What's the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

An interior decorator focuses primarily on the look of a space — furniture, colour, soft furnishings and styling. An interior designer works across both the aesthetic and the technical: spatial planning, joinery, lighting, finishes and documentation, often working alongside architects and builders on structural and renovation projects.

When should I engage an interior designer?

The best time to hire an interior designer is before construction or renovating begins, ideally during the planning or architectural design stage. Involving a designer early prevents costly structural changes, saves time, and ensures that spatial layout, lighting, plumbing, and aesthetic details work together seamlessly, and protects the integrity of the design.

Do I need a big budget to work with an interior designer?

Our projects are comprehensive by design — concept, technical documentation, bespoke sourcing and trade coordination — and that scope requires a genuine investment. We're candid about this on the initial call, so you have complete clarity on what your project will require before we proceed. This isn't the right process for a quick, low-cost refresh; it's for clients who see their home as a long-term investment.

Will I still have a say in the design?

Yes. No two EB Interiors homes look the same — we take the time to understand you, your family, routines and preferences, so the result reflects who you are rather than a formula or a passing trend. Your input shapes every stage; our role is to guide, refine and resolve your vision into something of lasting, personal value.

How does an interior designer fit into my project team — my architect, builder and other trades?

We act as an integral partner alongside your architect, builder, and consultants. By establishing shared project goals early through collaborative workshops, we ensure interior design details integrate seamlessly with overall architecture to deliver exceptional, highly resolved results.

Can you source custom or exclusive furnishings?

Yes. Through our relationships with exclusive trade suppliers, local artisans, and international showrooms, we source bespoke, one-of-a-kind furnishings and facilitate custom pieces tailored to your project.

Who is EB Interiors right for?

We cater to clients viewing interior design as an enduring investment rather than a quick styling refresh. Designed for those seeking timeless spaces, a tailored experience, and typically collaborating with an architect or builder on renovations or new builds, our approach ensures lasting quality. If this aligns with your vision, we would love to connect. Additionally, we selectively take on smaller engagements—such as considered refreshes, renovations, or initial concept phases—provided they receive our signature care and personalisation.

Designer's guide

What to Expect When Working With an Interior Designer

June 2026 · 5 min read

Quick answer: Every designer works differently, and at EB no two projects look the same — our process flexes to suit you, your home and how you want to live. Broadly, we start by getting to know you: your brief, your lifestyle, your budget. From there we move into concept design, then the detailed design and documentation, and finally procurement and installation. Throughout, we draw on the diverse expertise across our team to manage the detail and the trades, so the end result is simple: a space you genuinely love to live in.

Engaging an interior designer for the first time can feel like a leap, especially if you're not sure what the process involves or what you're paying for. The truth is that good design is far less mysterious than it seems and often more collaborative than you'd think.

Here's how it works, and what a partnership with a designer really looks like.

What does an interior designer actually do?

An interior designer does much more than choose colours and furniture. We translate the way you want to live into a space that works beautifully and practically. This means considering layout, flow, light, materials, joinery, lighting, and every finish and fixture in between. Just as importantly, we manage the process: coordinating with architects, builders and trades, keeping the project on brief and on budget, and resolving the hundreds of small decisions that make or break a finished room.

In short, you're not just buying an aesthetic. You're gaining a guide, a problem-solver and an advocate for the quality of your home.

What are the stages of the interior design process?

While every studio works a little differently, most projects move through four broad stages.

Initial consultation and brief

Everything begins with a conversation. The goal is to ensure we understand how you live, what's not working in your current space, your style, your priorities and, importantly, your budget and timeline. This is where we get to know each other and establish whether we're the right fit. A clear, honest brief at this stage sets the tone for the entire project.

Concept design

Next, we develop the creative direction — typically spatial planning, mood and material boards, colour palettes and early concepts that bring the vision to life. It's a collaborative phase and your feedback shapes and refines the direction before any detailed work begins.

Detailed design and documentation

Once the concept is approved, we resolve the detail: finishes, fixtures, joinery design, lighting plans, specifications and the technical drawings the trades need to build from. This is the stage where precision matters most, and where an experienced designer's value really shows — every measurement, material and junction considered so the result is seamless.

Procurement, project support and installation

Finally, we bring it all together: ordering furniture and finishes, liaising with suppliers and trades, managing timelines, and overseeing the install and styling. The goal is a finished space that feels complete and considered down to the last detail. When everything aligns, the process should feel smooth rather than stressful.

How long does working with an interior designer take?

It depends entirely on the scope. A single-room refresh might take a matter of weeks, while a full home renovation or new build can run across many months, often in parallel with construction. The clearer the brief and the earlier a designer is involved, the smoother the timeline. As a rule, bringing a designer in before building work begins saves both time and money down the track.

How much does an interior designer cost?

Designers structure fees in different ways — a fixed project fee, an hourly rate, a percentage of the overall project cost, or a combination — and the right approach depends on the size and nature of your project. Rather than thinking of it purely as a cost, it helps to think of design as an investment: a good designer protects your budget by avoiding expensive mistakes, sourcing the right pieces the first time, and adding lasting value and liveability to your home.

How do I get the most out of working with a designer?

The best projects are genuine partnerships. To get the most from the experience:

Be open and honest about your budget. It's not awkward — it's the single most useful thing you can share. It allows us to design something achievable and tailored to you.
Share what you love (and what you don't). Images, Pinterest boards, past spaces — anything that helps us understand your taste.
Trust the process. The concept stage can feel abstract; the magic is in how it resolves. A good designer earns that trust at every step.
Communicate. The more we understand about how you live, the more personal and considered the outcome.

Why work with an interior designer at all?

Because your home is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make, financially and personally — and how it feels to live in matters every single day. A designer brings experience, technical knowledge, trade relationships and an objective eye, turning what could be an overwhelming process into a clear, guided and even joyful one. The result isn't just a beautiful space, it's a home that's been thought through, made for you, and built to last.

Working with EB Interiors

At EB Interiors, we believe the best outcomes come from strong relationships, transparent communication and a genuinely collaborative approach. From the first conversation to the final styling, our focus is on understanding how you want to live and making the journey there feel considered, supported and exciting.

If you're thinking about a project and wondering where to start, we'd love to hear from you. There's no better first step than a conversation.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?: An interior decorator focuses primarily on the look of a space — furniture, colour, soft furnishings and styling. An interior designer works across both the aesthetic and the technical: spatial planning, joinery, lighting, finishes and documentation, often working alongside architects and builders on structural and renovation projects.
When should I engage an interior designer?: The best time to hire an interior designer is before construction or renovating begins, ideally during the planning or architectural design stage. Involving a designer early prevents costly structural changes, saves time, and ensures that spatial layout, lighting, plumbing, and aesthetic details work together seamlessly, and protects the integrity of the design.
Do I need a big budget to work with an interior designer?: Our projects are comprehensive by design — concept, technical documentation, bespoke sourcing and trade coordination — and that scope requires a genuine investment. We're candid about this on the initial call, so you have complete clarity on what your project will require before we proceed. This isn't the right process for a quick, low-cost refresh; it's for clients who see their home as a long-term investment.
Will I still have a say in the design?: Yes. No two EB Interiors homes look the same — we take the time to understand you, your family, routines and preferences, so the result reflects who you are rather than a formula or a passing trend. Your input shapes every stage; our role is to guide, refine and resolve your vision into something of lasting, personal value.
How does an interior designer fit into my project team — my architect, builder and other trades?: We act as an integral partner alongside your architect, builder, and consultants. By establishing shared project goals early through collaborative workshops, we ensure interior design details integrate seamlessly with overall architecture to deliver exceptional, highly resolved results.
Can you source custom or exclusive furnishings?: Yes. Through our relationships with exclusive trade suppliers, local artisans, and international showrooms, we source bespoke, one-of-a-kind furnishings and facilitate custom pieces tailored to your project.
Who is EB Interiors right for?: We cater to clients viewing interior design as an enduring investment rather than a quick styling refresh. Designed for those seeking timeless spaces, a tailored experience, and typically collaborating with an architect or builder on renovations or new builds, our approach ensures lasting quality. If this aligns with your vision, we would love to connect. Additionally, we selectively take on smaller engagements—such as considered refreshes, renovations, or initial concept phases—provided they receive our signature care and personalisation.

A considered approach, from plan to final layer

We'd love to hear what you're dreaming of.

Begin a conversation