The Most Important Interior Design Advice I Give

People often ask me, “What’s the most important interior design advice you can give when designing a room?”

It’s a big question—and truthfully, the answer can change depending on the project or the client. Every home, every style, and every personality brings something different to the table.

But if I had to narrow it down to one principle—the piece of advice that consistently leads to the most successful, cohesive, and beautiful designs—it’s this:

Find the vision for your home or space before you begin.

Everything else flows from that foundation. Every color choice, every fabric, every layout decision should align with that vision.

And while your vision might evolve throughout the process (it often does), having a clear direction from the start prevents decision fatigue, second-guessing, and that scattered feeling that can come from designing without a plan.

Why a Clear Vision Matters

When you start designing without a clear concept of how you want your space to look, feel, and function, it’s easy to get lost in endless choices. A strong vision is your roadmap—it brings clarity, purpose, and confidence to each decision.

Start by gathering inspiration that feels cohesive. Whether it’s from Pinterest, magazines, or real homes, look for images that feel like they belong in the same house. Then, ask yourself:

• Do I like the feeling of these rooms?

• Can I picture myself living in this space?

• Even if this exact design wouldn’t fit my home, do I connect with its mood or atmosphere?

If you can answer “yes” to those questions, you’ve started uncovering the visual side of your design vision.

Next, pair that with the functional side by asking:

• What’s the primary goal for this room—comfort, connection, productivity, or relaxation?

• What are the must-haves versus the nice-to-haves?

• How do I want to feel when I walk into this space?

When you combine the visual and functional elements, you’ll have a strong foundation for every decision moving forward.

How a Vision Simplifies Design Decisions

Interior design involves hundreds of micro-decisions—especially during a remodel, new build, or full-room redesign. Without a vision, those decisions can feel endless and overwhelming. But when you have one, everything becomes simpler.

• Choosing flooring? Revisit your inspiration and ask if it supports your overall mood and function.

• Picking paint colors? Look back at your palette and ask if it aligns with your vision.

• Debating between two furniture layouts? Consider which one helps the space function as you imagined.

If you’re working with a professional designer (and I highly recommend it), sharing your vision gives them a clear direction to build from. They can interpret, refine, and enhance your ideas—bringing your concept to life in ways you might never have imagined on your own.

Final Thoughts

The best interior design advice I can give is this: before you begin, take the time to clarify your vision. That doesn’t mean you need to have every detail figured out—it just means you should know how you want your home to feel and function.

Once you have that guiding idea, your designer can help turn it into a reality that feels cohesive, intentional, and uniquely yours.

At Hamilton Park Interiors, we believe great design starts with understanding you—your goals, your lifestyle, and your vision.

Ready to discover your home’s design direction? Schedule a consultation with our design team today, and let’s turn your ideas into a clear, beautiful plan that truly feels like home.

-Heather