How to Communicate Your Vision to Your Interior Designer

A guide to expressing your style, lifestyle, and aspirations clearly – so your home becomes a true reflection of you.

Introduction

Hiring an interior designer is one of the most rewarding steps you can take in shaping a home that feels as good as it looks. But to create a space that is not only beautiful but deeply personal, your designer needs a clear understanding of you – your lifestyle, your preferences, and the story you want your home to tell.

At Susan Chesney Interiors, we believe great design begins with great communication. This guide will walk you through how to communicate your interior design vision clearly, so your collaboration flows beautifully from day one.

1. Understand Your Lifestyle and Needs

Before diving into design decisions, take a moment to reflect on how you live. Your space should enhance your daily rituals and support the rhythm of your life. Sharing this with your designer sets the foundation for a truly personalised result.

Questions to consider:

– How do you use each room?

– Do you entertain frequently or prefer quiet solitude?

– Who do you share your home with?

– What time of day do you feel most inspired or at peace?

2. Curate a Visual Moodboard

A thoughtfully composed interior design moodboard is an invaluable tool in expressing your aesthetic direction. Even if you’re unsure how to label your style, visual references help your designer decode your preferences.

What to include:

– Colours that speak to you

– Furniture styles you gravitate toward

– Textures, fabrics, and materials that feel good to touch

– Art, travel, architecture, or fashion references that move you

Use platforms like Pinterest, or create a physical board with magazine cuttings, fabric swatches, or photographs.

Pro tip: Include notes on why you’re drawn to each image – this emotional context adds clarity and depth.

3. Share Pieces That Matter

Do you have heirlooms, antiques, or sentimental items you’d like to include? Let your designer know early on. A talented interior designer will respect these pieces and can often design around them, integrating them into the scheme in meaningful ways.

Whether it’s a vintage armchair, a child’s growth chart on the wall, or a painting from a beloved holiday – these are the details that bring soul to a space.

4. Be Willing to Let Go

Design is as much about restraint as it is about layering. If something doesn’t serve the vision or flow of your space, be open to your designer’s guidance. The best results come when there’s mutual trust and a shared commitment to the overall harmony of the home.

Letting go doesn’t mean losing yourself – it means making space for the version of your home (and life) you’re evolving toward.

5. Communicate with Openness and Honesty

Clear, respectful communication is the heart of a successful collaboration. If something doesn’t feel right during the design process – speak up. Your feedback is essential, and the earlier it’s shared, the easier it is to course-correct.

A seasoned designer won’t take it personally – quite the opposite. We welcome it. Because this is your home, your sanctuary.

Tips for better communication:

– Be specific about what you love (and don’t)

– Use real-life examples whenever possible

– Ask questions – no need to know all the jargon

– Be honest about your priorities and budget

Final Thoughts: Interior Design as a Collaborative Journey

The interior design process is not just about furniture and finishes – it’s about crafting an environment that supports and inspires your life. When you communicate your vision clearly and trust the creative partnership, the result is a space that feels unmistakably yours: timeless, layered, and full of quiet luxury.

If you’re considering working with a designer and want to explore how we can bring your ideas to life with elegance and care, get in touch with our studio – we’d love to hear your story.