How to Be Your Own Interior Designer (Even If You’re Starting From Scratch)
The beginner’s guide to planning your own home transformation, step by step
Have you ever dreamed of transforming your home but didn’t know where to start?
Whether you’re refreshing a single room or thinking about a full home makeover, you can take the lead and begin the journey like a professional interior designer.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through a simple, five-phase process I use with my clients, so you can apply it to your own home, no matter your style or budget.
Let’s begin.
Phase One: Pre-Design
Where It All Begins
This is your planning phase. Before buying anything, take time to really understand what you want and need from your space.
Ask yourself:
How do I use this room every day?
What’s working (and not working) right now?
What style or feeling do I want to create?
What’s my realistic budget?
Are there any deadlines I need to keep in mind?
Tip: Save inspiration images on Pinterest or in a folder on your phone. Look for patterns in colour, layout, and furniture choices, these will help define your personal style.
Phase Two: Design
Where Ideas Take Shape
This is the creative phase where your ideas start to turn into a plan.
Stage 1: Create Your Vision
Start gathering ideas for:
Colours and finishes you love
Furniture styles and layout options
Storage and practical needs
Lighting (both decorative and functional)
Tip: Make a simple mood board with magazine cut-outs or online images. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just something to keep your vision focused.
Stage 2: Build the Scheme
Sketch out basic room layouts (you can use online tools or pen and paper). Think about:
Where furniture should go
How people move through the space
Where natural light comes in
Start selecting potential pieces, like sofas, chairs, rugs, lighting, and soft furnishings. Keep track of prices and measurements.
Tip: Visit showrooms when you can. Seeing items in person really helps with scale, quality, and comfort.
Stage 3: Finalise Your Plan
Once you’ve settled on a look and feel, make a shopping list and draw up a rough budget. If you’re working with trades (painters, electricians, carpenters), now’s the time to get quotes and timelines.
Tip: Create a spreadsheet to track items, suppliers, lead times, and costs, this will keep you organised.
Phase Three: Construction & Supply
Making It Happen
This is where the real work begins.
Start by ordering your key pieces (especially anything custom-made or with a long delivery time). If you’re doing renovations or hiring help, coordinate your contractors and make sure everyone understands your vision.
Tip: Be prepared for surprises! Delays and last-minute decisions are common, stay flexible and patient.
Phase Four: Snagging
Perfecting the Details
Once your works are complete, take a walk through your space. Make a list of anything that needs to be touched up or adjusted, scratches, incorrect fittings, unfinished details.
This is called a snag list in the design world.
Tip: Be thorough, but realistic, small flaws can be fixed. Focus on making the space feel finished and comfortable.
Phase Five: Handover
Enjoy Your Home
You made it! Time to style your space, add those finishing touches like cushions, candles, artwork, and greenery.
Take a moment to sit back, pour a glass of something lovely, and enjoy your new surroundings.
Tip: Keep a folder or binder with care instructions, receipts, paint colours, and warranties for future reference.
Being your own interior designer means planning ahead, trusting your instincts, and staying organised. The process can be incredibly rewarding, and the end result is a home that reflects you.
If at any point you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want expert support, that’s what I’m here for.
Ready to take the next step with a professional’s eye?
Book a Zero Obligation Discovery Consultation with me today, it’s a one-off session designed to give you clarity, confidence, and direction for your project.