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.

Should I remodel or move in the current market?

With interest rates where they are, many South Bay homeowners are choosing to invest in their current home rather than give up a favorable mortgage rate. Renovating strategically can improve daily life and increase home value without the cost and disruption of moving.

What is a HELOC and how can it fund a renovation?

A Home Equity Line of Credit lets you borrow against the equity in your home. You only pay interest on what you actually borrow, not the full credit line. During the draw period most HELOCs are interest-only, keeping monthly payments lower than a conventional loan — making it a flexible option for funding renovations.

When should I bring an interior designer into a renovation?

The earlier the better. Bringing a designer in before plans are finalized allows them to influence the layout, flow, and functionality of the home before construction begins. Changes made during planning are significantly less expensive than changes made during or after construction.

How does Michelle Accetta approach interior design?

Michelle's design style starts with listening. Before any finish or floor plan decision is made, she focuses on understanding how a family actually lives — their routines, frustrations, and what they need their home to do for them. Function comes first. The aesthetic follows.

What areas does Michelle Accetta Home serve?

Michelle Accetta Home serves Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, and the greater South Bay and Los Angeles area.

Do I need an architect for a kitchen remodel?

Not always. If you're remodeling within the existing footprint of your home and aren't making major structural changes or adding square footage, you may not need an architect. Many kitchen remodels can be successfully designed by an interior designer, who can work with a structural engineer if engineering is required.

Can an interior designer create floor plans?

Yes. Interior designers regularly create space plans and floor plans that improve how a home functions. Depending on the project, we may redesign kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, and entire homes within the existing footprint. If structural changes or additions are involved, we collaborate with architects and engineers to ensure the design is both beautiful and buildable.

Should I hire an interior designer before buying a home?

If you're considering purchasing a home that needs remodeling, absolutely. Walking through a property with an interior designer before closing can help you understand what's possible, identify potential challenges, develop realistic renovation budgets, and determine whether the home truly fits your long-term goals.

Can I hire an architect and an interior designer at the same time?

Yes — and for new construction or home additions, it's often the ideal approach. When both professionals collaborate from the beginning, the home's architecture, floor plan, functionality, and interior design all work together seamlessly before plans are finalized.

Do I need an architect if I'm removing a wall?

It depends on whether the wall is structural. In many cases, an interior designer can develop the layout and overall design while a structural engineer determines whether the wall is load-bearing and specifies the appropriate structural solution. If your project also includes an addition or significant exterior changes, an architect is typically needed as well.

What's the difference between an architect and an interior designer?

Architects focus on the structure of a home, building systems, code requirements, permits, and the relationship between the home's interior and exterior architecture. Interior designers focus on how the home functions and feels from the inside — space planning, cabinetry, lighting, furniture placement, finishes, and creating spaces that support the way you live every day.

Can hiring an interior designer save money during a remodel?

In many cases, yes. A completed design package gives your contractor detailed plans, finish selections, and specifications before construction begins. This often results in more accurate bids, fewer assumptions during estimating, and fewer costly change orders once work is underway.

How do I know which professional I need first?

The easiest way is to schedule a consultation before hiring anyone. After learning about your goals, budget, and the scope of your project, a designer can help you determine whether you need an architect, a structural engineer, an interior designer — or a collaborative team from the start.

Michelle Accetta 7/6/26 Michelle Accetta 7/6/26

Do I Need an Architect or an Interior Designer First? A Homeowner's Guide to Planning Your Remodel

Should you hire an architect or interior designer first? South Bay designer Michelle Accetta breaks down exactly who to bring in first based on your project type and why the timing matters more than most homeowners realize.