5 Red Flags to Watch For When Hiring an Interior Designer
Designing a home is deeply personal. It’s not just about making something look good on the surface; it’s about creating spaces that reflect who you are and how you live (form and function). This all starts with choosing the right interior designer.
But here's the thing: not every client-designer relationship is built to succeed. If the fit isn't right, it can lead to unclear expectations, budget tension, and unnecessary stress. The earlier you can identify the signs, the more empowered you'll be to make a confident choice moving forward.
That’s why we’re sharing five red flags to look out for…plus six important questions we want you to ask before hiring a designer. Because when the collaboration feels right, the entire process becomes more enjoyable, efficient, and successful.
Red Flag #1: One-Size-Fits-All Designs
If every portfolio photo starts looking the same, that’s your cue to dig deeper. Our job as designers isn’t just to replicate our signature look. It’s to listen, adapt, and shape a space around your lifestyle and the way you want to feel at home.
Great design is about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating something that evolves with you.
Red Flag #2: No Collaboration with Contractors or Vendors
Design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. From tile installers to electricians to your general contractor, every part of a project is connected. If a designer isn’t comfortable coordinating with the broader team, you could face delays, miscommunication, or costly mistakes.
Let’s be real, design only goes so far with just picking finishes; it’s about making sure those finishes get installed the right way, at the right time, by the right people. A strong designer knows how to bridge the gap between vision and execution, working seamlessly with trades to ensure every detail is carried through as planned.
Red Flag #3: Poor Communication or Slow Response Times
Great design requires trust, and trust is built through communication. If a designer is hard to reach or slow to respond early on, take it as a sign of how the rest of the project will feel.
You want someone who makes you feel seen, heard, and supported through every decision.
Because when questions come up (and they will), you need a designer who’s present, responsive, and ready to guide you, not someone who leaves you guessing.
Red Flag #4: Lack of Portfolio or Client References
Hiring a designer without a portfolio is like ordering a dress from a sketchy website with no reviews or photos. Sure, the description sounds great, but you have no idea what’s actually going to show up.
If they can’t show you finished spaces or share how past clients felt working with them, it’s fair to ask why. Because when it comes to your home, you shouldn’t have to roll the dice.
Red Flag #5: No Understanding of Budget
Designing a home is a major investment, and it’s important to feel confident in how that money is being spent. If a designer avoids budget conversations or can’t provide clear estimates, it’s worth pressing pause.
Without a clear understanding of how budget and design work hand in hand, things can easily get off track and lead to unclear expectations. Your designer should give clear expectations and estimates on your budget without sacrificing style or function.
6 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Designer
Asking the right questions before signing a contract is sooo important. It’s how you get clarity around process, communication, budget, and expectations (before you're in too deep). These are the questions we encourage every client to ask:
Can you walk me through your design process from start to finish?
How do you handle communication and project updates?
What’s your typical timeline for a project like mine?
Do you work directly with contractors and trades?
Can you show me examples of past projects similar to mine?
How do you handle budgeting and purchasing?
What It’s Like to Work with HSH Collective
You’re not just looking for someone with great taste (though we’ve got plenty of that); you’re looking for a design partner who listens, collaborates, and truly gets what home means to you.
At HSH Collective, we know that great design starts with intention. From the very first conversation, we focus on getting to know how you live, what matters most to you, and how you want your home to make you feel.
We work closely with your builder or contractor, manage every detail, and keep communication clear from start to finish in order to create a space you are proud to call home.
We don’t come in with a one-size-fits-all aesthetic. Every space we design is a direct collaboration with the people who live in it. Because It’s not about chasing trends; it’s about creating something that feels timeless for you.
Whether you’re building from the ground up or refreshing your forever home, we’d love to guide you through it. Contact us to get started!
