What an Interior Designer Actually Does During a Renovation

Dec 21

If you’ve never worked with an interior designer during a renovation, it’s easy to assume our role is mostly about picking finishes and making things “look pretty.”

And yes — that’s part of it.
But it’s probably the smallest part.

The reality is that during a renovation, an interior designer becomes part planner, part translator, part problem-solver, part therapist… and occasionally, the person stopping a very expensive mistake before it happens.

So let’s break it down — honestly.

Before Anything Is Demolished (The Invisible Work)

Long before walls come down, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.

This is where we:

Review existing layouts and identify what’s not working
Rethink flow, function, and how the space is actually used
Flag structural or spatial issues early
Coordinate with contractors, architects, or engineers
Create plans that balance aesthetics and real life

This phase is unglamorous but critical. Most renovation problems don’t start during construction — they start with decisions made too late or without enough forethought.

Good design planning saves time, money, and stress later.

Space Planning: Where Function Comes First

One of the biggest parts of a renovation is space planning — and it’s where design decisions really matter.

We think about:

Clearances, walkways, and door swings
Cabinet depths and storage needs
Appliance sizes and placement
Furniture scale (before anything is built)
How the space will feel day-to-day, not just in photos

This is where we prevent things like:

Islands that are too big (or too small)
Walkways you have to squeeze through
Drawers that hit appliances
Beautiful layouts that don’t actually work

This is also where experience matters. A lot.

Finish Selections (Yes, This Part Is Real — and Overwhelming)

This is the part most people expect — and the part that can quickly become exhausting without guidance.

An interior designer helps:

Narrow down options (because 47 tile choices is not helpful)
Coordinate finishes so they work together, not against each other
Balance trends with longevity
Source materials that fit your lifestyle and budget
Think through maintenance, durability, and resale

We’re not just picking what looks good. We’re thinking about how it wears, how it cleans, and how it holds up five, ten, fifteen years from now.

Drawings, Specifications & The “Please Don’t Guess” Details

Design isn’t just ideas — it’s documentation.

This includes:

Cabinet layouts and elevations
Finish schedules
Material specifications
Lighting plans
Notes that clarify exactly what gets built

These drawings help contractors price accurately and build correctly. They reduce assumptions. They prevent “I thought you meant…” moments.

And those moments? They’re usually expensive.

During Construction: Problem-Solving in Real Time

Once construction starts, things come up. Always.

Materials backorder.
Measurements change.
Something looks different in real life than it did on paper.

This is where a designer steps in to:

Answer contractor questions
Make quick decisions when adjustments are needed
Keep the overall vision intact
Advocate for the client when something isn’t right

A renovation is not the time to wing it. Having someone who understands both the design and the construction process makes a massive difference.

The Emotional Side No One Mentions

Renovations are stressful. Even exciting ones.

There are deadlines, budgets, noise, dust, decisions, and moments where you wonder why you ever started. A good designer helps shoulder that mental load.

Sometimes our job is:

Reassuring you that you’re making the right choice
Talking you off the ledge over one detail
Helping you see the big picture when you’re deep in decision fatigue

Design isn’t just technical — it’s emotional.

So… Do You Need an Interior Designer?

Not every project requires one. But during a renovation — especially one involving layout changes, custom work, or multiple trades — having a designer can be the difference between a space that simply looks nice and one that truly works.

Our role is to:

Think ahead
Connect the dots
Protect the vision
And make the process feel less overwhelming

Because a renovation is an investment. And good design helps make sure it’s a smart one.

Sara St Paul