly elevates a room’s atmosphere. Lighting should be layered and flattering, with warm ambient glows where you want to relax and brighter tones where you need to focus.
Statement art. One oversized piece, placed thoughtfully, can make even the simplest room feel considered and complete.
Layered textiles. Think plush rugs, custom drapery, mixed materials. A mix of tactile elements brings warmth and richness.
You don’t need a full renovation to breathe life into your space. Often, it’s the thoughtful little things that speak the loudest.
You don’t need a full home renovation to breathe new life into your space - sometimes, it’s the smallest details that make the biggest impact.
From establishing flow and cohesion to layering in texture, tone, and personal storytelling, great design is about more than aesthetics - it’s about intention. These insights are here to inspire a more elevated way of living, one that honors both beauty and function while staying true to you.
Whether you’re embracing a bold new direction or refining a beloved classic, we’re here to guide the journey. So let’s begin - your home, thoughtfully transformed, and unmistakably yours.
