Inside The Real Life of an Interior Designer

30 June 2025

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When you imagine an interior designer at work, what comes to mind? A carefully coiffed woman in expensive clothing, discussing fabric samples over a long lunch? The reality, in fact, is much more down to earth, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Deborah Still Interior Design

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Deborah Still

While the work of an interior designer involves a great deal of creativity, it is also a practical and often physical job. On a typical day, I am more likely to be donning high-vis and work boots than high heels and flouncy blouses, as I often need to be prepared to move heavy items like furniture or floor tiles.

And while I do get to spend time choosing colours and selecting materials, my knowledge of the engineering behind products is often just as important as how they look. I’m also there to help when decision fatigue rears its head. With my wealth of experience, I can see at a glance what will work in a space and when something needs to be added or subtracted to create a beautiful whole.

Day-to-day, it is good listening skills that make for an exceptional interior designer. This means understanding what clients want to achieve and putting personal wishes and ego to the side to help them achieve their dream spaces. Realizing a client's vision means ensuring every detail of the plan works in the real world. This involves practical knowledge of groundworks and structures. Spaces need to be planned in their entirety to ensure a good flow throughout.