A Day in the Life of an Interior Designer: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes

It’s more than picking pillows—here’s what design work really looks like.

From the outside, interior design can look beautifully effortless: dreamy installs, curated materials, perfect final photos. But behind every finished space is a whole lot of planning, pivoting, and problem-solving. Here’s a peek behind the curtain—pun intended.

8:30 AM — Slow Start & Morning Review

After a bit of a slow morning—coffee, a walk, maybe a few quiet moments with my calendar—I’ll open my laptop and start reviewing what’s on deck for the day. I’ll skim emails, flag anything that needs immediate attention, and map out a rough plan for the hours ahead.

9:00 AM — Team Check-In

We typically start the day with a team touchpoint—either a brief update or, on Tuesdays, a longer meeting where we review open projects, priorities, installs, and anything that needs extra support. It’s a grounding way to set the tone for the week and keep everyone aligned.

10:00 AM — Vendor & Trade Coordination

This is often the window for checking in with contractors, reps, or workrooms. We might be confirming cabinetry details, reviewing tile layouts, or talking through a site-specific issue that popped up. These back-end conversations are what keep the front-end looking seamless.

11:00 AM — Creative Work Block

With communication handled, I like to shift into creative mode. This could look like:

• Working through a space plan or finish scheme

• Reviewing samples and pulling together a client presentation

• Finalizing selections for a new project

• Sourcing furnishings, fixtures, or art pieces that feel just right

This is the part clients usually imagine when they think of “design”—but it’s always supported by strategy and structure.

12:30 PM — Lunch + Reset

I try to step away from my desk around this time—even if it’s just to sit outside, eat something nourishing, or take a short walk. It’s a quick mental reset before the second half of the day picks up speed.

1:00 PM — Client Meeting or Site Visit

Afternoons often include client-facing time, whether that’s a video call to review mood boards, a walk-through of a jobsite to check on progress, or an in-person design presentation. These are the touchpoints that keep the collaboration strong and the project moving forward.

2:30 PM — Logistics & Admin

Even the most beautiful design needs a solid foundation behind it. This part of the day is typically about:

• Reviewing proposals

• Approving invoices

• Communicating lead times and install updates

• Tracking orders and updating project schedules

It’s the unglamorous stuff that keeps everything on track and makes install days feel like magic.

4:00 PM — Styling & Install Prep

If an install is on the horizon, the late afternoon often shifts into prep mode. We’ll review the install binder, confirm delivery timing, or organize styling pieces in the studio. Sometimes we’re unboxing lamps, packing pillows, or measuring artwork: it’s all part of the process.

5:00 PM — Wrap-Up & Recap

I like to end the day by closing loops—responding to anything outstanding, jotting down what needs to roll over to tomorrow, and making sure the team has what they need to move forward. On quieter days, I carve out space to work on the business, not just in it.

Truthfully? No two days look exactly the same.

Some are deeply creative, some are full of logistics, and others are all hands on deck at a job site. But each one is part of the larger story we’re building for our clients and their homes.

Want to see more of what happens behind the scenes? Follow along on Instagram @grounded.homes or reach out below if you’re ready to start your own project.

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