Who Needs A Designer?

One of the most common requests I get is “a quick guide to choosing finishes”, as if decades of experience can be passed on with one short answer. I completely understand where that query comes from. When you’re building for the first time, every decision feels overwhelming, and naturally you want reassurance that it will all come together beautifully - but aren't sure if the costs for an Interior Designer are really necessary...

Recently, someone wrote to me saying they had chosen tile flooring, benchtop and timber cabinetry, but were feeling unsure about how it would all look once installed. "I just have a small concern about whether the overall combination will come together nicely. Could you please guide us or share your suggestions? It would really mean a lot to us..."

A very honest concern, and one I hear often. Here’s the truth: there isn’t a cookie cutter formula that works for every home. Every project is different - the orientation of the house, the light, the layout, the people living in it, pets, even the way you use your kitchen on a daily basis... That’s exactly why interior designers exist, to bring all of the important decisions together in a way that the result is successful and considered for your specific needs.

But you still think that engaging an Interior Designer is a cost you can do without... or you have watched enough TV renovation shows to think you can bring in the same magic? Professionals have unique skills and knowledge you can benefit from, they made mistakes you can avoid and know what product is right or not for different situations, and that's why their expertise has value. So, my caring suggestion is get the help of a professional designer and include that cost in your budget of expenses.

The good news is that working with an interior designer means creating a home that is not only beautiful, but also practical and tailored to your lifestyle and taste. A kind of home that supports you every day and genuinely makes you happy to live in.

And when the time comes to sell, a well resolved home will always stand apart. A cohesive, thoughtfully designed property carries far more appeal (and value) than one that feels impractical or disjointed. In that sense, the cost of a designer is a small investment when compared to the long term value of your home.

If engaging a designer isn’t on the cards, here is one approach I must recommend: Visit display home villages.

• Walk through as many homes as you can and take photos of the ones that genuinely resonate with you.

• Pay attention to how the finishes work together rather than isolating individual elements. The flooring, cabinetry, benchtops, wall colours, even the handles and tapware. It is the combination that creates the outcome.

A key tip: try not to mix and match finishes from different homes. It might feel like you are creating something unique, but an amateur approach will lead to a result that feels disjointed. Instead, choose one home you love and use that as your reference point.

Another key tip: always bring practicality into the conversation. Selections are not just about how something looks. Think about maintenance, durability, and how your home will function over time. A beautiful surface that is difficult to live with will quickly lose its appeal.

In conclusion, a well designed home is not just visually pleasing. It supports the way you live, day in and day out and Interior Designers have the updated product knowledge and the trained skills that it takes to help you create the home that is perfect for you. Or you can give it a go yourself and hope for the best ...

Your choice :)

James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. Learn more from James' knowledge via his FREE online shows James Bought A House (a renovation) and James Bought A Guest House (a brand new build).