6 Tips to Find the Right Fit

1. Set a realistic budget

Before anything else, define your budget. Having a clear idea of how much you're willing to spend will make your search much more focused.

There are various factors to consider.

• Are you looking for premium, custom work or budget-conscious solutions?
• Will you be doing a complete home makeover, or simply making minor changes to a room?
• Will the project be phased, or completed all at once?

Establishing your price range early on helps you:

• Narrow down designers who fit your scope
• Maintain transparency
• Avoid unexpected costs or delays

💡 Pro tip: Many interior designers offer free quotes or consultations, so don’t hesitate to inquire!

2. Review their portfolio

Another essential tip you should not overlook is to browse through potential interior designers' portfolios.

Once you have a budget in mind, explore the style you’re drawn to—and look for designers who can deliver it.

Do you love minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired spaces? Or are you more into eclectic, maximalist interiors?

You'll find that there is no shortage of interior designers who specialise in a variety of styles. This is where a portfolio comes in handy.

Browse the designer’s portfolio to:

• See if their aesthetic aligns with yours
• Understand their quality of work
• Evaluate their skill, versatility, and creativity

Most firms display their work on their websites or Instagram, making it easy to get a sense of their design language.

Depending on your preferences, you could opt for someone with a versatile portfolio or someone who is a leading expert in one particular style.

3. Read the reviews

This is one of the best ways to determine your fit with a particular interior designer.

Reading reviews left by previous clients gives you quick insight as to what your experience can look like.

You can do this simply by viewing their Google review section or head directly to their website, where testimonials are typically displayed.

That being said, it is essential to take these reviews with a grain of salt. One person's bad experience may not necessarily happen to you.

Regardless, treat reviews as a gauge of what you can generally expect.

4. Check qualifications and credentials

When looking for an interior designer, it is critical that you are able to verify their qualifications.

While interior design isn’t always a regulated industry, choosing someone with relevant qualifications gives you added peace of mind.

In Singapore, for example, designers may be:

• Licensed under the HDB Registered Renovation Contractors’ Scheme (RRCS)
• Trained in safety and building code regulations
• Certified by interior design associations

Accreditations reflect a commitment to professional standards and assure both quality and compliance with renovation rules—especially important for HDB or condo properties.

With the backing of trustworthy qualifications and credentials, you can rest easy knowing that you and your home are in competent hands.

5. Check their resources and contacts

Another important factor when deciding on an interior designer is their access to resources and contacts.

When undergoing a home renovation, you would want only the best of the best for this project — from labourers to the materials used.

It will be a big plus if they have an extensive network of suppliers and contractors at their disposal. It demonstrates that they have established relationships with industry experts.

Knowing that you have a group of professionals working on your home will give you peace of mind with one less thing to worry about.

6. Ask questions

Once you have a list of potential designers you want to work with, it is time to buckle down and start interviewing them.

Hiring an interior designer can be expensive, so take the opportunity to thoroughly get to know the person who will be responsible for transforming your home.

Asking the right questions will give you valuable insight as to whether the interior designer will be a good fit for you.

It can also act as an opportunity to assess their communication skills. A good designer would be comfortable taking these questions head-on and answering them earnestly.

Unsure of what you can ask? Use these questions to help you get started:

• What does your design process look like?
• What kind of design services do you provide?
• Have you done similar projects in the past?
• Do you provide a mood board?
• What is the projected timeline to complete this project?
• What are your qualifications and credentials?
• Do you specialise in any particular interior design style?
• What will the payment process look like?
• Can you complete the project within budget?
• To what extent will I be involved in the project?

To be prepared, it would also be good to ask yourself these same questions. This way, you will already have an idea of what you expect out of the interior designer.