Top 10 Tips for a Successful Interior Design Project (When You’re Working With a Designer)

Hiring an interior designer can completely transform the experience of creating your dream home. Whether you're furnishing a brand-new build or finally reimagining that outdated living room, having a designer on your side can turn stress into excitement—and overwhelm into confidence.

But let’s be honest: beautiful design doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every seamless, stunning space is a solid process—and a great partnership between designer and client. The best results come when you're both in sync.

Here are our top 10 tips to help you get the most out of your interior design experience (and love every second of the journey):

1. Know Your Why

Before diving in, take a moment to ask yourself:
Why am I doing this project?
Maybe your lifestyle has changed. Maybe your furniture doesn’t function the way it used to. Maybe you're just ready for a space that finally feels like you.

Knowing your motivation helps guide the entire design process—and when you share it with your designer, it makes it easier to create a space that truly supports the way you live.

2. Be Honest About Your Budget

Let’s clear this up: budget is not a dirty word.

Being upfront about what you want to spend doesn’t limit your options—it helps us make smarter decisions, prioritize where to splurge or save, and avoid wasting time on things that don’t make sense for your project.

No matter the number, we can work with it. Just give us the real one.

3. Keep an Open Mind

One of the best parts of working with a designer? You get access to fresh ideas, expert insight, and unique options you probably wouldn’t have found on your own.

Yes, we might suggest something outside your comfort zone. And sometimes, that’s exactly where the magic happens.

4. Decide How Involved You Want to Be

Some clients want to be hands-on through every detail. Others want a fully turnkey experience with zero decision fatigue. Both are great!

Just let us know your preference up front so we can tailor the process to suit your style.

5. Share Your Vision (Even If It’s Vague)

Even if you’re not sure what your “style” is, chances are, you know what you like. Share your Pinterest boards, screenshots, favorite hotel rooms, or even just a color you’re drawn to.

The more visual direction we get early on, the more personalized (and on-point) your space will be.

6. Trust the Timeline

We know waiting can be tough—but quality design takes time. Custom furniture, special-order finishes, or a full-home installation? These things are worth doing right.

Most interior design projects take several months, and we’ll keep you updated throughout. The wait? Always worth it.

7. Don’t Design Around Something You Hate

We see this one a lot:
"I hate this rug… but I guess I’ll keep it?”

Nope. Let’s not do that.

If something in your home no longer sparks joy (or is actively stressing you out), let’s remove it from the equation. We’ll help you budget smartly and focus your dollars on pieces you do love.

8. Prioritize Functionality

A beautiful space is great—but a beautiful, livable space is even better.

Tell your designer how you actually live: kids, pets, parties, remote work, storage struggles—we want to know it all. It helps us create a space that fits your lifestyle just as much as it fits your aesthetic.

9. Trust the Experts (That’s Us!)

Designers are trained to think about layout, lighting, scale, proportion, and flow. We’ll guide you through decisions you don’t even realize need to be made—and make it feel easy.

You’ll always have the final say, but trusting the process means less stress and better results.

10. Enjoy the Ride

This is your chance to create a home that truly feels like you—and that’s something to be excited about!

Yes, there will be decisions, delays, and maybe even a hiccup or two (we’re human too!). But when you stay focused on the big picture, you’ll end up with a home that brings you joy every single day.

Final Thoughts

Working with an interior designer is an investment—in your space, your lifestyle, and your peace of mind.

When you come to the process with clear goals, an open heart, and a little bit of trust, the result is something extraordinary: a home that looks amazing, works beautifully, and reflects you in every detail.

Ready to Begin Your Design Journey?

We’d love to help.

Whether you need a single room refresh or a full home design, we’ll meet you right where you are and guide you every step of the way.

• Book a complimentary design consultation
• Visit our showroom in Murray, Utah
• Explore our portfolio for inspiration

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @hamiltonparkinteriors!

Let’s create something incredible—together.