As interior designers ourselves, we’ve put together a guide on the types of designers to avoid—based on industry experience and professional standards.

Modern kitchen with black fluted island, granite countertop, white shaker cabinets, and brass-accent pendant lights

1. No Clear or Official Contract

A reputable interior designer should always provide a formal contract that clearly outlines the scope of work, materials used, and detailed specifications such as item dimensions. Without this, there’s no guarantee of what you’ll actually receive.

Contemporary bathroom with striking blue marble-effect shower wall and stainless steel rain shower set.

2. Designs Based Solely on Personal Preference, Ignoring Your Needs

It’s frustrating to work with someone who insists on pushing their own style without considering your lifestyle or preferences. A professional designer prioritizes the user’s needs, not just their own aesthetic. Design should serve function—not ego.

Stylish kitchen featuring bi-fold reeded glass panels, granite island, and black-and-white cabinetry.

3. Manipulating Reviews and Paying for Fake Endorsements

Some design firms invest heavily in marketing—not to showcase quality work, but to cover up poor service. This includes tactics like removing negative reviews, offering suspiciously low contracts, or even paying homeowners to post positive feedback.

A truly good designer doesn’t need to rely on such gimmicks—their work speaks for itself. While it can be hard to spot fake reviews, word of mouth remains the most reliable source. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or better yet, schedule a meeting with the designer. You can only truly gauge someone’s professionalism and values through direct conversation.

4. No Real-Life Completed Projects in Their Portfolio

Some designers showcase only hyper-realistic 3D renders as their portfolio. While visuals can be impressive, they may not reflect the final built result. Materials, lighting, and furnishings often differ in reality. The absence of real project photos could indicate that the designer hasn’t executed any builds themselves or failed to deliver as promised.

5. Lack of On-Site Project Management Skills

A qualified interior designer acts as a bridge between the client and contractors. If they can’t manage site work or resolve on-site issues, they’re not fulfilling their core responsibility. Proper project management is essential to bring the vision to life.

6. Prioritizes Trends Over Practicality

Designers who focus only on trends may be more interested in building their own portfolio than creating a functional home for you. A good designer aims to create timeless, livable spaces tailored to your lifestyle—not just Instagram-worthy rooms.

Modern living room with tan leather sofa, arched doorway, minimalist ceiling fan, and wall-mounted TV.

7. Disappears or Gives Up When Challenges Arise

A committed interior designer should walk clients through the pros and cons of each decision and work collaboratively to solve problems—not disappear at the first sign of difficulty.

Elegant bathroom with grey marble shower wall, large mirror, vessel sink, and dark wood vanity

8. Offers Suspiciously Low Prices

If the price seems too good to be true, it usually is. Unusually low quotes often signal compromises in workmanship, materials, or service. In some cases, the person may not be a true designer but a renovator posing as one, which means you won’t receive the same level of design expertise or project support.

Contemporary kitchen with white shaker cabinets, granite backsplash, and a curved black fluted island.

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RED FLAGS When Choosing An Interior Designer– From a Designer’s Perspective