By the Design Team at Elegante Interiors | 14 Years Combined Experience | Last Updated: June 2025
The interior design industry has evolved dramatically over the past decade. What once seemed like a luxury service reserved for the wealthy has become increasingly accessible, yet many homeowners still wonder: what exactly does an interior design company do beyond picking out pretty furniture?
We’ve been in the trenches for over 15 years, and honestly, we’ve learned more from our mistakes than our successes. Let me share what really happens when you work with a professional interior designer—the good, the challenging, and everything in between.
The Reality Check: We’re Not Just Shopping for Pretty Things
Here’s what we wish every potential client understood: the role of interior designer extends far beyond what you see on Instagram. We’re part psychologist, part project manager, part creative visionary, and part miracle worker.
Last month, a client told us, “I thought you just picked out furniture and paint colors.” Three months later, after we’d coordinated seventeen different tradespeople, resolved a structural issue, and sourced a custom dining table from Italy, she understood why our interior design process takes time.
We’ve learned that every project is really about understanding how you live, not just how you want your space to look. During your first consultation, we’re not just showing you pretty pictures—we’re trying to understand your daily routines, your family dynamics, and yes, even your pet peeves about your current space.
Your First Meeting: Why We Ask So Many Personal Questions
We’ve refined our consultation process over the years, and we’ll be honest—we used to skip some crucial questions that came back to bite us later. Now we dig deep because we’ve learned it’s better to be thorough upfront than surprised midway through the project.
During our first consultation, we’re asking about everything from your morning routine to how you entertain. It might feel invasive, but there’s a reason. We once designed a beautiful kitchen island, only to discover our client was left-handed and we’d placed everything for right-handed convenience. Expensive lesson learned.
We’ve developed a comprehensive questionnaire that covers lifestyle patterns, functional needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget realities. The interior design process truly begins with understanding you as a person, not just your space as a project.
For more detailed information about what to expect during this phase, check out our Frequently Asked Questions for an Interior Design Company where we address common concerns about the consultation process.
The Design Development Phase: Where Magic Meets Reality
This is where we translate your vision into something buildable. We’ve learned that beautiful concepts mean nothing if they can’t be executed properly. The interior design execution phase requires technical skills that most people don’t realize designers need.
We create detailed mood boards, but more importantly, we develop technical drawings that show exactly how everything will work together. We’ve seen too many DIY projects fall apart because someone fell in love with a concept without considering the practical implications.
Our design development includes space planning, material selections, color schemes, lighting design, and custom millwork details. We’re thinking about everything from traffic flow to storage solutions to maintenance requirements. It’s not just about making things look good—it’s about making them work for your life.
Technical Planning: The Unsexy but Crucial Stuff
Here’s where we separate ourselves from decorators and prove why hiring an interior designer with technical training matters. We’re creating detailed floor plans, electrical layouts, plumbing specifications, and construction documents.
We’ve learned this lesson the hard way: if it’s not documented, it won’t happen correctly. Early in our career, we assumed contractors would “figure it out.” Wrong. Now we specify everything down to the grout color and cabinet hardware finish.
Our technical planning phase includes structural considerations, building code compliance, permit requirements, and detailed specifications for every element. This might not be the glamorous part of design, but it’s what ensures your project runs smoothly and meets professional standards.
Sourcing and Procurement: Our Treasure Hunt Begins
This is where our interior design company really earns its keep. We’re not just shopping—we’re curating, negotiating, and coordinating deliveries from dozens of different vendors and artisans.
We’ve built relationships with suppliers over years of working together. When we need a specific fabric in a custom colorway or a dining table that seats twelve but fits through a narrow doorway, we know exactly who to call. These relationships often mean the difference between a good project and an exceptional one.
Our procurement process involves managing lead times (some custom pieces take months), coordinating deliveries, inspecting items for quality, and handling any issues that arise. We’ve learned to order samples of everything because colors and textures can look completely different in your actual space versus a showroom.
Project Management: Keeping Your Sanity (and Ours) Intact
The interior design execution phase is where everything comes together—or potentially falls apart. We’ve learned that being an excellent project manager is just as important as being a talented designer.
We’re coordinating contractors, deliveries, inspections, and installations while keeping you informed every step of the way. We’ve developed systems over the years to track every detail because we’ve learned that one missed communication can derail an entire timeline.
Our project management includes creating realistic schedules, conducting regular site visits, managing budget tracking, and handling the inevitable surprises that come up. We’ve seen everything from hidden structural issues to shipping delays, and we’ve learned to build contingencies into every plan.
Installation Day: Why We’re Control Freaks (In a Good Way)
We’re present for every delivery and installation because we’ve learned that details matter. The difference between a professional result and a disappointing one often comes down to precise placement, proper installation, and careful styling.
We’ve seen beautiful furniture ruined by improper handling and perfectly planned rooms thrown off by careless placement. Our team oversees every aspect of installation to ensure everything meets our standards and your expectations.
The final styling phase is where we add the layers that make a space feel complete and personal. We’re arranging accessories, adjusting lighting, and making sure every detail supports the overall design vision.
The Relationship Continues: You’re Stuck with Us Now
Here’s something most people don’t expect: our relationship doesn’t end when the project is complete. We’ve learned that the best client relationships are long-term partnerships.
We provide maintenance guidance for custom finishes, help source additional pieces as your needs evolve, and remain available for future projects. Some of our clients have become close friends over the years, and we’ve designed multiple homes for them as their lives change.
This ongoing relationship is part of what distinguishes working with a professional interior design company versus trying to handle everything yourself or working with someone who disappears after installation.
Common Misconceptions We’ve Encountered
Over the years, we’ve heard every misconception about what designers do. “Can’t I just do this myself?” Absolutely, and we’ll be the first to tell you when a project doesn’t require professional help. But we’ve also seen expensive mistakes that could have been avoided with proper planning.
“Designers are too expensive.” We understand budget concerns, and we work with various price points. Often, our vendor relationships and project management skills actually save money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes and delays.
“Designers will impose their style on my space.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Our job is to interpret your style and make it work beautifully and functionally. If you’re seeing a designer’s signature style in every project, that’s not the right designer for you.
Curious about transforming your space but unsure about the investment? Before diving into your dream home makeover, it’s important to understand what goes into the process. From concept to execution, interior design involves much more than picking paint colours and furniture. Once you grasp what an interior designer actually does, the next big question naturally follows: How much does interior design cost in India?
How to Choose the Right Designer for Your Project
The most important factor isn’t portfolio style—it’s communication and process. During consultations, pay attention to how well they listen and how clearly they explain their approach.
Ask about their interior design process, project management systems, and communication protocols. A good designer will be transparent about timelines, potential challenges, and how they handle problems when they arise.
Look for someone whose experience aligns with your project type and budget level. A designer who specializes in commercial spaces might not be the best fit for your family home, and vice versa.
If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your space, let’s start the conversation. We’d love to learn about your vision and share how our experience can help bring it to life.
Finding the perfect interior designer isn’t just about talent—it’s about compatibility. Whether you’re revamping a single room or planning a full home makeover, the right designer can turn your vision into a beautiful, functional reality. But with so many options out there, how do you narrow it down? Let’s explore how to choose the right interior designer for your style and budget.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
We’ve shared the real story behind what we do—now we’d love to hear yours. Every project begins with understanding your unique needs and vision.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how the right design partnership can transform not just your space, but how you experience home every day.
The journey to your dream space starts with a single conversation. Let’s make it happen together.
📞 Contact us for a free consultation or visit eleganteinterior.com to explore our portfolio!
