How To Work With Your Designer, Avoid Trends, and Create an Amazing Project

Recently, I was helping a client design her living room and select furniture when she said, “You really love what you do.” At that point, we had just completed a full home renovation, removing the entire back of her house, and were deep into building her dream kitchen, living room, and mudroom. For me, home design is a true passion, almost an obsession. That’s exactly why clients choose to work with me: I bring creativity to every project while also focusing on practical, functional design solutions that make your home both beautiful and livable.

Suggestion #1: Hire someone you trust so you can allow that designer’s creativity to flow

A great interior designer is driven by creativity and thoughtful design. When hiring a designer, it’s important to review their portfolio and make sure their design style aligns with your vision for your home. Take time to discuss your needs, lifestyle, and goals for the space. But here’s a key part of the home design process: once you’ve chosen the right professional, allow them the creative freedom to do what they do best. Collaboration is essential, but over-directing can limit the designer’s ability to create a space that is both visually stunning and highly functional. When you hire an experienced interior designer with a strong portfolio, you’re investing in custom design solutions that often go beyond what you might have imagined. While you can always pass on specific elements, many clients find themselves loving ideas they never would have considered on their own.

At Fresh Design, our interior design services include detailed proposals that outline every selection, from furniture and fabrics to colors and wallcoverings, ensuring a cohesive and elevated result. During the design presentation, clients may choose to pass on a few items while approving most of the curated selections, and that’s completely normal. Keeping an open mind is essential in any home remodeling or interior design project. Those unexpected design elements are often what transform a space from standard to truly unique and exceptional.

Suggestion #2: Your Aim Should Not Be To Look Like Everyone Else

My most successful interior design projects happen when clients trust the process and give me creative freedom. When I have the flexibility to fully explore custom home design ideas, I’m able to deliver truly unique and inspiring spaces. On the other hand, when I’m asked to replicate a collection of social media photos, the result will still be beautiful, but it often feels familiar, like something you’ve already seen.

There’s been a growing “social media design” mindset, though it’s starting to fade, where clients come in after months of browsing Pinterest and Instagram, armed with dozens of images and inspiration boards. But the question is: do you want a space that looks like a compilation of trends, or a one-of-a-kind design tailored specifically to your home and lifestyle? From gray interiors to all-white kitchens to dark, moody spaces, home design trends come and go. A well-designed home shouldn’t just follow trends; it should reflect your personality and how you live. Truly exceptional interior design is about creating something original, something you haven’t seen repeated everywhere, making your space feel more personal, timeless, and special.

Suggestion #3: Be Realistic

I recently had a client come to me with stunning inspiration photos of a luxury kitchen design. The space featured custom walnut cabinetry stacked to a 14-foot ceiling, detailed with extensive moldings. The cabinet doors were inset, extra thick, and finished with large, commercial-style exposed brass hinges and high-end hardware throughout. It was a beautiful example of high-end kitchen remodeling, but her budget was in the small-to-mid range.

While I can absolutely design a beautiful, functional custom kitchen within a moderate budget, there are limits to the materials and scope. Premium wood species like walnut, double-height custom cabinetry, and luxury hardware—often costing over $10,000 alone- are features typically found in high-end kitchen renovations. Trying to achieve that level of detail and craftsmanship on a modest budget simply isn’t realistic. It’s the same idea as expecting a Lamborghini on a Ford budget—it just doesn’t align.

When browsing Pinterest or gathering kitchen design ideas online, it’s important to understand that those breathtaking, magazine-worthy kitchens usually come with equally substantial budgets. A successful kitchen remodel is about balancing design goals, functionality, and realistic budget expectations to create a space that works beautifully for your home.

Suggestion #4: Be Decisive Whenever Possible

At Fresh Design, we follow a refined and efficient interior design process that allows us to bring your vision to life, whether it’s a living room design, a custom kitchen, or a full new home construction project. Most projects are completed within two to three design phases. We begin with a comprehensive initial concept and then refine the details through one or two revisions, giving you the opportunity to review and provide feedback at each stage.

This streamlined approach to home design services is a major advantage, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and excessive back-and-forth. After all, the goal is to complete your project efficiently and move forward with confidence. Too many revisions and major changes at every step can slow down the design process and impact both timeline and budget. If a project extends into multiple additional design rounds, it naturally requires more time and increased costs.

To get the best results, it’s important to clearly communicate your needs, style preferences, and goals during the initial consultation. From there, trust the process, stay aligned with the design direction, and consider expert recommendations along the way. By following a structured, professional design process, we can efficiently create a custom home that is both beautiful and highly functional, bringing your vision to life without unnecessary delays.

Suggestion #5: Enjoy and Trust the Process

At Fresh Design Group, we’ve refined our interior design process over the years to deliver the best possible experience for our clients. Every aspect of our custom home design services is built around one goal: creating exceptional spaces tailored specifically to you. Our client-focused approach ensures that your home design journey is not only successful but also enjoyable from start to finish.

So take a step back, relax, and enjoy the process. This is your opportunity to explore ideas, discover new possibilities, and have fun bringing your vision to life. Think of it as being a kid in a candy store, exciting, inspiring, and full of potential. With our experience in interior design and home remodeling, you can trust that we’ll guide you toward the right design solutions and create a space that truly feels like home.