Laura Engen Interior Design

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5 Signs You Should Work with an Interior Designer

You’ve finally decided to start your long awaited home renovation. Cue happy dance! You know you’ll need a construction team and tradespeople, of course, but what about a designer? Should you hire one? If so, when?

Worry not, my friends. Today, I’m sharing 5 signs that an interior designer is right for you and your project. If the following statements sound anything like you, you have your answer! If they don’t, that’s okay, too. Renovating a home is a very personal experience, and in the end, you should do whatever is right for you.

1. You Don’t Have the Time to Plan a Renovation

Spare time? What’s that? Between your busy career, traveling, or transporting the kids to and from activities, you barely have an extra minute to yourself, much less the extensive time necessary for a home renovation. Whew, take a deep breath. 

Planning a renovation is literally a full-time job, and it’s okay that your responsibilities lie elsewhere. But… that doesn’t mean you don’t care deeply about this project. You absolutely do. Which is why you want to hire the right experts to make your home beautiful, practical, and long-lasting.

This is exactly where a designer can step in and offer assistance. We help you plan your space from the very start (before the contractors get there), and we facilitate the entire renovation process: collaborating with the builder, ordering and managing the delivery of furnishings, overseeing the construction process, and finally, styling and revealing the incredible results. 


Translation: With a designer, your precious time is allllll yours! And getting a home you love is a sure thing.

2. You Feel Overwhelmed By Endless Options

Have you ever found yourself in the aisle of a home improvement store or showroom just staring at the endless options in front of you? Asking yourself questions like:

  • Which shade of a thousand whites would be best for my kitchen walls? 

  • What style of drawer pull do I like most?

  • Is hardwood or vinyl flooring best for my family’s lifestyle? 

  • How do I make sure everything flows together? 

Analysis paralysis sets in and making decisions becomes impossible! 


This is another area where an interior designer helps. We serve as your support guide, uncovering your preferred style, aligning it with your lifestyle, and ensuring that every design decision is made specifically with you in mind. And don’t worry, we won’t overwhelm you with every single option – we’ll only show you the best options for you. With us, decision-making will quickly become your favorite part!

3. You’re Concerned About Making Expensive Errors

I won’t sugarcoat it: a renovation is an investment and one that impacts your home value. Making wise choices for quality materials, updates, and features is a priority… but how do you know which materials and features are actually worth the investment? 

As designers, we will be your trusted guide throughout the entire renovation process, and our expertise is particularly valuable during the planning phase. We know the industry and materials options inside and out. Using our extensive knowledge and experience, we will create the best floor plan and choose, not all high-quality items, but the right high-quality materials for your lifestyle and goals.

Once the project gets underway, you can also find us on-site, making sure that your construction team is implementing the design as planned. While there will always be hiccups in any renovation, having us as a guide during the construction phase allows us to propose quick, thoughtful solutions that keep your project and budget on track. Yep, we’ve been around the block a few times. ;)

4. Delegating is Your Happy Place

If you love delegating tasks to experts — be it your housekeeper, after-school care provider, or accountant — hiring a designer is sure to put you in your happy place. After all, we manage your entire project, allowing you to pop in for the exciting parts (like your Design Presentation) and trust the rest to us.

During our detailed design process, we start by building a relationship with you, getting to know your values, investment, and lifestyle. This initial exploration creates understanding and trust, allowing us to represent you and deliver incredible, personal results every time.

My best tip? Have at least a general idea of your wants and needs before meeting with a designer. Then, once we understand your goals and how you want to live at home, it’s off your plate and onto ours. Right where it belongs.

5. You Believe Great Design is Life-Changing

If you don’t believe great design can change the way you live, investing in a designer may not be the right choice. However, if you believe your home is more than just a place to eat and sleep, there is so much we can do to make everyday life effortless and enjoyable… 

Together, we will create spaces designed to help you make memories with your family, relax after a long workday, and kick back with friends. We’ll create spaces that boost your mood, streamline your daily routine, and make you smile each time you walk in the door. Add these up, and it’s easy to see how your home plays a big role in the way you live, feel, and function every day. That’s what we’re here for.

How to Find the Right Interior Designer

Ready to take hundreds of decisions off your mind, win back your time, and simplify the renovation process? Hiring a designer is a decision you won’t regret! The best part? You’ll get the joy of experiencing stunning results that will genuinely enhance your daily living…no overwhelm included.

To find the right designer for your project, I recommend looking through several designers’ portfolios to see if their style resonates with you. Then, set up introductory calls with each of your candidates to learn more about their process and get to know each other.

Remember — renovating an entire home can be a complex, year-long process, so it’s important to work with someone you connect with and trust. Look for a designer who is very organized, responsible, and works well with your personality. If these are all a match, then go for it.


If we’re on your shortlist, you can reach out to us here to start the conversation. I can’t wait to meet you!

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