Should I hire an architect or an interior designer first?

For most remodels and new construction projects, it is beneficial to involve both early in the process. Architects focus on structure, building systems, and exterior design, while interior designers focus on how the home functions for daily life, including furniture layouts, storage, lighting, room flow, and lifestyle needs.

When is the best time to hire an interior designer?

The ideal time to hire an interior designer is during the architectural planning phase and before contractor bidding begins. This allows the designer to influence the floor plan, cabinet layouts, lighting plans, storage solutions, and overall functionality before plans are submitted for permits.

Is it worth hiring an interior designer before construction starts?

Yes. Hiring an interior designer before construction starts can help reduce costly changes, improve contractor bid accuracy, prevent missed opportunities, and create a home that better supports the homeowner's lifestyle.

Can an interior designer help save money on a remodel?

An interior designer can help homeowners avoid expensive mistakes, reduce change orders, and make more strategic decisions about where to invest and where to save. While hiring a designer is an investment, early design planning often supports a smoother and more efficient construction process.

What does an interior designer do during a remodel?

During a remodel, an interior designer may assist with space planning, kitchen and bathroom layouts, cabinet design, lighting plans, material and finish selections, furniture planning, custom millwork design, contractor coordination, and construction site visits.

Can an interior designer work with my architect and contractor?

Yes. Interior designers commonly collaborate with architects, contractors, engineers, and homeowners. When the design team is involved early, projects often run more smoothly because layout, lifestyle, construction, and finish decisions can be coordinated before construction begins.

What happens if I hire a designer after plans are approved?

A designer can still provide value after plans are approved, but some opportunities may be limited. Once plans are permitted, layout changes can become more expensive and time-consuming because they may require plan revisions, contractor pricing updates, or resubmission to the city.

How do I know if my remodel needs an interior designer?

If you are remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, multiple rooms, an entire home, or building a custom home, working with an interior designer can help ensure the finished space is functional, cohesive, and tailored to your lifestyle.

Do interior designers increase home value?

Thoughtful interior design can contribute to a home's appeal, functionality, and perceived value. A designer can help homeowners prioritize investments in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, primary suites, and common living spaces that may support both daily living and long-term resale value.

What should I bring to an initial consultation with an interior designer?

Helpful items include inspiration photos, architectural plans if available, a list of frustrations with your current home, your wish list for the new space, preliminary budget information, and a realistic timeline.

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

An interior decorator typically focuses on furnishings, styling, paint colors, and decorative elements. An interior designer may also work on space planning, floor plan functionality, lighting, kitchens, bathrooms, construction details, and coordination with architects and contractors during remodels or new construction.

Why does my home feel stressful even when it's beautiful?

The issue is often related to layout, functionality, sight lines, visual clutter, or how spaces connect to one another. A home can be beautiful and still create daily friction.

What is expansion and contraction in interior design?

Expansion and contraction refers to the experience of moving between smaller, more compressed spaces and larger, more open spaces. This contrast helps create flow, comfort, and a sense of arrival within a home.

Why do some open floor plans feel overwhelming?

When every room is visible at once, your brain is forced to process more information simultaneously. Strategic transitions and thoughtful sight lines help create a more comfortable experience.

How do sight lines affect how a home feels?

Sight lines determine what you see from key locations throughout your home. Visible clutter, storage areas, appliances, and busy spaces can create subconscious stress.

Can an interior designer help before construction starts?

Yes. Involving an interior designer during the planning phase often leads to better layouts, fewer change orders, improved functionality, and a home that better supports your lifestyle.

Why is natural light important in a home?

Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, improve mood, support energy levels, and create a stronger connection to the outdoors.

Do reflective surfaces affect how a room feels?

Yes. Too many reflective surfaces can create visual fatigue. Balancing glass, polished stone, and metal with warmer materials such as wood, plaster, textiles, and honed stone often creates a more comfortable environment.

When should I hire an interior designer for a remodel?

Ideally, before architectural plans are finalized. Early collaboration allows for better space planning, furniture layouts, storage solutions, and more efficient construction.

What areas do you serve?

Michelle Accetta Home provides interior design services throughout Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, and the greater South Bay area of Los Angeles County.

What does working with an interior designer for a remodel include?

Working with an interior designer for a remodel typically includes space planning, finish selections, lighting design, contractor collaboration, construction site visits, and overall design direction from concept through completion.

When should I hire an interior designer for a new construction project?

The earlier the better. The success of a remodel or new construction project is often determined long before construction is complete. Hiring a designer early creates better flow, more cohesive finish selections, and reduces costly changes during construction.

What happens during the interior design phase of a remodel?

The interior design phase may include floorplan review and space planning, material and finish selections, cabinet and built-in detailing, decorative lighting specifications, lighting plans and coordination, concept boards and visual direction, kitchen and bathroom finish selections, and interior elevations and design detailing.

Does an interior designer work with contractors during construction?

Yes. A large part of the designer's role during remodels and new construction is collaborating alongside contractors and trades throughout construction — including site visits, reviewing finishes onsite, confirming design details, and adjusting details when field conditions require it. Construction management is contracted separately.

Why should I hire an interior designer for my remodel in the South Bay or Los Angeles?

Remodels and new construction projects involve hundreds of decisions that all impact one another. Working with an interior designer early creates better flow and functionality, more cohesive finish selections, clearer design direction, better collaboration with contractors, reduced decision fatigue, and a more elevated final result.

Michelle Accetta 6/15/26 Michelle Accetta 6/15/26

Why Some Homes Feel Good and Others Don't: The Psychology Behind Great Design

Ever walked into a home and immediately felt at ease, or the opposite? South Bay interior designer Michelle Accetta explains the psychology behind why some homes feel good and others don't, and what to do about it before you remodel.

How to Hire an Interior Designer for a Whole Home Renovation

Hiring the right interior designer for a whole home renovation is about more than style. Learn what to look for in process, communication, construction knowledge, and lifestyle alignment.

Why “Decorated, Not Cluttered” Is the Secret to Elevated Interiors

Elevated interiors aren’t built by adding more—they’re built through editing. Learn how negative space, thoughtful styling, and restraint create a home that feels calm, cohesive, and high-end.