What Interior Designers Actually Do (Besides Cushions and Colour Palettes)
Let’s Clear This Up If you think hiring an interior designer is just about choosing cushions or picking paint colours—you’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest misconceptions I hear. But if you’re planning a renovation or new build, that idea could cost you thousands (and more than a few grey hairs). Let’s talk about what designers really do—and how I make the entire process smoother, smarter, and far less stressful.
What People Think We Do
Interior design gets lumped in with decorating. And while yes, I care deeply about how your space looks, I care even more about how it works.
This isn’t about fluff. This is about:
Making sure your kitchen layout supports how your family actually cooks and lives.
Planning storage where you need it (before the walls go up).
Choosing materials that hold up to kids, pets, and muddy boots—without compromising on style.
What I Actually Do as a Designer
Here’s a peek behind the curtain of working with Gaylene Drew Designs:
Design & Documentation: Floor plans, elevations, detailed interior schedules, 3D renders—I lay out every finish and fitting so you (and your builder) know exactly what’s going where.
Selections & Sourcing: From tapware to tiles, I narrow down the overwhelming number of choices and recommend what suits your vision, your budget, and your lifestyle.
Project Coordination: I liaise with your builder and trades to make sure what we designed is what actually gets built. That means fewer delays, no crossed wires, and way less stress.
Imagine This...
Six months from now, your renovation is done. It feels like you. Every choice feels right. The layout flows. There were no panic decisions or expensive do-overs. You actually enjoyed the process.
Now picture the alternative: You’re drowning in choices, redoing work because something was missed, and fielding late-night calls from the builder. The result? It’s fine. But not what you wanted. And definitely not worth the stress.
This is the difference a designer makes.
Quick Tips: If You're Hiring a Designer, Look For Someone Who...
Provides clear, detailed documentation for builders and trades.
Communicates consistently with you (and the team on site).
Understands your lifestyle—and designs around your version of lived-in luxury.
Can balance aesthetics with investment to avoid expensive surprises.
What You’re Really Paying For
Hiring me isn’t about making things pretty. It’s about getting it right the first time. It’s about protecting your time, budget, and energy with clear plans, smart selections, and real coordination.
For less than the cost of a single construction mistake, you get:
Visuals and plans that make your decisions easy
A smoother build with fewer surprises
A home that looks incredible and functions for everyday life
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building a home that truly works for you— [book a consultation here]
