Interior designers ask clients questions to understand their needs, lifestyle, taste, and budget — so they can design a space that’s both functional and personal.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
1. About the Space & Purpose
- What is the main purpose of this space?
- Who uses it most often and how?
- Do you entertain guests regularly?
- Are there any problem areas or frustrations with the current layout?
2. Style & Preferences
- How would you describe your style? (Modern, traditional, minimalist, eclectic, etc.)
- Are there colors you love or dislike?
- Do you have inspiration images or Pinterest boards?
- Are there materials or finishes you prefer (wood, marble, steel, etc.)?
3. Lifestyle & Functionality
- Do you have children or pets that we should consider in the design?
- How much storage do you need?
- Do you work from home?
- Do you have any accessibility requirements?
4. Budget & Timeline
- What is your total budget for this project?
- Do you have a specific deadline or event to complete the design by?
- Are you open to phasing the project if needed?
5. Likes & Dislikes in Existing Space
- Is there anything you absolutely want to keep?
- Is there anything you absolutely want to replace or remove?
6. Decision-Making
- How involved would you like to be in the design process?
- Would you prefer to approve every choice, or trust me to decide within agreed guidelines?
💡 Pro Tip: Great designers also ask “Why?” after each answer — for example, “Why do you prefer neutral colors?” — because understanding the reasoning helps create a deeper, more personalized design.
If you’d like, I can also prepare a full 30-question client questionnaire template that covers design style, budget, functionality, and emotional goals, so it’s ready to use in real projects. Would you like me to make that?