Most people think a beautiful finished space is the biggest perk of hiring an interior designer. Without one, many homeowners worry about costly mistakes, struggling to bring their vision to life, or wasting time second-guessing every choice. They fear that without expert guidance, their dream space might fall short of what they imagined. That’s when you’ll be happy you hired an interior designer.
And honestly, it makes sense. As an interior designer, I bring unique expertise and experience to the table, creating spaces that aren’t just gorgeous, but thoughtfully tailored to each client’s unique needs, style, and story.
Spaces that feel personal, purposeful, and serve as a true form of self-expression.
We have access to trade-only furniture and decor options that the average homeowner doesn’t. And we don’t just dream up beautiful spaces—we bring them to life with precision. Using advanced tools and software, we create detailed drawings, specs, and renderings that help clearly communicate your design vision—not just to you, but to every carpenter, fabricator, installer, and contractor involved. Our expertise goes far beyond choosing colors and finishes.
We bring a deep understanding of building codes, construction systems, materials, lighting, and more—ensuring every detail is thoughtfully considered and clearly communicated. That’s when you’ll truly appreciate that you hired an interior designer.
This is why so many of our clients breathe a deep sigh of relief and say,
“You understood what I wanted better than I could even explain it.”
That’s the moment you realize just how happy you are to have hired an interior designer.
These are the moments when most clients truly recognize the value of having a designer involved—those critical points in the project where knowledge, creativity, and direction make all the difference. Here are the most common ones:
01 | When We Guide you Through the Interior Design Process
We follow a streamlined design process throughout the execution of a design project. After 19 years of being an interior designer, I’ve been through this many times!
A homeowner, on the other hand, may never have done a remodel or maybe they’ve only done a major home project once or twice in their lifetime.
- How long will the design and remodel process take from start to finish?
- What’s included in your design services, and how involved do I need to be?
- Can you help me stay within my budget while still achieving the look I want?
These are just a few questions homeowners typically have about the interior design process.
Our goal with each of our clients is to communicate how everything will unfold, and guide them along the way. This puts our clients’ anxiety at rest and allows them to enjoy the experience.
02 | When We Gather Details About Your Project Goals
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what’s important, what needs attention, and what might get overlooked. “Will anyone even notice this?” “Is this worth the cost?” or “Wow, I never would’ve thought of that!” are all common thoughts during the kick-off stage of an interior design project.
We know the right questions to ask and will document every detail, so nothing slips through the cracks. No surprises down the road like, “Wait, you work from home? How did I miss that?!”
Our clients can rest easy knowing they can rest easy without second-guessing. We know just what to ask to ensure nothing is overlooked during the information-gathering process.
03 | When You See Your Design Presentation
The design presentation is the most exciting part for our clients. You’ve provided your needs and wants. Measurements have been taken. Project goals have been documented. Your designer has been bringing your vision to life.
Then, your designer shows you the full design concept. It might include floor plans, drawings, material samples, renderings. And it blows you away!!! You can’t wait to see it all come together in your space!
A lot of people who work with interior designers say they never could have come up with the design on their own. And that’s probably true! As designers, we know a lot about what works in a space, and are really good at creating a design that’s perfect for you and your home.
If your project involves construction, you may experience the unavoidable disruptions that come with it—noise, dust, and disorder. That’s when you’ll be happy you hired an interior designer.
04 | When Construction or Installation Begins
Even if your project doesn’t include hammers and nails, there will be a lot going on and it can be very disruptive to your daily life.
But when you have an experienced design professional working closely with your general contractor to make sure every design detail is executed just right, you can rest easy knowing that everything is proceeding as smoothly as it should. You’ll also have an expert advocate who ensures decisions stay aligned with your vision, even when things change fast.
Interior design projects don’t always go as smoothly as planned.
05 | Every Time A Question Comes Up During The Process
Interior design projects don’t always go as smoothly as planned. Sometimes unexpected questions come up, or things weren’t planned for ahead of time. Since construction and design have to happen step by step, one question or issue often has to be solved before the next part can move forward
For example, the contractor or carpenter may have a question. Do you want the trim pieces to extend all the way over to here? Should the crown molding stop short or wrap into the corner? Sometimes the questions come from the electrician: What height should this pendant light hang? How far apart do you want the under-cabinet puck lights? Or maybe it’s about furniture placement—how far should the coffee table sit from the sofa’s edge?
These questions can be intimidating for homeowners. You only have ONE chance to get it right, and you want to avoid settling for a solution that falls short or ends up costing you extra to redo later.
But interior designers know exactly what to do. We’ve handled these details many times and know the best solutions. As your interior designer, I’ll take the stress off your shoulders by curating thoughtful options and guiding you through each decision with clear explanations. If unexpected issues arise, I’ll manage the coordination and problem-solving so you can focus on enjoying the process and a space that feels uniquely yours.
The best part of the whole project! You get to relax and enjoy your beautiful new space, knowing your designer has carefully handled every decision, coordinated every detail, and ensured everything is perfectly installed, all thoughtfully done to tell your unique story.
06 | The Big Reveal Day When You See the Final Space Come Together
People who try to do it all themselves often feel unsure about every little thing. They might wonder, “Should the nightstands be taller? Do these light fixtures clash with the hardware? Is this coffee table too bulky for the space? Did I go too trendy with that tile?” They can’t fully settle into the space because something feels just a little off. They keep tweaking, returning items, and scrolling for inspiration—still chasing the feeling of a room that feels complete, cohesive, and truly theirs. Without the guidance of a designer, it’s easy to second-guess every choice and miss the bigger picture.
But with an experienced designer, you don’t have to worry. You know your designer is making all the right choices because they have the experience and know exactly what works. Plus, designers consider a wider range of options than you might have access to. That’s when you’ll be happy you hired an interior designer.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your design project, remember that having the right person in your corner can make all the difference. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you with your project.
FALL IN LOVE with where YOUR LIFE UNFOLDS
ASR Design Studio is an exclusive residential interior design studio in Southern California.
We specialize in remodeling, new builds, furnishing, and thoughtful styling.
Our approach to creating homes blends our signature style of modern coastal design with our clients’ personal preferences, lifestyles, and objectives.
We believe that your home should tell the story of who you are.
