A Day in the Life of an Interior Designer

People often imagine interior design as mood boards, paint swatches, and glamorous showrooms, and while those things are definitely part of it, the real day-to-day is a whirlwind of meetings, logistics, creative problem-solving, and lots (and lots) of walking. Here’s a peek into what a typical day in my life as an interior designer looks like, plus a few personal tips I’ve picked up along the way.

My day begins early. I’m usually up around 6:30 AM, prepping a lunchbox for my sweet boy and helping him get ready for school. Once he's out the door, it's time to dress for the day. I almost always choose a colorful, uplifting outfit (it keeps my mood up), but one that pairs with my go-to sport shoes. Comfort is non-negotiable. I’m on my feet all day.

Tip: Pick outfits that make you feel creative but keep you mobile. Style and practicality can go hand in hand.

Coffee in hand, I head to the tube. It’s my moment to breathe, check my calendar, answer a few early emails, and mentally map out my route.

First Stop: Site Visits That Keep the Project Moving

My day begins with site meetings with my contractor at two ongoing projects. These visits are more than just check-ins; they’re essential to keeping everything on track.

We walk through the spaces together, assessing progress, making real-time decisions, and troubleshooting any issues that could impact the schedule. It's during these face-to-face moments, standing in the dust and sunlight, that big-picture plans meet on-the-ground reality. These meetings keep communication clear, timelines tight, and projects running smoothly.

Tip: Always arrive with a printed copy of the timeline and drawings. Being prepared builds trust and saves time.

Kitchen installation at St John's Wood penthouse project. To the final look click here

Loft conversion at Cricklewood project

Where Vision Meets Texture

From the construction site to the fabric showroom, I meet with a client to select fabrics for her new curtains. This is where the magic really happens. Where a simple phrase like “light and airy” becomes something tangible.

Together, we explore textures, tones, and weaves until we land on the perfect linen blend that brings the whole space to life. It’s not just about finding something beautiful, it’s about listening closely, understanding her vision, and guiding her toward choices that feel just right.

Tip: Bring samples from other parts of the project (flooring, paint swatches) to keep decisions cohesive.

Choosing fabric for Muswell Hill project. To the final look click here

Into the Heart of the City: Furniture Sourcing

Next, I head into the heart of Central London to finalize a furniture order with one of my trusted suppliers. I always look forward to these visits—not just because their showroom is beautifully curated or because I get access to the trade-only department, but because the space itself is genuinely inspiring.

These meetings are focused and fast-paced. Every detail counts: dimensions, finishes, lead times. There’s no room for guesswork—just informed decisions that move the project forward. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that with each choice made, we’re one step closer to bringing the entire vision to life.

Back at the Desk:

By 2 p.m, I’m back at home, laptop open, inbox full. This is when the real behind-the-scenes work happens: tracking orders, coordinating deliveries, responding to supplier queries, updating clients, issuing payments... and sneaking in a 20-minute lunch time.

Tip: Block out 60-minute windows in your calendar for admin time. If you don’t schedule it, it piles up fast.

Sketches, Creative Flow, and a Bit of Silence

By 4 p.m., things usually slow down a bit. It’s a good time to review mood boards, look through samples that arrived during the day, or sketch ideas for upcoming projects. Sometimes I’ll squeeze in a client call, especially if a deadline is coming up.

This part of the day is quieter, more creative. It’s a nice break from the fast-paced tasks earlier on.

Interior design is all about balancing creativity with coordination. No two days are the same, and that’s what makes it so exciting. Yes, it’s demanding, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!