Interior Design Consultation & Why You Need One
Interior Design Consultation
Interior design is often seen as a luxury service, and I do lose some potential clients who feel my fees are out of their budget. The reality is, not everyone can afford full-scale interior design services—but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t benefit from professional advice.
Hi there👋, I’m Jacqueline, founder of The Glade Design! I specialize in residential interior design.
A simple Interior Design Consultation can save you from costly mistakes, provide better direction, and give you more options to consider. It’s about guiding you toward the right choices, rather than leaving you to figure it all out on your own.
Many people rely on builders or friends who have renovated before for advice. But here’s why that’s not always the best approach:
- Builders are great for structural advice, construction details, and quotes—but they won’t help if you’re unsure about your design choices. They also can’t guide you on what looks good together, what’s on trend, or what might make your space feel outdated.
- Friends and family may have renovated their own homes, but every house is different. What worked for them might not work for you. Their knowledge is limited to their own experience, which may not apply to your space.
An Interior Design Consultation service can give you tailored advice based on your style, budget, and needs—ensuring your renovation or home project is done right the first time.
Save Money and Time
It’s true—you do save money with an Interior Design Consultation! Yes, there’s an upfront cost, but in the long run, it prevents costly mistakes, reduces delays, and keeps your budget on track.
I’m not just talking about trade discounts (though those can help with material costs). It’s much more than that.
How an Interior Design Consultation Saves You Money
- Less back and forth – With the right guidance, you’ll have a proper plan, follow the right process, and avoid unnecessary changes. This means your builder can quote accurately, and you’re less likely to get hit with unexpected costs midway through construction.
- Builders prefer clear plans – Builders don’t like constantly shifting designs. If they notice a lack of direction or frequent changes, they’ll quote extra to cover the hassle. Having a clear design plan from the start keeps things smooth and cost-efficient.
- Avoid choosing the wrong colours & styles – A bad design choice can be an eyesore for years. A simple consultation can help you get it right the first time—without spending hours researching.
- Think beyond just aesthetics – A designer considers details you might overlook, such as:
- Energy-saving solutions
- Sustainable materials
- How to communicate with trades correctly
- And so much more!
- Avoid costly mistakes – Many designers say this, but what mistakes are we really talking about?
- Unnecessary expensive materials & fixtures – We know where to shop and what’s worth spending on. We can recommend suppliers that match your budget.
- Knowing what to invest in – Some materials and fixtures shouldn’t be cheaped out on. We know which items need to be from quality suppliers to avoid unnecessary repairs and maintenance down the track.
- Design that actually fits the budget – Clients often have big ideas, but sometimes those ideas aren’t realistic or will blow out the budget. A designer helps bring your vision to life in a doable and cost-effective way. Joinery, for example, is usually a big part of any project, and I’ve learned what works within different budgets and what tends to be expensive to build.
Without professional guidance, you’re likely to face more back and forth, unexpected bills, longer build times, and unnecessary stress. A consultation ensures everything is planned properly—so you can build with confidence.
Create a Truly Timeless Design
Almost every client I work with asks for a timeless design—and for good reason. No one wants their home to look outdated in just a few years.
But here’s the thing: timeless design isn’t about avoiding trends altogether. A good interior designer studies trends—not to blindly follow them, but to understand them, predict what will last, and steer clients away from fleeting fads.
I’ve developed the skill to guide clients on what to use and what to avoid, ensuring their home stays stylish for years to come. Some trends look great now but age poorly, and knowing the difference is key.
Timeless design isn’t just about flipping through magazines or scrolling Pinterest. It requires:
- Understanding design history – What has stood the test of time and why?
- Studying local housing history – What works well in Australian homes long-term?
- Recognising societal shifts – How do lifestyle changes influence design trends?
- Following advancements in technology & materials – What innovations will last?
- Observing fashion & furniture evolution – Interior trends are often influenced by these.
By the time a style is all over Pinterest or in magazines, it’s often already past its peak. Builders and well-meaning friends may suggest ideas that have been overdone or are already outdated in the design world. If you want a truly timeless home, talk to someone who understands design at a deeper level—an interior designer.
A Home That’s Truly Easy to Live In
A well-designed home isn’t just about looking good—it needs to be practical and easy to live in. This comes down to spatial planning and joinery design, two things that are often overlooked in renovations.
This is where an Interior Design Consultation makes all the difference.
Why Builders & Cabinet Makers Don’t Always Get It Right
Builders and joinery makers will typically suggest what’s easiest for them to build, not necessarily what’s best for your lifestyle. They don’t deeply study:
- Planning storage & space sizes so everything has a place.
- Placing rooms and joinery in the right locations for an effortless workflow.
- Human ratios & comfort – The right dimensions for storage, benchtops, and furniture placement.
I’ve seen homes that function worse after renovation simply because no real thought was given to usability. A simple interior design consultation could have saved this project.
For example:
- Kitchens with no space for appliance storage, leading to constant clutter.
- Power points in the wrong spots, making everyday tasks frustrating.
- Poor lighting placement, creating dark, unusable spaces.
This isn’t something you can figure out with a quick Google search—it’s the result of constant study, experience, and understanding how different lifestyles and cultures use space.
A well-designed home should work for you, not against you—and that’s what an Interior Design Consultation ensures!
Increase Property Value
An Interior Design Consultation isn’t just about making a home look good—it can also increase property value. Whether you’re designing your forever home or working on an investment property, the right design decisions can make a huge difference.
How an Interior Design Consultation Adds Value
I also work on development projects, not just as an interior designer but as a consultant for developers. This has given me a deeper understanding of:
- What adds the most value to different types of properties.
- How location influences design choices and resale potential.
- What renovations are worth it and what’s just wasted money.
Because I’m based in Melbourne, Australia, my insights on property value are focused on the local market. However, the general principles of smart renovations and strategic design apply everywhere.
Before You Buy—Know What’s Worth Renovating
If you’re considering buying a property but unsure about renovation costs or resale potential, an Interior Design Consultation can help you make the right decision.
Too often, buyers only consult with builders or structural engineers—which is important! But they won’t always tell you:
- What’s easy to update versus what’s expensive and complicated.
- The simplest design choice with the biggest impact.
- What design choices will appeal to future buyers and what will date quickly.
- Partially update instead of doing a full makeover.
An Interior Design Consultation gives you valuable insight before you commit, helping you avoid regret and make informed property decisions.
No Stress
Not much to say here—an Interior Design Consultation means no stress for you! Whether your home has awkward corners, poor lighting, or simply lacks space and storage, a designer will handle the design challenges for you.
- We’ll research and find the best solutions for your space.
- You don’t have to worry about figuring it out on your own.
- You can simply focus on your day-to-day life while we take care of the design.
An Interior Design Consultation allows you to have peace of mind, knowing that your space will be transformed without the hassle. Let us solve the challenges—no stress for you!
So What’s Included in My Interior Design Consultation?
You might be wondering, “What does my $550 get me?” It’s not just the 90-minute chat—there’s a lot more that goes into it before and after!
Before the Consultation
- I’ll send you a simple survey to fill out, along with a request for any plans or photos of your space.
- I’ll take the time to research and understand your brief before we meet, so we’re ready to hit the ground running.
This means that when we start our Interior Design Consultation, you’ll get solutions right away—no time wasted!
During the 90-Minute Consultation
Let’s be realistic—90 minutes might not be enough to cover every detail, especially for something like a full-house renovation. There’s no way we can plan out everything or solve every issue in that time. Plus, it’s hard to remember all the information we discuss.
After the Consultation
That’s why I always provide a follow-up report!
- It’s not just a recap of what we talked about—it’s more than that!
- The report includes helpful tips, design solutions, and examples of colours and styles tailored to your project.
- You’ll also get visuals that help you picture the changes and solutions to your design challenges.
So, what you’re really getting is a comprehensive service that continues to support you beyond our 90-minute consultation, with everything you need for your project.
What Makes Me Different to Others
I understand that some furniture suppliers and joinery makers offer free consultations. If you’re planning to use their products and services, why not take advantage of that? However, keep in mind that these consultations are usually focused on selling their products—they won’t necessarily consider your personal style or lifestyle.
My Broader Experience
What sets me apart is my broad experience in different areas:
- Working with developers gives me a deep understanding of property value and the insights needed to design for both forever homes and investment properties.
- My hospitality experience has taught me how to create 5-star hotel living—maximising comfort and, at times, improving workflow. I know what it takes to keep a space clean, tidy, and comfortable.
- While it’s not my main focus, my experience in commercial interior design allows me to explore a wider range of colours and design ideas, keeping my creativity fresh and innovative.
With all this experience, I bring a more comprehensive and tailored approach to your Interior Design Consultation, one that’s focused on your needs and your space.
Here’s the Detail About My Interior Design Consultation Service
What We Can Discuss
- Colour schemes
- Materials & finishes
- Furniture selection
- Space planning
- Joinery advice
- New builds & renovations
- Ideas for homes you’re considering buying
- Anything else related to residential design. even cleaning and home organizing tips!
Who Is This For?
- Homeowners: Planning a future home or renovation
- Builders & contractors: Needing design ideas for current projects
- Investors & renovators: Seeking design advice for investment properties or developments
How It Works
- Purchase the service online
- Confirm availability
Consultations are available Monday to Friday. - Fill out a survey
You’ll be asked to provide project details and attach photos. Jacqueline will review everything and prepare personalized advice before the session. - Consultation day
You’ll have a productive 90-minute session packed with ideas! - Receive a follow-up report
Within 2–5 business days, you’ll get a detailed report covering:
-Key points discussed during the consultation
-Product and material links
-Extra tips and ideas we may not have covered in the session
-Helpful reference images
Optional Services
If you need additional design support after the consultation, extra services like sketch drawings, markup plans, 3D renders, or custom floor plans can be provided at an additional cost (quoted separately).
Why Start with a Consultation First?
Starting with a consultation is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit. During the session, we’ll discuss your project, your goals, and any design challenges you’re facing.
Even if you decide not to move forward with the full design service, you’ll still walk away with:
- Valuable ideas to help guide your project.
- A detailed follow-up report that you can refer to whenever needed.
This consultation also makes sure that the full design service quotation I provide will be more accurate and fair, as I’ll have a better understanding of your needs and the scope of the project.
If you decide to move ahead after the consultation, the consultation fee will be deducted from the full design service fee. So, you get the benefit of a no-pressure initial meeting and can make an informed decision moving forward.
If you’re considering an Interior Design Consultation, you can purchase online here or email me to chat more!
Not sure yet? I share design tips and home inspiration on my blog, updated weekly. Be sure to subscribe for exclusive content—some posts are subscriber-only.
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