When people think of hiring an interior designer, they picture fabric swatches, paint decks, and maybe someone who “just shops” all day. While I do love a good fabric swatch, the reality of full-service interior design is deeper—and honestly, much more enjoyable. Here are eight things I wish every client knew before we start working together (especially if you’re searching for a Chattanooga interior designer).

1. I’m Not “Just a Shopper”

One of my first clients wanted dining chairs. She loved the first set I pulled, but insisted we keep looking. By the time she circled back, they were sold out—and she’d spent more time (and fees) than needed.

Behind the scenes, I’m handling space planning, scale, chair heights, arm clearances, durability, lead times, and vendor reliability—plus procurement and delivery logistics. It’s not browsing; it’s expert sourcing.

2. Our Process Protects You

That “one more meeting” isn’t fluff—it’s project management. From sourcing to ordering to installation, our turnkey design process ensures consistent decisions, prevents costly mistakes, and saves us from the dreaded “if only we’d thought of that sooner” moments. A well-planned project reduces change orders and delivers a smoother renovation.

3. Shopping Outside the Firm Isn’t Just About Dollars

Spotting a deal online is tempting, but a one off-process purchase can derail finish cohesion, scale, warranties, shipping, and receiving/inspection. Purchasing through our studio supports local trades and gives you access to vetted vendors you won’t find in big-box stores—exactly how we create a home that feels unique (not copy-and-paste).

4. Custom Doesn’t Mean “Scary”

“Custom” gets a bad rap for price, but custom furniture, built-ins, and window treatments are often the smarter investment. They’re tailored to your dimensions and lifestyle, made to last, and prevent the expensive cycle of replacing “almost right” pieces. For aging in place or tricky floor plans, custom can be the most cost-effective path.

5. Decision-Makers Matter (All of Them)

If your spouse or partner has an opinion (they usually do), include them from the start. Having all stakeholders present at the kickoff and design presentations helps maintain momentum, reduces rework, and ensures everyone feels heard—and loves the result.

6. Designers Save You Money (Really)

Yes, hiring a designer is an investment, just as buying a sofa that you regret or installing tile that you hate six months later is. We prevent wrong-scale purchases, poor material choices, and layout missteps. Between trade resources, planning, and error-prevention, a designer can save both time and budget.

7. A Beautiful Home Should Also Work

The win I love most: “This just makes life easier.” Beauty matters, but function is the brief. We design for family-friendly living, entertaining, storage, daily flow, and future needs, such as multi-generational living or aging-in-place updates. Form and function, not either/or.

8. Trust That I’ve Curated the Best Options

I won’t bring you twenty versions of the same light. I edit to find the best options that fit your style, architecture, and budget—and I’ve got a backup plan in case we need to pivot. Fewer, smarter choices fight decision fatigue and keep the design intent clear.

Hiring an interior designer isn’t just about creating Pinterest-worthy rooms. It’s about a guided process that simplifies decisions, ensures quality, and protects your investment—from concept and planning through procurement, deliveries, and installation. I’m here to make your home beautiful and functional—and to make the journey enjoyable. Your home deserves more than “close enough.”

Inquire with us to learn more about how we can design a home for you.