The Hidden Costs of Designing Your Home Yourself
Thinking about DIY’ing your home? Here’s what you should know before getting started.
Your home is where comfort and beauty should come together in a way that supports daily living. But even with the best intentions, a DIY design approach can lead to delays, stress, and choices that don’t quite come together as planned.
The beautiful homes you admire don’t just happen. Behind them are hundreds of decisions, expert planning, and access to quality materials and craftsmanship that bring everything together.
Here are the most common challenges homeowners face when going the DIY route and why investing in full-service design can ultimately save time, money, and peace of mind.
Buying Pieces That Don’t Fit the Space
It happens all the time: a stunning piece of furniture arrives… only to discover it blocks a walkway, it overwhelms the room, or interrupts the flow of daily life. Scale is one of the trickiest design elements to master — and one of the most noticeable when it’s off.
HOW DESIGNERS HELP:We measure, plan, and source with scale, proportion, and circulation in mind ensuring every piece fits beautifully and functions correctly in your home.
Underestimating Timelines
Coordinating deliveries, trades, and contractor schedules is tricky. Without experience, it can easily lead to delays and frustration.
HOW DESIGNERS HELP:A team overseeing timelines, trade coordination, and deliveries ensures the project flows seamlessly, allowing you to experience the transformation without stress.
Poor Lighting and Electrical Planning
Well-planned lighting has the power to brings shape a room, highlight details, and define the mood of a space. Yet in many DIY projects, it ends up as an afterthought instead of a key part of the design.
HOW DESIGNERS HELP:We layer lighting strategically (ambient, task, and accent), map out electrical needs early, and ensure the right fixtures for mood, scale, and placement.
Choosing Trend Over Timelessness
It’s easy to be drawn to what’s currently trending, but trends can feel out of place only a few seasons later.
HOW DESIGNERS HELP:We approach every selection with longevity in mind, creating a home that feels both current and timeless while reflecting your personal style rather than fleeting trends.
Lack of Cohesion Between Spaces
DIY often means designing one room at a time and that can lead to a home that feels mismatched or disconnected.
HOW DESIGNERS HELP:We create a cohesive design plan with color palette, materials, textures, furniture, and finishes all working together giving your home a sense of harmony and flow.
Hidden Costs Add Up
Incorrect measurements, poorly installed materials, and re-ordering items all cost time and money.
HOW DESIGNERS HELP:We anticipate challenges before they arise and protect your investment by doing things right the first time.
Why a Full-Service Design Team Makes All the Difference
Designing your home is a chance to bring your personal style to life, but with so many decisions to make it’s easy for details to slip through the cracks.
A full-service interior design team changes the experience entirely. You’re not just hiring someone to pick colors or furniture; you’re partnering with professionals who see your home as a complete vision, guide each decision, and manage the details that make a space feel finished.
The process becomes enjoyable and stress-free. While you focus on imagining how your home will feel, the team handles timelines, trade coordination, sourcing, and ensures every element comes together seamlessly.
So, how do you choose the right interior designer?
The right designer does more than match your taste. They transform your ideas into a home that flows, feels intentional, and works for your lifestyle. Here are key questions to guide you when hiring an interior designer:
How do I find a trusted interior designer near me?
Look for designers with experience on projects like yours, whether it’s a full-home renovation or a single-room redesign. A designer with a strong track record can anticipate challenges, make smart decisions, and create a cohesive, well-planned space. Local designers also know the best vendors, contractors, and resources in your area.
What qualities should I look for in an interior designer?
Start by looking for a designer who offers a free discovery call or consultation. This first conversation helps you understand their approach, see if you click with their style and process, and feel confident about moving forward. A good designer should also be able to explain, step by step, how your project will unfold, so you feel informed, included, and prepared throughout the entire process.
What makes a strong interior design portfolio?
A strong interior design portfolio shows versatility, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to balance style, comfort, and timeless appeal. Reviewing a designer’s past projects helps you see how they translate a client’s vision into a cohesive, finished space and whether their approach aligns with your own style.
Does it matter if an interior designer has awards or press coverage?
Yes. Awards and media features signal credibility, skill, and recognition within the industry. While not the only factor, these achievements show the designer is respected in the field and stays current with best practices and trends.
How can I tell if an interior designer has successful projects or satisfied clients?
Read reviews, testimonials, and check for repeat clients. Positive feedback shows the designer delivers both beautiful results and a smooth, enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Why should I review an interior designer’s online presence?
Platforms like Instagram, blogs, and LinkedIn reveal how a designer presents their work and whether their style and values align with yours. Consistent, thoughtful content also shows they are active in the industry and maintain professional credibility.
If you’re thinking about a full-home design or renovation in the Greater Boston area, we would love to help you at Justine Sterling Design. With over 30 years of experience, we help clients shape their own New England home with spaces that feel intentional, cohesive, and balanced.
Our 15-step process keeps everything organized and clear, so you know what to expect at every stage. Take a look at some of our past projects to see how clients’ visions have been brought to life in homes that feel curated and thoughtfully designed.
We invite you to book a free discovery call to share your ideas, learn more about our approach, and explore how designing your home can feel simple, enjoyable, and personal. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Warmly,
Justine