| In this guest article, interior designer & founder at Howard Lane Designs Tamiko Gleeson unpacks the real-world benefits of working with a design professional. From clarifying your vision to collaborating with trades and specifying the right hardware and finishes, Tamiko shares how expert guidance can save time, budget and potential headaches. |
 Photo by: @bridietomkinsphotography
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When you’re embarking on a renovation or new build, the process can feel exciting but also overwhelming. Engaging an interior designer early on can make all the difference - not just in how your home looks, but in how the entire journey unfolds.
Clarity and Confidence
One of the greatest benefits of working with a designer is clarity. Renovations involve countless moving parts, and it can be difficult to know what to prioritise, when decisions need to be made and how those decisions affect the final outcome. Designers bring systems, structure and experience to the process - ensuring every step is carefully thought through. Acting as a bridge between client and builder, we clearly communicate your vision and closely collaborate with trades to achieve the best possible result.
Reducing Stress and Avoiding Mistakes
Renovations are notorious for being stressful, but they don’t have to be. A designer helps filter the noise, presenting you with considered options without overwhelming. We know where costly mistakes often occur and put strategies in place to avoid them. This saves time, money and stress - allowing you to enjoy the process rather than being consumed by it.
Access to Expertise and Resources
Designers have access to trade-only products, supplier networks and industry pricing that aren’t available to the public. Beyond products, there’s a depth of knowledge that comes from living and breathing design every day - from floor plans and fixtures to the finer details that bring a space together. Clients are often surprised at the financial savings through trade pricing that they receive, while also gaining access to beautiful, curated options they may not have discovered on their own.
A Personalised Approach
At its heart, design is deeply personal. A home is where family life unfolds, where you gather around the kitchen island on a weeknight, or share a cheese board with friends on the weekend. A designer takes time to get to know you and your family, listening with empathy and care. The result isn’t a space that reflects a designer’s style, but one that feels truly yours: a home that supports your lifestyle, enhances your routines and celebrates the moments that matter most.
The Overlooked Advantage: Timing
One often-overlooked benefit is simply getting a designer involved earlier than you might think. Builders are experts at construction, but not at design. Increasingly, builders themselves are encouraging clients to bring a designer on board from the outset. This ensures the right decisions are made at the right time, so when the builder asks, “Where are the wall sconces going?” or “How are we laying these tiles?” you’re already prepared. It prevents delays, reduces site stress, preventable hindsight and creates a smoother experience for everyone involved.
More Than Just Beautiful Spaces
Engaging an interior designer is about more than achieving a beautiful end result. It’s about clarity, confidence and care throughout the journey. It’s about avoiding pitfalls, making smart choices and creating a home that feels like it was always meant for you.
