What Do Interior Designers Do? & Who Needs an Interior Designer?
What Do Interior Designers Do? It’s Not Just Cushions and Colours
When people hear the term interior designer, the first image that usually pops into their heads is someone picking out paint colours, cushions, and styling pretty rooms. And while the aesthetic side of things is definitely part of what we do, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re wondering what do interior designers do, the real answer is—we do a whole lot more than just decorating.
Interior designers play a vital role in shaping how people live, work and move through spaces. Our job is to make sure the space isn’t just good-looking, but also functional, safe, and enjoyable to be in. That could mean planning layouts that flow better, improving lighting, designing custom cabinetry, or making sure materials are safe, durable, and fit for purpose.
The reality of our day-to-day work is pretty different from what you see on Instagram or Pinterest. We don’t rock up in designer outfits each day, casually playing with swatches and sipping lattes while making mood boards. Sure, that stuff happens—but it’s only a tiny part of the job.
The truth is:
- We spend most of our time in front of a computer, not in beautifully styled showrooms.
- We research constantly—new materials, design ideas, regulations, and inspiration.
- We create detailed drawings, plans, and documentation.
- We coordinate with trades, suppliers, builders, and clients.
- We juggle timelines, budgets, and problem-solving on the fly.
A big chunk of our work is invisible to the outside world. It’s not glamorous, but it’s where the magic really happens. So, when people ask what do interior designers do, it’s important to understand that our job goes far beyond the ‘pretty stuff’—we create spaces that truly work for the people using them.
What Is an Interior Designer?
To really understand what do interior designers do, it helps to look at how our role compares to other design professionals in Australia. There are a few overlapping titles in the industry, and it’s easy to get confused by the differences. Here’s a breakdown of the key roles:
Note: In Australia, apart from the term ‘architect’, most of these job titles aren’t strictly regulated. That means anyone can technically call themselves an interior designer, even if they don’t have formal training—which is why many in the industry are pushing for clearer standards.
Interior Designer
Interior designers do more than just make things look good—they plan how spaces function. Our role often includes:
- spatial planning and circulation
- designing custom joinery (like cabinetry and shelving)
- selecting finishes, fittings and fixtures
- sometimes, decorating too—like choosing furniture, art and accessories
In Australia, most interior designers have a Bachelor’s degree, Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma in interior design or interior architecture. While formal qualifications aren’t legally required right now, they’re definitely the norm in the industry.
Interior designers aren’t licensed to sign off on building permits themselves, so we usually work alongside:
- architects
- builders
- or draftspersons
Alternatively, we can become registered building practitioners depending on the rules in each state.
The term interior architect is sometimes used in place of interior designer, but in Australia, the word “architect” is tightly regulated. If someone uses the title interior architect, they must be registered with their state or territory board.
Architect
Architects are responsible for the overall design of buildings. In residential projects, their role may include:
- designing the building shell and structure
- spatial planning (Overlap in Interior Design Work)
- kitchens and bathrooms (Overlap in Interior Design Work)
- overseeing the full construction process
Some architecture studios work hand-in-hand with interior designers, while others offer both services under one roof, for example.
To call yourself an architect in Australia, you need to be formally registered. That means:
- completing a recognised degree (usually 5–6 years of study including a Master of Architecture)
- gaining a minimum of two years of industry experience
- passing a registration exam
Interior Decorator
Decorators focus purely on the aesthetic side of interiors. Their role is all about:
- choosing colour schemes and wallpaper
- sourcing furniture, rugs, artwork, and lighting
- window furnishings and soft finishes
- sometimes working with custom joinery too
Decorators usually hold a diploma or certificate in interior decoration. They don’t typically get involved with layout changes, plumbing, electricals or structural work.
So while a decorator can create a beautiful space, they’re not trained in the deeper functional or technical aspects like an interior designer is.
Interior Stylist
Stylists are all about the final layer of a room—the finishing touches. They often:
- work with what the client already owns
- source loose furniture, artwork, lighting, and homewares
- arrange everything to feel balanced, cohesive, and photo-ready
Some stylists focus on editorial styling for magazines and photoshoots, while others specialise in property styling—staging homes for sale.
If you’ve ever seen a perfectly styled home on a real estate listing or in a glossy magazine spread, there’s probably a stylist behind it.
So, What Can I Expect an Interior Designer to Do in My Home?
- Understand your space and lifestyle – After the first chat, we get to work figuring out how to make the layout of your home work better for you. That might mean adjusting room sizes, reworking traffic flow, or planning better storage.
- Design the look and feel – We help you pick finishes, fixtures, tiles, joinery, lighting, paint colours, furniture… basically all the visual stuff that brings your space together.
- Show you the design in 3D – So you don’t have to guess what it’s going to look like.
- Create all the technical drawings – Think floorplans, elevations, joinery details, tile layouts, and more – all the info your builder needs to price and build properly.
- Help during construction – From coordinating with trades to making sure everything’s being built the way it was planned, we’re there to keep things running smoothly.
- Handle the nitty-gritty – That includes council requirements, electrical layouts, plumbing rules, quotes from suppliers, and site visits. Not glamorous, but very necessary.
- Finish with the pretty stuff – Styling, custom furniture design, rugs, art, lamps – all the touches that turn a house into a home.
Can I Hire an Interior Designer for Just One Room?
Yes… and no.
Some interior designers (like me) are happy to work on a single room. But others prefer to take on whole-home projects – and here’s why:
- The design process (briefing, measuring, drawing, selecting, sourcing, etc.) is mostly the same whether it’s one room or five.
- Adding extra rooms doesn’t increase the workload as much as you might think.
- It’s often better value for money if you’re doing a few rooms at once.
That said – don’t be shy to reach out with your vision and budget. If a designer can’t help with a small job, they’ll often know someone who can.
What About Just Picking Paint Colours or Lights?
Absolutely! I offer one-off design consultations for things like:
- Paint colour selections
- Lighting plans
- Tile choices
- Furniture layouts
- Styling advice
It’s a simple, one-session chat to help get you started and point you in the right direction – no pressure, no stress, and all your questions answered in one go.
How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?
The classic question!
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all pricing. It depends on:
- The size and scope of your project
- Your location
- Your designer’s experience level
- How involved you want them to be
Some designers charge:
- By the hour
- A flat fee per room or project
- A mix of flat fee + hourly
- A monthly retainer
Hot tip: Always check what’s included in the fee. Make sure you’re comparing apples with apples – two designers might offer totally different levels of service for the same project.
And remember – the interior designer’s fee is just a small slice of your total renovation budget. Investing in good design can actually save you money in the long run by avoiding mistakes and making smart decisions up front.
How Long Does the Design and Build Process Really Take?
If you’ve ever watched a reno show and thought, “Wow, they whipped that up in a weekend!” — you’re not alone. But let’s be honest: real-life design and building takes a lot more time, planning, and patience than what you see on TV.
“TV and social media have created this idea that a full interior design can happen overnight on a shoestring budget – but it’s just not realistic if you want something timeless, practical, and properly done.”
So, How Long Does It Take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – timelines vary depending on the type of project and approvals needed. But here’s a general guide:
For new homes that require council approvals:
Expect around 12 months for the design and documentation stage.
Then allow at least another 12 months for construction.
For renovations without permits:
Things can move faster, especially if the design scope is simple and decisions are made quickly.
Even then, design and documentation can still take 3–6 months, plus another 6–12 months to build.
Types of Work We Do as Interior Designers
Now that we’ve covered the timeline, let’s talk about what actually happens during the design. Here are the key types of work we typically handle:
1. Space Planning
Before anything gets pretty, we sort out the layout. This means figuring out the best way to use your space day-to-day:
- Where should the kitchen go in relation to the dining and outdoor area?
- Where can we tuck a quiet home office away from the chaos?
- How do we make it flow better?
We look at how you live, move, and function in your home — and make sure every square metre works for you.
2. Concept Development
This is where the magic begins. We bring together:
- Moodboards
- Sample palettes
- Sketches or 3D visuals
- Style directions (Scandi, modern, retro 70s – whatever your vibe is)
You’ll get a clear idea of where we’re heading and plenty of time to give feedback.
3. Materials and Finishes
We’re not just picking pretty tiles. We’re thinking:
- Is it safe for a wet area? (Like anti-slip ratings for bathrooms)
- Can it handle kids, pets, or high traffic?
- Does it align with your lifestyle and cleaning habits?
Plus, if sustainability’s important to you, we’ll source eco-conscious options like low-VOC paints, recycled materials, or Aussie-made pieces.
4. Colour & Lighting Design
Colours and lighting totally change how a space feels:
- Colour: Soft neutrals create a calm vibe, bold hues energise a space, and we balance it all to suit your personality.
- Lighting: We plan task, ambient, and accent lighting – and never forget the power of natural light and a well-placed mirror.
5. Furniture & Decor
Once the bones are sorted, it’s time for the fun stuff – furniture, rugs, art, lamps, cushions, curtains.
But it’s not just about looks:
- We choose pieces that fit the space properly (no more bulky sofas that swallow the room)
- We think about comfort, quality, and how it’ll wear over time
- We source unique items that make your home feel like you
6. Project Coordination
We don’t just hand over a plan and say “good luck.” We’re there with you (and your trades) every step of the way:
- Answering builder questions
- Tweaking drawings on the go
- Checking deliveries
- Solving on-site surprises
We make sure everything’s done right and on time.
7. Safety and Compliance
Interior design isn’t just about beauty – it has to be safe and legal too. We:
- Make sure everything meets building codes
- Ensure accessibility where needed (like wheelchair access)
- Use safe, certified materials (non-slip, fire-rated, etc.)
8. Sustainable Choices
We love creating homes that feel good and do good. Depending on your goals, we might recommend:
Long-lasting, timeless materials that won’t need replacing anytime soon
Solar-smart design or natural ventilation
Energy-saving appliances and LED lighting
Low-waste joinery or repurposed furniture
And of course, smart home!
Who Needs an Interior Designer?
In my opinion? Everyone can benefit from working with an interior designer. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces—it’s often about solving functional problems, avoiding costly mistakes, and finding the right products that suit your needs and budget.
Sometimes all it takes is a small change—a layout tweak, better lighting placement, or rethinking your storage—to completely transform how a space feels and works. And other times, it’s about knowing what to invest in and where you can save, or which finishes will actually last.
The truth is, many designers only take on projects with big budgets. But I’ve always believed that good design should be accessible to everyone, no matter the budget or the size of the project.
And I’ll be honest—it’s not easy. A small-budget project often takes just as much time and thought (sometimes even more!) than a large-scale one. But I still find joy in helping people create homes they love, because I know the impact good design can have on everyday life.
That’s why I’m always looking for ways to offer more flexible, affordable services—so I can help more people, even if a full design package isn’t within reach.
What I’ve noticed over the years is this: sometimes, just a simple conversation can open new doors. A quick chat can point someone in the right direction, saving them hours (or weeks!) of scrolling through Pinterest or wandering aimlessly through showrooms. Even if I’m not designing the entire space, I can offer guidance on what to avoid, what to watch out for, and where to focus.
One of the most common requests I get is help with colour and material selection. It’s one of those things people really struggle with—and understandably so! It can be overwhelming staring at samples, trying to imagine how they’ll look together, or worrying if you’re making the wrong choice.
Interior design isn’t about following trends or creating Instagram-worthy rooms (although that can be a fun bonus). It’s about crafting spaces that support your lifestyle, reflect your personality, and make everyday living easier and more enjoyable. Whether it’s helping you maximise a small apartment, reimagine a tired kitchen, or just finally decide between those five tile samples—you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
So if you’ve been wondering, what do interior designers actually do?—the answer is: we listen, we plan, we solve problems, and we bring your vision to life.
And if you ever need a little help along the way—I’m just a message away.
Ready to Create Your Dream Space?
Your home should feel beautiful and functional — and that’s where I come in.
✨ Start with a 90-minute consultation ($550). You’ll get:
- A deep dive into your ideas and challenges
- Expert, personalised advice
- A written report with clear next steps
📩 Contact me today to begin your design journey.
Email: Jacqueline@thegladedesign.com
Did you know that working with an interior designer comes with special supplier discounts? Here’s a treat for you! Get an exclusive discount on bathware at The Blue Space using this link.
