Think Interior Designers come later? Here’s why that’s costing you

When people think of interior designers, they often envision someone arriving at the end of a project to select furniture, colour palettes and add finishing touches. In reality, the most successful projects are the ones where designers are brought in at the very beginning.

Whether you're building a custom home or renovating a space, involving an interior designer from day one is not necessarily a luxury — it's a strategic decision that can save you time, money and countless headaches. Here's why:

1.  Bringing vision to the project
Architects and builders are experts in structure and form. Interior designers, on the other hand, focus on how spaces feel and function once people inhabit them. When designers are involved early, they help translate your lifestyle needs into the layout, ensuring flow, functionality and visual harmony right from the start.  For example, a designer might identify that the kitchen layout doesn’t support how you entertain, or that a planned window placement will interfere with future furniture. These are insights that are difficult, and expensive, to address after construction begins.

2. Preventing costly changes down the line
Late-stage changes to a floor plan, lighting scheme or joinery can lead to delays and significant additional costs. Early involvement of a designer ensures all spatial and aesthetic considerations are factored into the initial plans, avoiding the need for retrofitting or redesign.  It's worth noting that a designer’s fee is a fraction of what you could lose in re-work and change orders.

3. Harmonising architecture and interiors
Great design happens when interiors and architecture work in collaboration, not in isolation. At Wilding & Wolfe, we work alongside architects and builders to ensure materials, finishes, lighting and fixtures align with the design intent from day one; resulting in a seamless, cohesive environment that feels intentional and refined.

4. Streamlining decision-making
Renovations and builds involve hundreds of decisions; from cabinet hardware to ceiling treatments. As your interior designer, we act as your trusted advisor, guiding selections to align with your budget, goals and timeline.  Our early involvement helps establish a clear design direction that simplifies choices and prevents decision fatigue.

5. Increasing your investment re-sale and long term value
A well-designed space doesn’t just look better; it performs better.  Thoughtful spatial planning, strategic lighting and timeless finishes increase functionality and appeal, boosting both day-to-day satisfaction and long-term property value. Starting with design ensures these benefits are built in from the beginning.

Waiting to bring in an interior designer is like writing a story and hiring an editor after it's printed. If you're planning a new project, we'd love to hear from you.  If you'd like a call back, simply contact us at studio@wildingandwolfe.com or call us on 0114 280 2315.