Feeling Overwhelmed by All the Design Decisions? Here's How to Bring Your Ideas Together — and Why It's Worth Hiring a Designer Early
If you’re planning a renovation or building your dream home, you’ve probably got a Pinterest board full of ideas, saved folders on Instagram, and samples scattered across your dining table. One minute you’re loving brushed brass tapware, the next you’re deep in a rabbit hole of moody cabinetry or rattan pendants.
With so many beautiful ideas out there, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure about how it will all work together — especially when you want your home to feel cohesive, functional, and uniquely you.
And while it might seem like something you’ll “figure out as you go,” the truth is: the earlier you bring in a professional to help, the easier the whole process becomes.
Here’s what to focus on first — and why hiring an interior designer early on can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes down the track.
Start by Getting Clear on How You Want to Feel in Your Home
One of the biggest reasons people get stuck in the design process is because they’re trying to copy what they see online — but don’t quite know if it’s right for their space.
Instead of trying to match trends, start by asking yourself a few key questions:
How do I want each room to feel?
What’s important to me and my family in terms of functionality?
What colours, materials, and textures am I drawn to again and again?
When you can answer those honestly, you’ll start to uncover your own personal style. And from there, it becomes much easier to make decisions that suit you, your lifestyle, and your vision for your home.
you’ll soon start to uncover your style
Creating a Cohesive Look (Without It Feeling Matchy-Matchy)
A lot of clients come to me with this exact concern: “I’ve got so many ideas — but I’m scared nothing will go together!”
That’s where working with an interior designer makes a world of difference. My job is to take your inspiration — those tiles you loved, the sofa you’ve been eyeing, the colour palette that speaks to you — and create a consistent design language that flows throughout your entire home.
This doesn’t mean every room needs to look the same. In fact, the most beautiful homes are ones that feel layered and intentional, not overly curated. We look for common threads — whether that’s tone, texture, mood, or material — and use those to tie everything together.
Why Bringing in a Designer Early Is a Game Changer
So often, people assume they should hire an interior designer once the walls are up or the build is almost finished. But truthfully, the earlier we’re involved, the better.
From the layout and lighting plan to flooring transitions, cabinetry details, and custom joinery — interior design impacts nearly every part of your build. Getting the big picture right from the start can save you a huge amount of time, energy, and money.
I’ve worked with many clients who came to me mid-build, realising they’d made a few decisions that didn’t quite work. While we always find a solution, those situations are a lot easier to avoid when we’re involved from the planning stage.
Helping You Make Confident Decisions (Without the Stress)
There are so many decisions to make when building or renovating, and the pressure to “get it right” can feel overwhelming.
When you work with a designer, you’re not alone. I’ll walk you through the whole process step by step — from choosing the right finishes, fixtures and fittings, to finalising floor plans, selecting furniture, and styling the finished home.
Rather than throwing you a hundred options, I curate selections that work with your vision, your space, and your budget — making the process far more enjoyable and far less stressful.
It’s Not Just About Making Things Pretty — It’s About Saving You Time, Money and Headaches
Yes, design is about creating a beautiful home — but it’s also about making smart, practical choices.
A designer will help you avoid costly mistakes (like ordering furniture that doesn’t fit or installing lighting in the wrong spot), and keep things moving smoothly behind the scenes. We liaise with your builder, trades, and suppliers to make sure everyone is on the same page — and that nothing is overlooked.
When done right, the design process is one of the most exciting parts of your build. You deserve to enjoy it, not feel constantly overwhelmed or unsure.
Ready to Feel More in Control of Your Renovation or New Build?
I’d love to brainstorm some ideas together via a Complimentary Design Call.
Ready to Feel More in Control of Your Renovation or New Build?
If you're feeling stuck trying to bring all your ideas together — or just want someone experienced to guide you from the start — I’d love to help.
At ML Interior Design, we specialise in helping busy homeowners turn their vision into a beautifully considered home that reflects their lifestyle and personality. From the initial concept through to final styling, we’re here to make sure every decision feels clear, aligned, and exciting.
Book your Complimentary Design Call and let’s chat about your project, your ideas, and how we can help bring it all to life — with far less stress and a whole lot more confidence.