What to Expect When Working with an Interior Designer
Epic Interiors – Thoughtful Design for Inspired Living
Working with an interior designer isn’t just about making a space beautiful, it’s about transforming how you live. A strong designer-client relationship sets the foundation for a successful project, where expectations are clear, communication flows, and the outcome reflects both artistry and function. Epic Interiors approaches each project as a true partnership. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
Clarifying Roles: Who Does What?
One of the first steps in any collaboration is defining responsibilities. Epic guides clients through every decision while also taking the lead in sourcing, project management, trade coordination, and quality control. The result? You can focus on your exciting vision while we handle the details.
The Epic team recently completed a 4,074-square-foot city home renovation for a multigenerational family in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. From a full gut remodel of the kitchen to selecting contemporary original artwork, we made sure that every design choice aligned with the family’s needs and routines, while creating an elevated yet approachable modern aesthetic throughout the home.
Finding the Right Balance of Involvement
Some clients want weekly check-ins; others prefer curated, streamlined options. We meet clients where they are. For our Lincoln Park family, Friday design reviews became a productive and much-looked-forward-to ritual. These meetings were conducted sometimes remotely and sometimes in person, but always efficiently, reducing stress and allowing the project to progress smoothly.
Our client, Vicki, reflected on the experience:
“I am beyond thrilled with the results of my renovation and enjoyed the process from start to finish. From the ideation and possibility sessions where we got to know each other to the weekly reviews (Friday afternoons were so fun!) as we made choices along the way. I loved the craftsmanship and the quality of the products chosen. I especially loved the artwork decisions, which felt like the icing on the cake!”
Budgeting and Value
Budgeting isn’t just about costs; it’s also about priorities. The Lincoln Park kitchen renovation, part of a whole-home transformation, was a case study in smart investment. By preserving and refinishing the original cherry floors, we maintained character while controlling material costs. Upgrades like custom cabinetry and integrated appliances balanced beauty and longevity.
Sustainability guided many decisions. Instead of replacing everything, we adapted and elevated existing elements, proving that good design is about thoughtful evolution, not always starting from scratch.
More on the Lincoln Park Project
The Lincoln Park home now serves three generations under one roof. We redesigned the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas with distinct personalities and functions.
But beyond the modern vibe, what defined the project was the process. Trust and collaboration shaped each decision. The clients’ wish list was extensive, and fulfilling it within the existing structure required precision, creativity, and constant communication. In the kitchen alone, we removed the existing pantry and freestanding cabinetry to create space for a new island, custom pantry wall, and an appliance wall that now houses a wine cooler, built-in coffee station, column refrigerator and freezer, and double ovens.
Our goal was to transform a dark and dated kitchen into a spacious, modern hub for everyday life and family gatherings. Functionality and flow were top priorities. The clients needed more storage, better circulation, and designated zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing—all within a unified, open plan.
Throughout the home, we incorporated layered neutral tones, warm woods, and artisan details, maintaining the clients’ vision of a cohesive yet highly livable space.
Epic is pleased to note that our clients appreciate not only the visual harmony but also how every room feels intentional and welcoming. They also report back to us that their guests are consistently “wowed” by the space, and that the quality of the design is holding up well over time.
Choosing the Right Designer
Every designer brings a different approach. When hiring, we suggest looking beyond portfolios. Ask them how they manage projects, communicate, and collaborate to determine if they are the right fit for you.
A good designer listens carefully, adapts as your needs evolve, and guides you toward choices that feel right. There’s also a personality element. Can you see yourself spending months working with your designer, as if they were a new, though temporary, member of your family for the duration of the project? It’s important that you feel comfortable and connected with your designer.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an interior designer is an investment: in your home, your time, and your peace of mind. When you know what to expect, the process is smoother and more rewarding. With clear communication, thoughtful planning, and expert management, Epic helps you enjoy the journey and love the results.
The Epic Approach: Full-service custom design on time and on budget
Epic Interiors has decades of experience creating transformative spaces, supported by a network of industry professionals dedicated to bringing clients’ visions to life. The designers, project managers, builders, and artisans manage every detail with transparent communication, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Celebrated for its holistic approach, Epic Interiors solves design challenges from concept to completion while building long-term client relationships. With deep collaboration and specialized knowledge, the team acts as project managers as much as designers, guiding clients through every step of the creative process.
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