Your home should work for your lifestyle, not against it. Whether you’re planning a renovation, building from scratch, or updating a few rooms, bringing in an interior designer early can help you make confident decisions, streamline the process, and avoid unnecessary stress.
Instead of waiting until the project becomes overwhelming, professional support from the outset ensures that every element (from the initial concept design to space planning to finishes) is considered cohesively and efficiently.
At Natalie Holden Interiors, we often work with individuals who appreciate great design but don’t have the time to manage the details themselves.
If you’re wondering when to hire an interior designer, here are a few key moments when our expertise makes all the difference.

1. When you’re planning a major renovation or new build
Planning a home renovation involves countless decisions – layout, lighting, materials, colours, and finishes – all of which need to be carefully considered to create a cohesive space.
Making these choices in the right order is essential, and hiring an interior designer early ensures everything aligns from the outset.
There’s a common misconception that interior designers only come in at the final stages to focus on furniture and styling. In reality, we provide space planning and room layouts that influence major design elements, including lighting, electrical, and plumbing positions.
These are crucial details that need to be locked in before any structural work begins.
So with that in mind, the best time to hire an interior designer is before your renovation has even begun. Early involvement ensures seamless planning, helping you avoid costly mistakes while maximising space and style.
Interior designers take a holistic approach, considering not just the aesthetics but also how you move through your space, how you entertain, and how to make daily life easier. Working alongside your architect and contractors, we help you ensure that every detail – from bespoke joinery to well-placed lighting – enhances both function and style.
2. When your home doesn’t feel ‘right’
Sometimes, a space just doesn’t work. Maybe your kitchen isn’t as practical as it should be, or your living areas feel disconnected. Perhaps you’ve collected furniture over the years, and while each piece is lovely on its own, together they don’t have any sort of cohesive feel.
An interior designer can help you see the bigger picture.
Our space planning skills help us to balance comfort, flow, and aesthetics to create a home that feels as good as it looks.
Whether that’s through smart storage solutions, reconfiguring layouts, or simply refreshing the decor, we’re well practiced in transforming homes into spaces that work beautifully for their owners.

3. When you’re time-poor but want a thoughtful, well-designed home
We know your time is precious, and managing a home renovation yourself can put a lot of pressure and responsibility on your shoulders. After all, this isn’t a small investment. The decisions you make will cost you money, and you’ll have to live with them for a long time (literally).
Many of our clients lead busy lives and want expert guidance to simplify the process and make sure they’re getting things right so they’re not left with any sort of buyer’s remorse.
They want a home that reflects their taste but don’t have the hours to research, source, and manage a project. That’s where we come in.
From curating colour palettes to sourcing furniture, lighting, and accessories, we streamline the process, handling everything so you can enjoy the results without the stress.
4. When you’re creating a home that’s built to last
Great design isn’t just about what looks good now – it’s about longevity. We believe in prioritising authenticity over trends. That means that whether you’re selecting materials to stand the test of time or investing in key pieces of furniture, we help you make decisions that blend practicality with quality, while reflecting you.
For families with pets, we consider easy-to-clean, durable fabrics. For those who love to entertain, we design social spaces that are both welcoming and practical. Every recommendation is tailored to how you live, ensuring your home is as functional as it is stylish.
5. When you want to add value to your property
Investing in interior design isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating a home that enhances your lifestyle and increases property value. This is truly what we mean when we speak about authenticity in interior design.
Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to ensure your investment is worthwhile, strategic design choices make a real difference.
We help homeowners create interiors that appeal to buyers while remaining personal and characterful. From kitchen and bathroom upgrades to clever storage solutions and layout improvements, we maximise your home’s potential.

Is it time to bring in an interior designer?
If you’re nodding along to any of these scenarios, now might be the right time to explore working with an interior designer.
Planning a home renovation can feel overwhelming, but the right guidance can make all the difference.
Our free Home Renovation Guide is packed with expert insights, practical tips, and inspiration to help you make informed decisions at every stage of your project. Download it here and start planning with confidence.