5 Things All Great Interior Designers Do

Oct 18

Great interior designers aren't born; they're made.

We're forged either through our own focus and dedication or developed through project's trials and tribulations.

It's not merely holding a title that allows designers to succeed; it's the capacity to influence the thoughts, feelings, emotions, and actions of other human beings. It’s the most important skill a designer can master.

But how do you develop this ability?

What are the key characteristics of great designers?

I’ve had the honor of working with many kinds of designers throughout my almost two-decade career and now my own firm.

We share key commonalities that make a great designer. I’ve applied these skills in my own life, and I'm honored to share them with you today.

Because let's be honest, great designers are great leaders, and great leaders are needed today more than ever.

Whether we’re a leader in a small residential project or on a large scale hospitality project, great leadership is available to those who are interested.

Let's start with these 5 skills every great designer has:

1. Personal Approach: Influence Over Title

In interior design, true leadership transcends official titles or positions.

It's not about the role you hold but how effectively you can influence the space and the people within it.

Many designers have titles, but the ones who truly lead are those who can impact their clients' thoughts, feelings, and overall experience through their design choices.

This kind of influence is what transforms a simple room into a space that reflects personal style and meets functional needs.

By focusing on a personal approach, we prioritize understanding and incorporating the preferences and lifestyle into every project.

This isn't about dictating choices based on our style; it's about guiding you to discover the look and function that work best in your space.

True leadership in design comes from the ability to inspire and motivate through creativity and thoughtful planning.

As a designer, I commit to leading not from a position of authority, but from a place of collaboration and service, ensuring every space not only looks spectacular but feels right for you and your family.

2. Seamless Execution: It’s About Who Delivers

It’s never about who's the most creative designer in the room. It’s about who will execute.

Bringing those ideas to life. Execution is what sets apart a concept from a creation.

It’s not always the smartest or the most creative designer who leads the industry; it’s the one who can effectively turn vision into reality.

Knowledge isn't power; it's potential power. Execution trumps knowledge every day of the week.

Our design process isn't just about planning; it's about executing those plans.

We understand that knowledge is potential power, but true power comes from action. From the initial concept to the final installation, our focus is on seamless execution.

Being a leader in design means being the first to step forward with solutions that not only meet but exceed your expectations. We don’t just dream; we do.

We're here to ensure that your dream space doesn’t just exist in sketches but is realized with craftsmanship.

3. Expert Guidance: Learn from Previous Projects

We must study valuable lessons from past projects, analyzing what works to ensure we replicate success in every new project.

Success leaves clues.

We use our knowledge of what has worked well and what has not worked so well to make informed decisions, from selecting the right materials to effectively planning every space, ensuring the project not only meets but exceeds expectations.

We look at previous projects to see what works. It’s what we call modeling.

Great designers continuously study successful designs, and innovative techniques to stay ahead.

4. Anticipation Over Reaction: Strategic Foresight

Great designers don’t wait for problems to arise; they anticipate them.

We think ahead, planning for every possible scenario.

Have you ever experienced the humiliation of playing a video game with a child? I have.

Then I ask, who always wins when I play against my son? Him.

Is it because he’s smarter or faster? No. It’s because he has played the game before.

He knows that bad guys are going to pop out of specific locations. And he's ready. He knows the road ahead and it’s the ultimate advantage.

Consider it like navigating a ship at sea.

If a designer is too caught up in the small details and doesn't take the time to step back and view the project from a broader perspective, they might miss potential issues that could arise.

It’s essential to balance attention to detail with strategic foresight,

ensuring the design journey is as smooth as possible and avoid as many foreseeable obstacles.

Whether it's anticipating how natural light will change throughout the day or identifying potential furniture scale challenges, we must stay ahead of the curve.

It’s not about reacting to the moment but being prepared for the future, ensuring that every design element is considered and every potential issue is addressed before it becomes a problem.

Anticipation creates room for multiple ideas and facilitates strategy and preparedness. Otherwise, you’re just reacting.

Knowing the road ahead and it’s the ultimate advantage.

5. Fail Forward: Setbacks can be Opportunities

When a design project succeeds, there’s celebration. When there are setbacks, it's time for reflection.

What’s the benefit? Each challenge in design is an opportunity to think deeper, push creative boundaries, and come up with even better solutions.

Every project offers lessons.

Great interior designers are not afraid to try something bold, even if it doesn’t always go according to plan.

Failure doesn’t have to be the end, but the beginning of something truly great.

If we’re not failing, we’re not trying new things. And we’re missing an opportunity to be better designers.

We believe that challenges often lead to better results, and we embrace them as part of the creative process.

When we fail, we adapt, learn, and grow...

Resulting in a final product that exceeds expectations.

A great designer starts with a servant mindset, execution, studying the success of projects, anticipation, and not being afraid to fail.

Cheers!

xx Paulina

Whether you're thinking of upgrading your furniture, remodeling a room, or furnishing your new home, the process can leave you feeling stuck and unsure of where to begin. Constantly second-guessing every decision.

No matter how much research you do or how many ideas you gather, you can’t seem to bring your vision to life. You know your home could be so much more, but the process feels daunting and you don’t know where to start.

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU?

If you think we might be a good fit for your project, we'd love to hear all about your plans and have the chance to help make them a reality.

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Paulina Carcach

With over 18 years of experience in high-end interior design, Paulina Carcach has a portfolio that includes designing for 5-star hotels, private clubs, renowned restaurants, and innovative startups. Known for her ability to create bespoke interiors, Paulina's designs are more than just spaces; they are narratives that reflect and enhance her clients' stories and lifestyles. Her design philosophy is centered around storytelling and pushing boundaries, fostering a deep connection between her clients and their living spaces. As a dedicated mother of two energetic boys, Paulina infuses family-friendly practicality and warmth into every project, balancing luxury with livability.