What Exactly Does an Interior Designer Do? (A Guide from Laura Jayne Design)
If you’ve ever looked around your home and wondered how to bring a space to life — beautifully, practically, and with a sense of cohesion — you’ve likely thought about hiring an interior designer. But what exactly does an interior designer do, and is it really worth the investment?
At Laura Jayne Design, we work closely with homeowners across the UK to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces. In this guide, we explain the full role of an interior designer, what you can expect from the process, and why it makes a difference to work with a professional.
What Exactly Does an Interior Designer Do? (A Guide from Laura Jayne Design)
If you’ve ever looked around your home and wondered how to bring a space to life — beautifully, practically, and with a sense of cohesion — you’ve likely thought about hiring an interior designer. But what exactly does an interior designer do, and is it really worth the investment?
At Laura Jayne Design, we work closely with homeowners across the UK to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces. In this guide, we explain the full role of an interior designer, what you can expect from the process, and why it makes a difference to work with a professional.
What Is an Interior Designer?
An interior designer is a qualified professional who plans, designs and oversees the aesthetic and functional transformation of internal spaces. Unlike decorators who focus primarily on styling, interior designers are trained to work with:
- Space planning
- Colour psychology
- Lighting design
- Materials and finishes
- Architectural detailing
- Furniture layout
- Technical drawings and 3D visuals
In short, an interior designer makes sure a room doesn’t just look beautiful — it works beautifully too.
What Is an Interior Designer?
An interior designer is a qualified professional who plans, designs and oversees the aesthetic and functional transformation of internal spaces. Unlike decorators who focus primarily on styling, interior designers are trained to work with:
- Space planning
- Colour psychology
- Lighting design
- Materials and finishes
- Architectural detailing
- Furniture layout
- Technical drawings and 3D visuals
In short, an interior designer makes sure a room doesn’t just look beautiful — it works beautifully too.
What Does an Interior Designer Actually Do?
1. Understand Your Needs and Style
We begin every project at Laura Jayne Design with a detailed consultation. This helps us understand:
- How the space will be used
- Your personal tastes and lifestyle
- Practical requirements (storage, lighting, family needs)
2. Create a Tailored Design Plan
Next, we develop a bespoke concept for your space, which may include:
- Mood boards
- Floor plans and layout options
- Colour palettes
- Furniture and lighting ideas
- Materials and finishes
3. Source and Specify Products
We handle all sourcing, ensuring each item fits within your budget and complements the overall design. This includes:
- Furniture
- Lighting
- Flooring
- Fixtures and fittings
- Soft furnishings and accessories
4. Manage Suppliers and Contractors
Coordinating builders, decorators, electricians and suppliers can be stressful. A designer acts as the main point of contact, overseeing:
- Project timelines
- Budget tracking
- On-site visits
- Quality control
5. Styling and Finishing Touches
The final stage is where your vision becomes reality. We style the space, dress the furniture, and perfect every detail to make your home feel truly finished and liveable.
What's the Difference Between an Interior Designer and a Decorator?
It’s a common question. In short:
Interior Designer
Works with layout, structure and function, qualified with technical training and designs lighting, joinery and space flow.
Interior Decorator
Focuses mainly on aesthetics, may not have formal design education, selects furniture, paint and fabrics.
At Laura Jayne Design, we do both — so your space functions perfectly and looks stunning.
When Should You Hire an Interior Designer?
Hiring a designer isn’t just for grand renovations. We help clients at various stages:
- New builds
- Full refurbishments
- Kitchen and bathroom redesigns
- Open-plan living areas
- Single-room styling
Whether you’re rethinking one room or your entire home, bringing in an expert early can save time, money, and stress.
Why Work with Laura Jayne Design?
We combine technical skill with a warm, collaborative approach. Clients choose us because we:
- Listen carefully and design around real life
- Create tailored, elegant spaces with lasting appeal
- Handle the details so you don’t have to
- Have a trusted network of craftspeople and suppliers
Every project is personal. Every finish is carefully considered. And every room is designed to feel effortlessly yours.
Ready to Start Your Interior Design Journey?
If you’ve been wondering what exactly does an interior designer do? — now you know: we make your space work harder and feel more beautiful than you thought possible.
Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply want to refresh a room, Laura Jayne Design is here to help.
