Choosing an interior designer
Choosing an interior designer can feel like wading into unfamiliar territory, even if you already have a sense of what you love. For Los Angeles–based designer Jake Arnold, it all begins with the purpose of great design: to make life easier.
When it comes to finding the right designer, even if you don’t yet have language for your style, begin collecting the things that draw you in. Arnold encourages clients to pull anything that resonates – from images to fashion and music – because it helps shape a mood. “What I always ask my clients is, what is your favourite hotel? That is very indicative of how you like to feel.” These references help build a shared visual language from the start and make your early conversations far more productive.
Another essential step is choosing someone whose design sensibility genuinely resonates with you. Whether you’re drawn to warmth, refinement, whimsy or restraint, choose someone whose work reflects how you want to live. “Looking at someone’s portfolio, you have to be really careful to understand the tenets of design and what you are seeing as a common thread,” says Arnold. The goal is to feel aligned from the beginning, creating a relationship that can withstand the inevitable ups and downs of a long project.
And long it may be. As he notes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” a reminder that meaningful design takes time – sometimes even years. Budgets and timelines are important, but flexibility is equally crucial. “I’ve never heard of a project finishing early or going under budget,” he says, adding that taking the extra time upfront is usually what prevents costly mistakes later.
Throughout the process, Arnold encourages clients to remain active and engaged. Visiting the space, walking through it and getting a physical sense of proportion and materiality can shift perspectives in ways that plans can’t. “Going into the space often is so important because that’s how you really feel what’s going to work.”
A clear and realistic budget is another essential. He typically provides clients with a broad cost-per-square-foot estimate early on for transparency. “The big misalignment is sometimes you could love a designer but then have a complete unrealistic expectation on the budget.” Knowing what it takes to achieve the look you want helps keep expectations aligned from the start.
Above all, Arnold emphasises communication. “Clear communication, I would say, is number one, it’s essential.” Being honest and direct – even when the conversation is uncomfortable – keeps everything moving forward. Projects move through highs and lows, and sometimes a reset is needed to realign the team. He approaches these moments with optimism. “I very much intentionally like to show up, reset the energy on the project.”
In the end, he hopes to make the process feel less mysterious. “Just remember to not take it too seriously and enjoy the process.” Whether you’re designing a single room or embarking on a full renovation, choosing the right designer is as much about trust and collaboration as it is about aesthetics.
Interior design by Jake Arnold.
