A first meeting with an interior designer often starts simply: „We have a flat or a house and we want it to look nice.“ And then, after the first coffee, the real questions begin. How long does the project take? How much does it cost? What about the tradespeople, the furniture – who orders it all? And, perhaps most importantly: will the space really look the way we imagined?
That is exactly why a first meeting is not just an introduction – it is the moment an idea starts turning into a concrete plan. Here are the 10 questions we hear most often at a first meeting, along with answers that will help you understand how the whole interior design process works.
What is the difference between a concept and a working design?
This is one of the first questions, and it is entirely justified.
A concept design answers the question: how could our space look and function? It defines the layout, functionality, style, materials, colours, lighting and the overall visual direction.
A working design goes a step further. It is far more detailed and serves as concrete guidance for the build – from drawings, details and dimensions to lighting positions, installations, custom furniture and every other element needed to carry out the project properly.
Simply put: a concept design gives you the picture, while a working design gives you precise instructions for turning that picture into reality.
How much does an interior design project cost?
The question that almost always comes up. 😊
The price depends on several factors – the size, the type of space, the scope of the project, the level of detail and how much intervention is needed. That is why we don’t set the price by square metres alone: a two-bedroom flat and a large family house of the same size can require completely different levels of work.
At the first meeting, what matters most to us is understanding what you want to achieve, what your needs are and what a realistic budget looks like. Only then can we propose the best way of working together and give you a concrete quote.
Do you have your own tradespeople and contractors?
Yes, and this is one of the key questions.
A good project is worth only as much as the quality of its execution. You can have a perfectly drawn space, but if the build doesn’t follow the design, the result won’t be the same.
That is why it is a real advantage when a designer can recommend trusted contractors and tradespeople they have already worked with. It doesn’t mean you have to use only them, but experience and a well-coordinated team often make the whole process much easier. Because honestly – during a renovation, we all love to hear the words: „Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out.“
Who sources the furniture and fittings?
You don’t have to spend your weekend visiting ten showrooms, comparing shades of beige and trying to work out the difference between three almost identical types of stone.
Depending on the agreed scope of service, we can help with selecting, sourcing and coordinating furniture, lighting, sanitary ware, décor and other fittings. Our aim is that, from the first idea to the finished interior, you have as few unnecessary worries and as many clear decisions as possible.
Can you help with custom furniture and a joiner?
Of course.
When a space calls for making the most of every centimetre, custom furniture is often the best solution. Kitchens, wardrobes, TV units, shelving, storage or bathroom elements can all be designed precisely for the space and the way you live.
And it isn’t enough just to draw a nice cabinet. You have to think about what will be stored in it, how it will be used and whether it all makes sense in the long term. A beautiful interior matters. A functional interior matters even more.
How long does an interior design project take?
If we could give one universal answer, we’d all be a lot happier. 😊
The time needed for design and delivery depends on the size and complexity of the space, the construction work required, the availability of materials, the making of custom furniture and the coordination of contractors.
What we can do is define the project phases and a realistic timeframe from the very start. Because the best way to stop a renovation becoming a never-ending story is to plan it before the first work begins.
Can we use our own tradespeople?
Of course.
If you already have contractors you trust, we can work with them. The project isn’t designed to take control away from you – it’s designed to help you have more of it.
