6 Interior Design Myths That Just Aren’t True

It’s easy to think interior designers simply “make things pretty” — a misconception that couldn’t be further from reality, especially when it comes to full-service interior design. As a designer, my role goes far beyond picking out pillows and paint colors. I guide the entire design process, from initial concepts to final installation, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully planned and expertly executed. In this post, I’m setting the record straight and breaking down some of the most common myths about what interior designers actually do.

Myth #1 — "Interior Designers Just Make Things Pretty"

The reality:
It’s true that aesthetics matter — but thoughtful design starts with function. Full-service interior design is about solving problems and improving how your home supports your daily life. Before choosing a single color or fabric, I assess how you use your spaces: how your family flows from room to room, where lighting and storage could be improved, and how layouts can better suit your lifestyle.

Every design decision is purposeful — from space planning to furniture placement — to ensure your home not only looks beautiful but works beautifully too. A designer’s eye for proportion, scale, and flow ensures that your home feels balanced, harmonious, and comfortable at every turn.

Myth #2 — "The Designer Wants to Create Their Own Vision Without Listening to the Client"

The reality:
A good designer’s work is rooted in understanding you. My process begins with listening carefully: your lifestyle, your needs, your taste, and your goals for your home. The best designs reflect a collaboration between client and designer — blending professional expertise with your personal story.

While I bring ideas, inspiration, and solutions, the ultimate goal is to bring your vision to life in a thoughtful, refined way you might not have been able to achieve on your own. Full-service design is about co-creating a home that feels both personal and elevated, not about imposing my personal style.

Myth #3— "Designers Are Just Personal Shoppers"

The reality:
Sourcing furnishings and materials is only a fraction of what I do. Full-service design is a deeply involved process that encompasses space planning, lighting plans, material selections, documentation, detailed drawings, construction oversight, vendor coordination, ordering and procurement, delivery management, and installation supervision.

This holistic approach ensures that your entire project — from big-picture decisions to the smallest detail — is executed seamlessly and cohesively. When you hire a full-service designer, you’re gaining a project partner and manager who is there to protect your vision and investment from day one.

Myth #4 — "Designers Just Want to Spend All Your Money"

This is one of the most frustrating myths — and one I encounter often. In reality, a designer helps you make smart, intentional investments. I work closely with my clients to establish a clear budget upfront and guide them on where to prioritize quality for long-term value.

A designer’s expertise often saves clients money by preventing costly mistakes, ensuring purchases are appropriate for the space, and helping avoid delays or miscommunications with contractors. Full-service design is about delivering value — both in the beauty of your home and in the process itself.

Myth #5— "I Don’t Need a Designer Because I Already Have a Contractor or Architect"

The reality:
This is a common misconception in projects involving construction or remodeling. While contractors and architects are essential, they serve different roles than an interior designer. Architects are focused on structural integrity and space planning at a big picture level. Contractors oversee the build and ensure construction is up to code.

A designer brings an entirely different layer of expertise — one focused on how you will live in the finished space. We think about layout flow, cabinetry functionality, lighting design, materials, finishes, and overall cohesion from floor to ceiling. Collaborating early with a designer ensures that construction decisions align beautifully with your lifestyle and aesthetic goals.

Myth #6— "The Designer Will Slow Down My Project"

The reality:
In fact, having a designer involved early can keep your project moving smoothly and avoid costly delays down the road. Full-service designers are accustomed to managing complex timelines, communicating with vendors and trades, and anticipating issues before they arise.

Without a designer’s guidance, you may face indecision, backtracking, or rushed last-minute choices that compromise the final result. By developing a clear, cohesive plan from the beginning, a designer can actually speed up the process — minimizing surprises and ensuring every decision contributes to a polished, intentional outcome.

At the end of the day, interior design is about more than aesthetics — it’s about improving the way your home supports your life. Full-service design brings structure, expertise, and intention to every decision, saving you time, reducing stress, and delivering a result that truly feels like home.

So the next time you hear someone suggest that designers just "make things pretty," you’ll know better: our work is thoughtful, rigorous, and centered entirely around creating spaces that enhance how you live, day in and day out.