How to Vet Your Interior Designer in 2025

June 16, 2025

Thinking of renovating your home this year? You’re not alone. With more people turning their houses into dream spaces, it’s tempting to jump right in. But before you hand over your hard-earned money, here’s something crucial you need to do first — make sure you’re working with the right interior designer (ID).

We’ve all heard the horror stories: renovations gone wrong, designers ghosting clients, or projects delayed for months. Don’t let that be your story. Here’s a 2025-friendly guide to confidently vet your ID — and how HomePay can help make the process smoother and safer.

1. Ask to See Real Work (Not Just Social Media Highlights)

Photo credit: A Blank Canvas

If you're wondering how to find an interior designer or how to choose the right one, this is the perfect starting point. Social media can look amazing — but it only shows what the designer *wants* you to see. To truly know if a designer fits your needs, ask to see their complete portfolio.

Look for:
- Full project galleries, not just highlight reels
- Before-and-after shots to understand transformation capability
- Specifics on budget, materials, and timelines

Even better, ask to speak directly with past clients. What was their experience like? Did the ID communicate well? Was the renovation completed on time and within budget?

If you're still asking yourself, “How do you find an interior designer who’s trustworthy?”, the answer lies in verified experiences. HomePay’s onboarded IDs include portfolios with real homeowner reviews — giving you confidence before making a commitment.

2. Pay Attention to the Vibe

Photo credit: Design4Space

When it comes to how to pick an interior designer, don’t overlook chemistry. This is someone you’ll be collaborating with for weeks or even months. How they treat you in early conversations is a strong indicator of how they’ll behave during the actual renovation.

Ask yourself:
- Do they actually listen to your ideas?
- Are they open to feedback, or pushing their own style too hard?
- Do they respect your budget boundaries?
- Are they transparent when answering your questions?

Finding an interior designer isn’t just about design taste — it’s about working with someone who respects your vision and communicates clearly. You want to feel comfortable, not intimidated or pressured.

If something feels off — even slightly — trust that instinct. Choosing an interior designer in Singapore is a personal process, and your comfort matters just as much as their design skills.

3. Spot Red Flags Early

There are a few things that should raise eyebrows:
- They give you a quote that’s way lower than everyone else’s
- They ask for full payment upfront
- They push you to sign quickly without explaining the contract
- They’re uncomfortable with using escrow payment services

You deserve transparency and security, not pressure or uncertainty.

4. Ask the Right Questions

Treat your ID meeting like a job interview. Some key questions:
- How do you typically handle project delays?
- What’s your process for choosing subcontractors?
- Can you walk me through your timeline and milestones?
- What’s your standard payment schedule?

You’re looking for someone with structure, clarity, and confidence in their process.

5. Protect Your Payments with HomePay

Even after all the vetting, things can still go wrong. That’s why we recommend using an escrow service like HomePay.

When you pay through HomePay:
- Your funds are held securely
- Money is only released when work is completed
- Both parties are protected from disputes
- You can earn credit card rewards with a low 2% fee

It’s an easy way to protect your renovation investment — and give yourself some well-earned peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Photo credit: Yang's Inspiration

Still wondering how to find a good interior designer or how to choose one that fits your needs? The answer lies in a mix of research, intuition, and smart tools. Take your time, ask the right questions, and don’t settle for less than you deserve.

And when you’re ready to lock things in? Use HomePay to pay smarter, safer — and with confidence.

Ready to renovate? Explore how HomePay can protect your renovation journey at www.homepay.sg.