5 Things an Interior Designer is Not Judging About Your Home
Why you should never be ashamed to show a designer your space.
⏳ Reading time: 5 - 6 minutes
I recently chatted with a potential new client. As we were scheduling her in-home consultation, she hesitated and said, "I have to be honest, I feel so ashamed to have you over and look at the space."
Honestly, my heart just sank. Not because of her home (which I hadn't seen!), but because I hear this exact sentiment so often. It's the number one thing that holds people back from getting help.
If you're reading this and nodding along, I want to reassure you: My consultation is a judgment-free zone.
I get it. It's perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable. You're inviting someone in to look at a space you're not happy with! But you should never, ever feel ashamed. You're calling someone like me because your space isn't a reflection of who you are or how you want to live.
My job isn't to judge your "before", it's to get excited about your "after."
So, let's pull back the curtain. Here is an honest look at what you’re afraid I’m thinking versus what’s actually going through my mind.
1. You See: A Messy, Cluttered Room
You Fear: "She must think I'm a slob."
Here's the truth (what I'm actually thinking): "They've clearly outgrown their current storage. We need to implement some smart, beautiful, and functional storage solutions to get this organized
2. You See: A Cramped, Awkward Layout
You Fear: "This room is so dysfunctional, there is stuff everywhere."
What I'm Actually Thinking: "The current layout isn't working for them. If we reposition the sofa and change the scale of the dining table, we can dramatically improve the flow. This is a great spatial puzzle to solve."
3. You See: An Outdated Aesthetic
You Fear: "That wallpaper is hideous. She must hate my style."
Here's the truth (what I'm actually thinking): "This is a wonderful blank canvas! I'm already imagining how we can modernize it with new paint, lighting, and textures that truly reflect their personality. I'm so excited to show them what's possible."
4. You See: Stained Carpets or Worn-Out Furniture
You Fear: "That stain is so embarrassing. Everything is in disrepair."
What I'm Actually Thinking: "The current materials aren't serving their lifestyle. I need to ask them about kids, pets, and entertaining. This will help me suggest a more durable and beautiful flooring option that they won't have to worry about."
5. You See: A Dark, Gloomy Space
You Fear: "This house is just depressing."
What I'm Actually Thinking: "How can we maximize natural light in here? Can we add a window or a skylight? If structural changes are out, how do we embrace this and make it a cozy, moody vibe instead of just gloomy? Let’s color drench the room in a rich, deep color that could be beautiful."
What I Am Focusing On
When I walk through your home, I'm not cataloging the things you're embarrassed by. My professional focus is trained on possibility.
I'm looking at:
The Existing Qualities: What is working? Does the room have great bones, high ceilings, or beautiful original details we can highlight?
The Functional Improvements: How can this space work better for the people who live here? What daily frustrations can we solve with good design?
Your Lifestyle (Now & Future): How do you live now, and how do you want to live? Do you plan to expand the family soon or adopt a pet?
A Smart Investment: Where should we splurge and where can we save? I'm already thinking about how to best invest your budget.
Hiring an interior designer isn't about being judged. It's about collaborating on a vision for your future.
Ready to Create a Home You Love?
Let's move past the "before" and start planning your "after."
I promise our first meeting will be fun, inspiring, and not one bit intimidating. Click this link to book your complimentary discovery call with me at L’Atelier By ATB Interior Design Studio. Even if you're just curious, let's talk about the possibilities.
And if you're local to Petaluma, CA, or the surrounding area, we can even start planning that in-home visit (the one you'll never have to feel ashamed of).
See you soon, stay creative!
