Heels, Headaches, and Other Myths about Interior Designers

"Oh, we don't like you ladies coming in here with your high heels making our projects so much more expensive and difficult." ​

Yes! Those are words that have been said directly to my face. First off, I rarely wear heels and most especially not to a job site. And secondly, designers actually make projects better. People believe all sorts of assumptions about interior designers likely based stereotypes they have heard. 

If you are debating whether to hire a designer, let's address the most common myths head on and give you a better understanding of what we do.

---

Myth # 1
​Interior Designers are Just Personal Shoppers 

Believe it or not there is much more that goes into interior design than shopping and decorating. Shocking, I know. While it's easy to assume designers are just decorators who furnish and style homes, the truth is our work goes far deeper. 

Interior design requires of a multitude of skills - from space planning and functionality to creating an overall experience that feels right for the people who live there. Designers need to understand construction, mechanical systems, lighting, cabinetry design, interior finishes, furniture, and so much more. ​

And then there is the human side: uncovering ideal solutions for clients with their different (and sometimes competing) wants and needs.  Let's be honest, that's where we get to practice our "marriage counseling" and conflict management techniques.  

A skilled designer combines these technical knowledge and emotional intelligence to create custom beautiful spaces that look effortless and feel like magic. Good luck getting your personal shopper to accomplish all of that with just a swipe of a credit card.  ​

---

Myth # 2
​Interior Design is Easy - Anyone Can Do It!

I once had a client once notice of my old-school drawing templates and say, "Oh! I should get my daughter those and then I could have her be my designer."

​She didn't mean it to be rude - she genuinely thought the magic was in the templates. If only it were that simple! Ironically, that is the very skill of a good designer - making complex problem-solving look effortless. The truth is, anything done well never happens by accident. Good design takes talent, intention, and years of experience.

Professional interior designers spend years in education and training before we begin building real-world experience. ​When I went to college (many moons ago), I learned how to both hand and computer drafting. My classes covered construction, art,  history, and mechanical systems -  four years of drinking from a fire hose. Did I graduate knowing it all? NOPE! I took two more decades of designing, teaching, and running my own business to get me to where I am today. And honestly? I am still learning every single day. 

​Design is not for the faint of heart. It requires a working knowledge of construction, architecture, code compliance, materials, and mechanical systems plus understanding ergonomics, design principles, furniture and decor. We bridge the gap between construction and art, with a deep love and respect for both.  

​So let's set the record straight: interior design is not a fluff career. If you are thought, "Who needs a designer? I can do it myself," just know that you are missing out on having a smart, experienced team member to guide the ship, consider the details, anticipate the challenges, and help ensure your money and time are spent wisely. 

---

Myth # 3
​Interior Designers Will Delay Your Project

That all depends on when you hire us.

If a designer contributes to a delay, it is usually because they were brought into the project late. We need time to have a proper design process -  to explore  ideas, balance the budget, and select materials that work beautifully together. Depending on the size and complexity of your home, that process can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months. 

Homeowners build at most one or two homes in their lives. Understandably, they don't know everything they need to select or when the builder needs those decisions. They also don't realize how long it takes to make all the "right" choices or how one decision can affect five others down the line.

If you wait to start the design process until the house is framed, you are behind - and yes, that's when delays happen.  Hiring a designer early provides two major benefits.

Benefit #1: Enjoyable Design Process
Working with a designer before breaking ground means you as the homeowner can have a thoughtful, non-rushed design journey. You get to sleep on decisions, weigh the pros and cons, and feel confect about your choices.  

The biggest complaint I hear from homeowners?  "I wish I had made different decisions."

When you allow time for a true design process, you get space to think things through. And remember - ideas are cheap when they are still on paper. Before settling on everything, get estimates, discuss challenges with your builder, and make adjustments while the "what ifs" are still easy (and inexpensive) to fix.  ​​
​

Benefit #2: More Efficient Building Process
Is baking a cake easier and faster if you use the recipe? Of course it is. Building a home is no different.

When you hire a designer to create your Design Book, you are essentially handing your builder and the tradespeople an instruction manual for the whole project. It's clear, organized, and prevents those "let's just try this" moments that lead to rework and delay.

With a design finalized up front, there are fewer change order, fewer backorders, and fewer budget surprises. There are contractors all over the world who only work with homeowners who have hired a designer because they know the project will run smoother and be more efficient. 

So can a designer delay your project? Sure - we need time to do our jobs.
Can you avoid that delay and, in the process, make your project more enjoyable, cost-effective, and faster to build? Absolutely.

​Hire us early.  ​​

---

Myth # 4
​Interior Designers Make Projects More Expensive

Maybe... but not exclusively and every time.
Remember - good design costs money. Let's breakdown why designers often get blamed for projects being more expensive.

Builders typically give homeowners construction estimates and allowances for fixtures and materials at the start of a project. But here is the catch: most homeowners have no idea whether a $30,000 cabinet allowance is generous or bare-bones for their 5000 square foot home (spoiler: it's bare-bones). 

From experience, I can tell you that most non-luxury builders do not include robust allowances. They want the job, so they often make their numbers look more competitive.  Or, they simply don't build many custom homes so they don't know what upgraded finishes and fixtures cost. 

If you are building a home, chances are you want more than a run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter house. Custom homes, even modest ones, naturally cost more. But that doesn't mean your builder budgeted for upgraded or non-standard materials. Interior designers don't magically make a project more expensive. We just shine the light on the options the builder didn't plan for - the ones that are often better for your lifestyle, durability, and long term satisfaction. 

Let's talk about return on investment (ROI, a popular term in the real estate world referring to how much return you will get from your purchase. I use it a lot when helping clients choose materials and furnishings. The goal isn't to just get a roof over your head as cheaply as possible. It's to build a home that functions beautifully and lasts for years. That's why I might recommend flooring that own't need replacing in five years, appliances that have better warranties, or extra lighting and outlets that will make daily life easier. 

Those "better" choices often live outside the original budget-friendly allowance - but they are the ones that add value, comfort and longevity.

In the end, designers can absolutely work within realistic budgets. We can help define a realistic budget early, guide you through each decision, and make sure you are spending wisely - not just spending more. 

---

So, the next time you hear someone repeat one of these design myths, you can kindly (or sassily) set the record straight. Interior designers aren’t here to complicate your project or drain your budget — we’re here to make sure your home looks incredible, functions beautifully, and stands the test of time.

Good design is equal parts strategy and artistry. It takes training, talent, and a whole lot of coordination behind the scenes. When done well, it looks effortless — and that’s exactly the point.
​
Because at the end of the day, our job isn’t just to make things "pretty." It’s to make your life easier, your investment smarter, and your home a true reflection of you