How to Choose the Right Interior Designer in Perth for Your Home
Bringing your dream home to life is one of the most rewarding experiences. But with so many decisions and options, it can also feel daunting. The process quickly becomes overwhelming, from selecting finishes and floor plans to choosing furniture, lighting, and colours. Even those with a strong sense of style often find it challenging to pull everything together into a space that feels both cohesive and liveable.
This is where the right interior designer makes a real difference. With their guidance, what often feels like a long list of decisions becomes a smooth and enjoyable creative process. They help transform ideas into reality with clarity, expertise, and a supportive approach. But with so many designers in Perth offering different styles and services, how do you find the one who is right for you?
This guide walks you through what to consider, what questions to ask, and why working with someone who understands Perth’s design landscape is key to a better result.
Why Working with an Interior Designer Is Worth It
A professional interior designer is more than someone with good taste. They bring a potent mix of creative direction and practical experience to help you achieve a space that looks beautiful and functions well for everyday living.
Designers can help with everything from layout planning to lighting design, colour palettes, furniture placement, and material selection. They can interpret your ideas, refine your style, and help you avoid common (and often costly) mistakes.
They also:
Provide access to trade-only furniture and finishes
Coordinate selections so your space feels harmonious
Keep your project aligned with your vision and budget
Reduce overwhelm by offering guidance at every step
The result is a well-designed home that feels like a true reflection of your personality and lifestyle.
Why Local Knowledge Matters in Perth
Perth is a unique place to build or renovate a home. The climate, coastal exposure, and strong outdoor lifestyle all play an essential role in designing interiors. A designer based in Perth will have a clear understanding of:
How to maximise natural light and airflow in homes across different suburbs
Which finishes and materials work best in warm, dry or salty conditions
How to navigate narrow blocks, split levels, or estate design restrictions
Local suppliers, showrooms, and trades you can rely on
At Nest Interiors, we have worked across Perth’s northern and southern corridors, from new Yanchep builds to character-filled Fremantle renovations. This experience allows us to tailor solutions that are both personal and practical.
When to Involve a Designer
The earlier, the better. Ideally, you should involve your interior designer before your plans are finalised or submitted for approval. Early input helps ensure you make the right choices from the start.
An experienced designer can:
Review your floor plan and highlight layout opportunities or problem areas
Suggest improvements to lighting placement and circulation
Support you during your builder’s pre-start meeting by helping with selections
Create a design direction that avoids costly changes later in the build
Even if your project is already underway, it is never too late. Designers can still add value during the later stages of a renovation or build by helping with styling, sourcing, colour decisions or resolving design uncertainties.
Worried You Do Not Know Your Style? You Are Not Alone
One of the most common concerns homeowners share is that they do not know how to describe their style. The truth is, most people do not. You might like earthy tones in one room and soft minimalism in another. You might be drawn to a mix of styles and not know how to bring them together.
A skilled designer will not expect you to arrive with a perfect vision. Instead, they will help you explore your preferences, refine what you are drawn to, and translate that into a clear aesthetic. This is part of the discovery phase, one of the most essential parts of the journey. The goal is never to follow trends. It is to create a home that feels calm, comfortable, and undeniably yours.
How to Choose the Right Designer
Once you have decided to hire a designer, finding the right one is about more than just their Instagram feed. Here is how to assess whether a designer is a good match for your project:
Look through their portfolio.
You want to see a range of styles and projects that show adaptability, not just one look repeated across every home. A designer should be able to create something tailored to you, not simply recreate their signature style.
Read client reviews and testimonials.
These provide insight into how the designer communicates, solves problems, and works under pressure. Look for comments about listening skills, responsiveness, and how the process felt overall.
Ask about their design process.
Could you find out how they structure projects? Ask how they present their ideas, how revisions are handled, and whether they work alongside builders or architects.
Understand what’s included.
Not all interior designers offer the same scope. Some focus on furniture and decor, while others help with space planning, fixture selections, and joinery design. Make sure you are clear on what is included before you commit.
The Practical Side: Timelines, Fees, and Communication
Interior design is a creative process, but it must also be well organised. A good designer will give you confidence with clear timelines, cost structures, and communication touchpoints.
Ask upfront:
How are fees structured? Are there packages, hourly rates, or flat quotes?
What do you get at each stage of the process?
How long will concepts and selections take?
How will you stay in touch, and how frequently?
You should also check how flexible they are when plans shift. Can they work within your budget if things change? Are they adaptable if a product becomes unavailable? Will they suggest innovative alternatives when timelines are tight? At Nest Interiors, we are known for our realistic advice and reliable timelines. We take pride in combining creative thinking with well-managed delivery so our clients feel supported throughout.
Why a Designer Who Understands Structure Is a Must
Many people assume interior design is all about the surface—paint colours, furniture and finishes. However, real design success depends on understanding the bones of a home.
Issues often arise when design choices don’t align with the physical structure. For example, you might plan a pendant light only to realise a ceiling beam is in the way. Cabinetry that looks great on paper may clash with plumbing, doors, or skirtings.
This is why structural awareness matters. Designers who work closely with builders and trades, like we do at Nest Interiors, can flag problems before they happen and ensure your vision works both aesthetically and practically.
Creating a Collaborative Experience
Working with a designer should feel like a true partnership. You trust someone with your home, lifestyle, and often your budget. The right designer will listen first, suggest second, and walk beside you from beginning to end.
You should feel comfortable asking questions, changing your mind, and discussing ideas. Great design happens when you feel heard and inspired, not pressured or overwhelmed.
Let’s Start with a Conversation
At Nest Interiors, design starts with understanding, not assumptions. That is why we take the time to get to know you before offering solutions. We want to hear what you love, what challenges you, and what kind of home you dream of.
Whether you are building from the ground up, planning a renovation, or simply looking for help with selections and styling, we are here to help with clarity, structure and a warm, personal touch.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact Nest Interiors today, and let’s begin your design journey together.