From interior design to implementation

When I first started out as an interior designer and stylist, I used to take on projects that only required a design plan. The clients wanted to handle the execution phase themselves. However, I have since changed my approach: as a rule, I no longer accept design commissions unless I am also involved in the execution.

In this blog, I share 5 key reasons why letting an interior design professional manage the execution of your project is always the smartest choice.

1. Design and Implementation Are Inseparable

The first reason is simple: as a designer, it is impossible to anticipate every single question or surprise during the initial design phase.

Design continues during the implementation phase

A design can look stunning on paper, but during implementation, you will inevitably encounter unforeseen factors that require adjustments. The choices made at these critical moments can completely throw a design off balance. The foundation of a great interior depends on every single element being perfectly aligned.

Unfortunately, this is where clients often run into trouble. While many have excellent taste, bringing everything together—and keeping it cohesive—requires the specific knowledge and experience that only an interior design professional can provide.

(Interior design)

Implementation actually begins during the design phase

The reverse is also true: keeping these two phases separate leads to missed opportunities. During the design stage, many practical questions cannot be fully resolved because it is "just" a design, not the actual execution.

It is incredibly valuable to have a contractor working closely with you from the very beginning to verify whether your ideas are technically feasible. The same applies to structural engineers, custom cabinetmakers, fireplace specialists, lighting experts, and furniture suppliers.

All too often, beautiful design features turn out to be impossible to build or, just as importantly, way over budget. This leaves clients falling in love with a concept that is financially out of reach. An interior designer has the network to bring the right experts on board immediately. However, without the assurance that these vendors will secure the contract once the design is finalized, their initial involvement will remain minimal.

Note: I actually created the image for this blog using Midjourney. If you want to learn how to use Midjourney to quickly generate beautiful visuals for your mood boards, social media, and blog, you can read more about it in my blog post: Midjourney Course for Interior Designers.

2. You Save Yourself a Lot of Time and Stress

Managing a project often means that clients have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to the actual construction. Throughout the execution phase, they face a barrage of choices and complications that take up an enormous amount of time.

Clients often lack specialized field experience

An interior designer has the knowledge and experience to respond quickly and appropriately to these unexpected challenges. This ensures a smooth transition from a concept on paper to a successful reality.

Furthermore, a project requires careful coordination: knowing which contractor will arrive when, what they need to do, and when specific materials will be delivered. This level of project management—along with regular site meetings—is absolutely essential. As anyone who has gone through a major renovation knows, this takes up an incredible amount of time. Handing over project management to your interior designer allows you to focus on what you do best and enjoy most.

3. You Avoid Costly Mistakes

Building on the previous point, interior designers don't just invest time in building a network; they also invest heavily in product knowledge regarding materials, furniture, and technical lighting.

Clients often make the wrong decisions here. Even though a design plan specifies exactly which chair, sofa, or light fixture is recommended, changes are often made during the final ordering process.

For example, a newly constructed property might turn out to have slightly different actual dimensions, certain design elements might exceed the budget, or the wrong fabric codes might be ordered. These minor mistakes can easily prevent the original design from being successfully implemented.

4. You Get Access to Exclusive Trade Discounts

Interior design professionals receive business-to-business pricing

Interior design firms maintain long-term partnerships with suppliers of high-end materials, furniture, and lighting. Because of this, we can secure trade discounts that regular consumers simply cannot access. Interior design professionals can pass a significant portion of these savings directly on to you.

Discounts can increase significantly

I recently had a client who planned to hire their own painter for a newly designed property that was already partially finished. To be on the safe side, they asked if I thought the quote from their network (just over €10,000) was reasonable. Within 24 hours, I found a painter through my own network for a quarter of that price, and the quality of their work was absolutely flawless. I was also able to purchase the paint and supplies at a 30% discount for the client.

While hiring an interior designer is an investment, these savings are substantial. Depending on the project and the suppliers involved, trade discounts and professional coordination can offset part of the cost of hiring an interior designer.

5. You Work with Vetted Craftsmen and Suppliers

Having the right people handle the various aspects of your interior design is absolutely essential.

Clients lack an established industry network

Professionals like myself spend years building a reliable network of fellow interior design specialists and skilled craftsmen. When clients select vendors on their own, they often choose the cheapest quote, which frequently leads to costly repairs later on.

Top-tier craftsmen and suppliers highly value their relationships with interior designers because they rely on them for a steady stream of work. There is mutual respect, trust, and transparent pricing built on years of successful collaboration.

Cheap options often end up costing more in the long run

Choosing an unvetted contractor based solely on low prices and smooth sales pitches often ends in disaster. A lack of craftsmanship and professional pride can cause irreversible damage: major leaks, ruined new furniture, poor plasterwork, uneven flooring, or cheap furniture that ends up in a landfill after a year.

A Beautiful Finale: Portfolio Images and Lasting Memories

Last but not least, full execution offers a major advantage for both parties. As a designer, I love seeing my designs through to completion. It ensures that the final space looks exactly as envisioned, using the finest materials, the best professionals, and at the most competitive price.

Throughout the process, I take behind-the-scenes photos and videos to create engaging social media reels. This serves as a wonderful keepsake of the transformation journey for my clients and me.

Even more importantly, I invest time and resources in hiring a professional architectural photographer once the project is fully styled and completed. This provides me with stunning images for my portfolio and gives my clients beautiful, high-end photographs to share with friends and family or feature on their own website. It’s a true win-win situation!

Let’s turn your interior design concept into a flawless reality.

Want to find out what Marielle van Essen can do for your home or business?

Send me an email at studio@mariellevanessen.com with your ideas and questions, and I’ll get back to you right away!