The Client Who Wanted It All… for the Price of One

Not everyone needs full-service interior design, and that’s totally fine. Some clients just need help with a bathroom remodel or a kitchen update, while others want the full package: gut renovations, space planning, furniture selection, project management, etc.

I get it! Interior design is an investment, and not everyone is ready to go all in. That’s why I always personalize my services to fit different needs and budgets.

So, when this client came to me needing small apartment updates—but not furniture selection or decorating—I was happy to help. She wanted expert guidance on areas that truly required a professional, and that’s exactly what I signed up for. Or so I thought…

At first, things were going smoothly. Then, little “innocent” questions started popping up: “Oh, I saw this sofa the other day—thoughts?” or “I love these chairs. Which do you think

works better?”. Next thing I know, she’s showing me pictures and trying to get me to choose between dining tables. Now, don’t get me wrong—I love talking design. But this wasn’t just chatting. This was sneaky furniture selection without actually adding furniture selection to her design scope.

Rather than shutting it down immediately, I kept it professional: “I’d love to help! If you’d like, we can add furniture selection to your design scope once we wrap up these updates.” She just smiled and moved on. Until she hit me with: “I already picked my pieces. Can I use your name to get the designer price?”

That’s when I knew we were not a fit. I finished the agreed-upon work, made sure everything was done on time and to the highest standard, and politely moved on to another project with a client who actually values interior design expertise.

The best part? I later found out she told someone not to hire me because I "refused" to help her choose furniture—which, according to her, “is what every interior designer should be doing”. Well, Houzz's verified reviews say otherwise.

Here’s the thing: Interior design is not just picking out pretty furniture and handing out trade coupons. If you need help designing a kitchen renovation, bathroom update or full home remodel, I’m all in. If you just need guidance on color schemes and a few key selections, I can do that too. But if you’re just looking for free design advice and access to my trade perks? Well, let’s just say there’s always IKEA. (Loving their latest collection, by the way!)