What Makes an Interior Designer Worth Hiring?

By Morag Argiris, Principal Designer
(Flourish Interior Design)

And How to Know When You’ve Found the Right One

Hiring an interior designer is an investment — not just in how your space looks, but in how it works, feels, and supports your lifestyle or business. Yet many people hesitate. They wonder: Is it worth the money? Can’t I just do it myself? Will they understand what I actually want?

The truth is, a great interior designer does a lot more than choose colours and cushions. At Flourish Interior Design, we help clients navigate everything from layout and flow to functionality, lighting, compliance, and personal style. Here’s what sets a truly worthwhile designer apart — and how to spot one.

Good design isn’t just about what you see — it’s about what you don’t. A skilled designer will anticipate the little things that could become big headaches: awkward traffic flow, light bounce, cabinetry clashes, or electrical limitations.

Designers bring a trained eye to your plans before mistakes are built in. That foresight can save you time, money, and stress.

Most clients have inspiration images. But turning a mood board into a functional, cohesive space that suits your life or business is a completely different skill.

Great designers ask the right questions, interpret your preferences, and build a concept that reflects you — not just current trends.

A good designer makes sure your space doesn’t just look beautiful in a photo, but also works beautifully day-to-day.

That means thoughtful storage, smart lighting, acoustics, spatial planning, and materials that suit your lifestyle (or the demands of a busy business or care environment).

Interior design is never just one decision. It’s thousands. From finishes and hardware to lead times and trade coordination, the detail adds up quickly.

Experienced designers have go-to suppliers, craftspeople, and trade partners they trust — and the communication skills to keep everyone aligned. This helps keep your project on budget and on track.

While it may seem like an added expense at first, hiring a designer can protect you from expensive missteps: choosing the wrong tile batch, ordering the wrong-size sofa, or fitting out a room that doesn’t function well.

More than that, great design adds long-term value — in resale, daily enjoyment, and the confidence of living or working in a space that feels just right.

• They listen more than they talk

• They can clearly explain their process

• They show you past work that feels both polished and personal

• They ask smart questions

• They don’t just say "yes" to everything — they guide, challenge, and refine

Explore our About page to learn more about our approach, or get in touch to talk about your space.