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.

The 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. These morning moments are grounding—an important reminder of why I do what I do. 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: a site meeting with the contractor. These meetings are vital—we walk the site, check progress, make on-the-spot decisions, and problem-solve any issues that might delay the timeline.

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

Next, I meet a client at a fabric showroom to select curtains. This is where the magic happens—translating a client’s vague idea of “light and airy” into the perfect linen blend that ties the whole room together. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about listening and guiding.

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

Then it’s off to the city to finalise a furniture order. These appointments are often fast-paced and precise. Dimensions, finishes, lead times, every detail matters. It's satisfying to know that each choice brings the space one step closer to completion.

By mid-afternoon, 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 10-minute lunch at my desk.

Tip: Block out 30-minute windows in your calendar for admin time. If you don’t schedule it, it piles up fast.

Evenings are quieterת usually a chance to review mood boards, check samples that arrived during the day, or sketch ideas for upcoming projects. Sometimes there's a client call squeezed in, especially if we’re approaching a deadline.

Interior design is a balancing act between creativity and coordination. No two days are the same, and that's what keeps it exciting. Yes, it’s demanding, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. After all, there's something magical about helping people create spaces they truly love to live in.