That depends on what you’re hoping to achieve. A good designer doesn’t take over your vision—they help you discover and refine it. Sometimes you know what you love but aren’t sure how to bring it all together, or you simply don’t have the time to manage all the details. A designer brings clarity, experience, and fresh perspective, helping you avoid costly mistakes while creating spaces that truly reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether it’s a full renovation or a simple room refresh, the goal is to make your home feel effortless, cohesive, and uniquely yours.

Art should be something that moves you—not simply a color accent that matches your sofa. While harmony in a space is always lovely, your home is ultimately your sanctuary, and what surrounds you should reflect who you are. Whether you’ve gathered meaningful pieces over time or are just starting to explore, choose art that speaks to you, that makes you pause or smile every time you walk into the room. It might be a drawing from your child, a piece you couldn’t leave behind at a gallery, or a cluster of photos that warm your heart. A thoughtful designer will help weave these personal treasures together so they feel right at home.

A range or Cooktop should be strategically located in the kitchen with counter space on both the left and right of the appliance. Pots and pans handles should completely overhang onto the counter surface to avoid accidents or overheating of handles and utensils.

The placement of the microwave depends on many factors. How often it is used, do you cook meals in it, how large does it need to be? Most do not want to take up valuable counter space so there are may options. If your design is more open with shelveing you may opt for a drawer microwave in a base or island cabinet. If you’re in a small space you may opt to place it over the range (OTR) or if you have a pantry or wall oven it can be placed there. the way you live and use your kithcen will determine the best option and placement for your microwave.

While the two often overlap, they are not the same. An interior or architectural designer looks at the structure and flow of a home, reimagining spaces to meet your lifestyle and needs. This can include removing walls, redesigning layouts, adding additions, designing built-in cabinetry, or creating custom solutions you can’t buy off the shelf. Attention to detail extends even to pets—like designing hidden litter boxes or special nooks for your furry companions. Interior decorators, on the other hand, focus on the finishing touches: furnishings, color, texture, and style. A designer sees the big picture first and brings it to life with both functionality and personality, creating a home that truly feels like yours—even before the pillows and accessories come into play.

Microwave placement depends on how you use your kitchen and how you like it to feel. Some prefer it built into cabinetry or below the counter for a clean, streamlined look. Others like it above the range, freeing up counter space and keeping it within easy reach. If you use it often, a built-in wall or drawer microwave at waist height is both convenient and safe. The key is balance—keeping it accessible while maintaining good flow, counter space, and visual harmony in the kitchen.

That’s perfectly okay—most people don’t! Part of a designer’s job is to help you discover what speaks to you. Through conversation, inspiration images, and a little intuition, patterns begin to emerge. You might be drawn to warmth, simplicity, texture, or light, even if you can’t name a specific style. Together we refine that into something cohesive and uniquely yours. It’s less about labels and more about how you want your home to feel.