Should You Hire a Designer or Go DIY? Here’s How to Decide

By an Interior Designer Who’s Seen Both Sides of the Coin

Let’s be honest—whether you're renovating your kitchen, revamping your living room, or starting from scratch in a brand-new home, one big question always pops up:

Do I hire a designer, or do I do this thing myself?

It’s a totally fair question. There’s no shame in rolling up your sleeves and going full-on DIY. But there’s also something magical about having a professional swoop in and bring your dream home to life—without the late-night Pinterest spirals and endless trips to the hardware store.

So how do you know which route is right for you? That’s where this guide comes in. Let’s break it down.

1. Ask Yourself: What’s the Size and Scope of This Project?

Are you just swapping out throw pillows and hanging new curtains? Or are you knocking down walls, redoing flooring, and choosing tile, lighting, furniture, and paint colors all at once?

DIY is great for small-scale projects where the risk is low and the decisions are relatively simple. But once you start juggling layout changes, custom cabinetry, plumbing, or electrical—that’s designer territory.

A good designer can anticipate problems before they happen, help you plan ahead, and manage all the moving pieces (and contractors) so you’re not stuck playing air traffic controller in your own home.

2. Be Honest About Your Time and Bandwidth

Let’s be real—designing a space takes time. Like, a lot of time. Between sourcing furniture, measuring everything (twice!), comparing finishes, and managing deliveries, it can feel like a full-time job. And for many of us? We already have full-time jobs.

If you’ve got the time, energy, and brain space to dive into the details, DIY can be super rewarding. But if you’re already juggling work, kids, or just life in general, hiring a designer might actually save you time and sanity.

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t hire a designer for the full job, you can bring one in for a consultation or a design plan to help you get started—and avoid costly mistakes.

3. Consider Your Budget (But Think Long-Term)

This one’s tricky, because at first glance, DIY seems like the budget-friendly option. And sometimes it is! But mistakes, wrong measurements, returns, and last-minute changes can add up fast.

Designers often have access to trade discounts, which can offset their fees. Plus, they know how to stretch a budget—whether that means finding a lookalike for that $3,000 light fixture or designing a custom piece that actually fits your weirdly-shaped hallway.

Remember: A smart design saves money in the long run. So if you’re thinking short-term cost vs. long-term value, hiring a pro might actually make more sense.

4. Think About Your Vision and Style Confidence

Some people have a crystal-clear vision: they know exactly what they like, they’ve got mood boards for days, and they’re not afraid to trust their gut.

Others? Not so much. They scroll Instagram, get overwhelmed by trends, and change their mind every five minutes.

If you're confident in your style and enjoy the process, go for it! DIY can be super empowering. But if you’re stuck in analysis paralysis or afraid of making the “wrong” choice, a designer can help you hone your vision and bring it to life—without the second-guessing.

5. How Much Do You Care About That “Polished” Finish?

This is where designers really shine. It’s not just about picking pretty things—it’s about creating flow, scale, balance, and harmony. Designers think in layers: textures, lighting, space planning, color theory, and how everything interacts.

If you want a home that feels thoughtful, finished, and cohesive from top to bottom, that’s the kind of magic a designer brings to the table. DIY can still look great, but sometimes it misses those final 10% touches that elevate a space from “cute” to “designer-level gorgeous.”

6. Still Not Sure? Try a Hybrid Approach

Here’s the secret most people don’t know: you don’t have to go all or nothing.

Plenty of homeowners work with a designer just for the heavy lifting—like a floor plan, color palette, or materials board—and handle the rest themselves. Others DIY most of it but call in a designer to troubleshoot the finishing touches.

Design isn’t one-size-fits-all. Find what works for your timeline, budget, and personality—and build from there.

Final Thoughts: Know Thyself (and Your Limits)

There’s no shame in going full DIY—and there’s zero guilt in calling in the pros. The key is knowing yourself:

• Are you detail-oriented?

• Do you enjoy decision-making?

• Are you willing to spend the time?

• Can you handle setbacks and problem-solving?

If that’s a yes across the board, go for it! If it’s a no (or a heck no)—hire a designer and thank yourself later.

At the end of the day, your home should reflect you. Whether that’s through your own two hands or a designer’s skilled touch, you deserve a space that feels just right.

Need help figuring out your design style or planning your next big project? Reach out—we're here to help you get it done right, whether you're DIY-ing or diving into full-service design. Your dream space is closer than you think. ✨