An Essential Guide to Everything an Interior Designer Does and How to Get the Best Out of Working With One on a New Kitchen Project.
Designing a new kitchen is one of the most exciting—and often overwhelming—home improvement projects you can take on. It’s a space that blends function with style, practicality with personality. And while Pinterest boards and Instagram saves can offer plenty of inspiration, translating those ideas into a real, livable space is another story.
This is where a professional interior designer comes in.
But what exactly do interior designers do? Are they worth the investment? And how can they help bring your dream kitchen to life?
This guide answers all your questions, giving you a clear picture of what interior designers offer and how to make the most of working with one.
Table of Contents
What Does an Interior Designer Actually Do?
An interior designer is a creative professional trained to plan, design, and manage the look, feel, and function of a space. When it comes to kitchen design, their role goes far beyond choosing paint colours or picking out pretty tiles. Here’s what they typically handle:
1. Space Planning
This is at the heart of what interior designers do. A designer will assess your space, how you live, and how you want to use your kitchen. They’ll map out efficient layouts for:
- Work zones (cooking, prep, cleaning)
- Storage
- Movement and flow between areas (especially in open-plan homes)
- Natural lighting and ventilation
They ensure your kitchen doesn’t just look good—it works brilliantly for your day-to-day needs.
2. Design Concept & Visualisation
Designers take your ideas (and often a jumble of preferences) and turn them into a cohesive, stylish concept. They’ll help you visualise your new kitchen using mood boards, 3D renderings, or CAD plans, making it easier to see what the finished result will look like—before anything is built.
3. Material & Finish Selection
From worktops and cabinetry to flooring and lighting, interior designers help you select finishes that are:
- Aesthetic: Reflecting your style
- Practical: Durable, easy to clean, and suited to kitchen life
- Cohesive: Ensuring all elements work harmoniously
They often have access to trade-only suppliers and showrooms, so you get high-quality materials and better pricing.
4. Budget Planning
Interior designers can help you avoid costly mistakes by:
- Helping you allocate your budget effectively
- Recommending where to splurge and where to save
- Managing quotes from contractors and suppliers
They can stop the “small extras” from spiralling into a budget blowout.
5. Project Coordination
Many designers offer project management or will liaise with your builder, kitchen fitter, electrician, and plumber. This can take the pressure off you and help ensure that everyone is working to the same vision and timeline.
Why Hire an Interior Designer for a New Kitchen?
You might wonder if a kitchen company or architect is enough. But here’s how an interior designer adds unique value:
✅ They design for you
A kitchen showroom can sell you a beautiful setup, but it may not fit your lifestyle. An interior designer starts with how you live—whether you’re a serious cook, have a busy family, or love to entertain.
✅ They solve problems creatively
Got awkward corners? A tricky layout? A small space to maximise? Designers are trained to find clever solutions and see possibilities you may never consider.
✅ They ensure harmony
A designer looks at the whole picture: your kitchen within the context of your entire home. They make sure it complements the architecture, adjacent rooms, and your personal style.
✅ They add wow-factor
Professional designers know how to create timeless, polished, and striking interiors that stand out. If you want your kitchen to feel like a magazine feature (and function like a dream), a designer can make it happen.
How to Get the Best Out of Working With an Interior Designer
Working with a designer is a collaboration. Here’s how to ensure a smooth process and a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.
🗣️ 1. Be Honest About Your Needs and Lifestyle
Let your designer know how you live:
- Do you cook daily or order takeaways?
- Do you entertain?
- Do you need family-friendly features?
The more they know, the better they can tailor the design.
💸 2. Set a Realistic Budget Upfront
Be clear about your budget from the start. A good designer will help you stick to it—and may suggest smart alternatives that achieve the same look for less.
🎨 3. Share Your Style Inspirations
Gather examples of kitchens you love—images, colours, materials, even moods. This gives the designer a visual language to work from and ensures you’re on the same page creatively.
📋 4. Ask About Process and Timelines
Designers work in different ways. Ask:
- What are the stages of the project?
- How long will it take?
- How do they communicate progress?
This avoids confusion and keeps expectations aligned.
🛠️ 5. Involve the Designer Early
The earlier a designer is involved—ideally before you start structural work—the more value they can bring. They’ll help you avoid expensive changes later and ensure the design is integrated from the start.
Common Myths About Interior Designers (Debunked)
💬 “Interior designers are only for the wealthy.”
Not true. Designers work on a range of budgets and often save clients money by avoiding costly mistakes.
💬 “They’ll take over and ignore my style.”
A good designer enhances your vision. They guide, suggest, and shape—not dictate.
💬 “It’s cheaper to do it all myself.”
Maybe—but DIY often leads to mismatched styles, poor use of space, and decision fatigue. A designer ensures the result is professional, efficient, and future-proof.
So, Should You Hire One for Your New Kitchen?
If you want a kitchen that:
- Reflects your personality
- Works with your lifestyle
- Adds value to your home
- Feels as good as it looks
…then yes, working with an interior designer is an investment worth making.
You don’t have to hand over full control—you can choose how involved they are. From design-only consultations to full-service project management, there are options to suit every budget and level of involvement.
Final Thought: The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – Make It Exceptional
Designing a new kitchen is one of the most important and rewarding projects you’ll undertake in your home. Bringing in a professional interior designer doesn’t just help you get it right—it makes the entire journey less stressful, more creative, and far more enjoyable.
Thinking about renovating your home and engaging an Interior Designer for your New Kitchen? Speak to a Studio5 interior designer early in the process—you might be surprised at how much value they bring.
With over five decades experience of living, breathing, designing & delivering kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and full home interiors projects to our clients, the Studio5 Home Interiors and Schuller kitchens teams are ready to work on your next home interiors project.
Studio5 – Designed for Life
