Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer
- Eileen Jemmett
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Hi, I’m Eileen, and if there’s one thing I’m passionate about, it’s helping people create homes that work for the way they live, not just look good on the surface.
You might be surprised to hear that interior design actually starts long before the cushions, colours, and finishing touches.
For me, it’s about making sure your home feels functional, comfortable, and personal right from the very beginning.
What Does an Interior Designer Do? (And Why You Need One Early)
When people think of interior design, they often imagine someone who comes in at the end to style a space. But the reality is, true interior design starts much earlier.
With formal qualifications in Interior Design and Residential Drafting, I’m trained to look beyond aesthetics. I understand how homes are constructed, how different elements work together, and how to make your space practical from the ground up.
Whether it’s planning the right walkway clearance between benches or identifying structural elements that could affect your layout, I help ensure your design doesn’t just look good but functions for your lifestyle.
Benefits of Working With an Interior Designer From the Start
I’ve seen firsthand how costly and frustrating it can be to make design changes after the plans are submitted or the build has started.
Getting me involved early means I can work directly with your builder, architect, or draftsperson to ensure everything aligns with how you want to live. From the size of your kitchen workspace to the flow between rooms, I make sure it all makes sense before you're locked in.
In one project, for example, a client showed me kitchen plans that had just 900mm between the island and main counter. I redesigned the layout to create the recommended 1200mm walkway.
That simple change made a big difference to how the space would feel and function day to day.
How Interior Designers Create Spaces That Work for You
Every family is different, and I believe your home should reflect how you live, not just what's trendy.
I get personal with my clients, asking the right questions, listening to how they use their space, and understanding their priorities. Whether it’s adding hidden storage near an entryway or rearranging a layout to improve traffic flow, I love creating practical solutions that still look great.
In one renovation, a client had a planter box between the entry and living room. Instead of removing it completely, I transformed it into a custom bench seat with storage and added vertical timber slats with hooks for school bags. It was functional, it looked great, and it worked perfectly for their family.
A RECENT PROJECT - BEFORE AND AFTER
How I Help You Find Your Style (Even If You Don’t Know What It Is)
Many clients say, “I don’t really know what my style is.” But I’ve found that most people do know, they just don’t trust themselves.
I help draw it out by asking simple questions:
What colours make you feel relaxed?
Are there any styles you’re drawn to, Scandi, industrial, coastal?
Do you have Pinterest boards or saved images?
Sometimes clients bring family or friends to selections, and it’s easy to get swayed by other people’s opinions. I always remind them that it’s their home.
My job is to help them confidently bring their own style to life in a way that feels cohesive and considered.
Common Client Scenarios I Help With
You don’t need to have it all figured out before working with me. In fact, most of my clients come to me in one of these situations:
You’ve got plans drawn up, but something feels off.
You’re unsure if your home will be practical once it’s built.
You’ve saved lots of inspo but can’t see how it fits together.
You want a stylish home but you’ve got kids, pets, or a busy lifestyle to consider.
You’re stuck between what you like and what others are telling you to do.
No matter where you’re starting, I help you make confident, informed decisions with a balance of style and functionality.
Need Help With Your New Build or Renovation?
If you’re planning a new home or renovation, I’d love to help make sure your space works for you now and into the future.
Contact me today to book a consultation or to chat about your upcoming project or simply click the Book Now button below.
Here's to homes that feel like you 🏡
