A Day in the Life of an In-Home Designer

Designing a home is more than selecting furniture or matching colors; It’s about creating an environment that tells a story, reflects a lifestyle, and enhances how people live every day. As an in-home designer, my role is to guide clients through that process with creativity, care, and expertise. Every project is unique, shaped by each client’s personality, needs, and dreams. Although every design journey unfolds a little differently, our process generally follows four main stages:

• Consultation
• Home Visit
• Preparation
• In-Store Presentation

But behind those three stages is a dynamic day-to-day routine filled with communication, problem-solving, space planning, and design development. All working together to turn ideas into beautiful, functional spaces that feel like home.

Stage One: The Consultation

The design process usually begins when a client visits the store or contacts us for help. Some people come in with a clear vision; they’ve seen a particular sofa or style they love while others feel overwhelmed by the options or unsure how to start. My job is to help them to find what is the best solution and give them a vision of the final look.

The consultation is where we start to learn about each other. I begin by asking questions, not just about furniture, but about lifestyle, habits, and preferences. These conversations help me understand how clients truly live in their space. For example, I might ask:

• What style are you naturally drawn to? Modern, classic, rustic, or transitional?
• What colors make you feel comfortable or energized? Are there any you dislike?
• Do you prefer the reclining furniture, or the stationary?
• How many people typically use your living room? Do you entertain often?
• Are there children or pets in the household that might influence fabric and material choices?
• What is the reason you need the new furniture? Are you moving to a new place or are the existing ones not comfortable?
• Do you have existing furniture you want to keep, or are we starting fresh?
• What is your budget, and do you want to invest in everything at once or in stages?
• Are there any design concerns or priorities you want me to focus on?

Each of these questions matters because good design is never “one-size-fits-all.” Every answer helps me narrow the focus to what truly works for that specific client aesthetics, function, and budget.

For example, if a client has a small living space, I might suggest our condo-size furniture that leaves them more space and gives them better flow. If they have children or pets, I’ll introduce our Pet friendly, iClean or performance fabrics or durable leather options. If they love color but worry about long-term trends, we can use neutral furniture with colorful accessories that can be changed over time.

This stage also helps me understand how confident the client feels in making design decisions. Some clients need a lot of guidance and visual examples, while others come prepared with inspirational photos or floor plans. Regardless of where they are, I adapt my approach to their comfort level.

Often, I invite clients to walk around the showroom with me and point out what they like even if they can’t explain exactly why. Observing what catches their eye gives me valuable clues about their taste and helps me visualize the direction their design might take.

The consultation isn’t just about collecting information; it’s about building trust. My goal is for clients to feel heard and understood from the very beginning.

Stage Two: The Home Visit

Once the consultation is complete and we have a sense of style and direction, the next step is the home visit. During the home visit, I take precise measurements of the room or rooms we’re designing. I also observe architectural details, wall colors, flooring, lighting, and the flow of traffic through space. Sometimes clients have open-concept homes where defining each area clearly is important; other times, the challenge is making smaller spaces feel open and functional.

I always bring samples of the items that clients are interested in. This allows us to compare them directly with the home’s finishes, such as flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and wall colors. Lighting can dramatically change how a material looks; something that appears warm in the store might look cooler under different lighting at home. Seeing materials in the real environment eliminates guesswork and ensures that every selection complements the existing finishes.

The home visit is also an opportunity to observe how the family uses their space. For instance, I might notice that a family always gathers near a window with a great view, which means seating should be oriented to preserve that feature. Or perhaps they need extra storage for blankets or toys, something we can address through ottomans or multifunctional furniture.

Sometimes, clients show us other rooms or areas they may want to update in the future. I take notes and measurements, even if it’s not part of the current project, so that when they are ready, we already have a foundation to build from.

Lastly, I take photographs and organize all notes, ensuring that every detail, from ceiling height to electrical outlets, is documented. This preparation stage saves time and prevents surprises later.

Stage Three: Preparation

Once I return to the store, the creative process begins. I organize all the information gathered from the consultation and home visit, then use AutoCAD and our design software to start building the 2D and 3D layouts.

Our 3D design program includes all our furniture pieces built to scale, which means I can accurately place items within the client’s floor plan. This allows me to test different arrangements and find the best layout in terms of comfort, proportion, and balance.

Usually, I create two or three layout options for each client. Sometimes one focuses on maximizing seating, another on creating an open and airy flow, and another on symmetry and aesthetics. Each option offers a slightly different solution to the same space, giving clients flexibility to choose what feels right for them.

Once the layouts are complete, I begin to refine the visual presentation. Selecting furniture models, fabrics, finishes, and accent pieces. I also consider lighting, rugs, and decor elements to help clients imagine a cohesive and complete look.

This stage is where creativity and technical skills come together. It’s not just about filling a room, it’s about creating a space that feels harmonious, functional, and inviting. The challenge is to translate the client’s words and preferences into a tangible vision they can see and fall in love with.

Stage Four: The In-Store Presentation

The presentation is the most exciting moment in the design process. Clients return to the store, and I walk them through their personalized design on a large screen. Seeing their own living room recreated in 3D with furniture scaled perfectly to fit, colors matched to their walls, and fabrics they selected — is often a “wow” moment for them.

During the presentation, I will explain each layout option and the reasoning behind my design choices. I highlight traffic flow, scale, lighting, and focal points, helping clients understand how every decision contributes to the overall balance of the space.

Clients share their feedback, and this becomes a collaborative conversation. They might love one layout but prefer a different fabric or color palette. We review alternatives together, making adjustments in real time. My goal is always to ensure they feel confident and excited about the final design.

When clients decide which pieces they’d like to move forward with, I prepare a drawing package, including 2D and 3D renderings of the final layout. This package serves as a visual reference and a keepsake that allows them to visualize their future space while waiting for their furniture to arrive.

A Typical Workday

While each project moves through these stages, my daily routine as an in-home designer changes constantly. No two days are the same and that’s what makes this job so rewarding.

A typical day might start with checking my calendar to review upcoming appointments. I might have a morning consultation with a new client, followed by a home visit in the afternoon, or a presentation later in the day. On quieter days, I spend time at my desk developing designs, updating drawings, and communicating with clients about progress or other details.

Throughout the day, I collaborate with our sales team, sharing updates or discussing product availability. Staying organized ensures that every project stays on track.

Sometimes, I meet clients who are nervous about making big design decisions. I see part of my role as helping them feel confident. Design should never feel intimidating, it should feel inspiring. When clients trust the process and see their ideas come to life, that’s when the magic happens

Why the Questions Matter

Every question I ask throughout the process has a purpose. Asking about colors, lifestyle, and preferences isn’t just small talk, it’s the foundation for a successful design.

If a client loves light, airy interiors, I’ll lean toward neutral bases and soft textures. If they prefer a bold, dramatic look, I’ll introduce rich tones and statement pieces. Understanding their daily habits such as where they like to relax, read, or entertain shapes the layout and furniture choices.

Even practical details like pets, children, or allergies influence design decisions. A family with a large dog may need durable, pet-friendly materials. A couple downsizing from a larger home may prioritize multifunctional furniture that maximizes space.

By asking these questions early, I can create a design that is not only beautiful but also practical and sustainable for the client’s lifestyle.

Design Philosophy

To me, great design is not just about aesthetics, it’s about the overall vibe I get from the atmosphere. A well-designed space should make you feel something the moment you walk in. It should reflect who you are and make everyday living easier and more enjoyable.

I believe in blending form and function. Furniture should not only look beautiful but also serve a purpose. Comfort, durability, and proportion are just as important as color and style.

Collaboration is at the heart of this process. I see my clients as partners in design. My role is to guide them, inspire them, and bring clarity to their ideas. When we work together openly, the results always exceed expectations.

The Reward

The most rewarding part of being an in-home designer is witnessing transformation not only in spaces but in how clients feel about their homes. Seeing their excitement during the presentation or receiving photos after delivery when everything has come together.

Every project, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity to improve someone’s daily life through thoughtful design. Whether I’m helping a young couple furnish their first home, updating a family’s living room, or assisting retirees to downsize comfortably, the goal is always the same: to create spaces that feel like home.

Conclusion

A day in the life of an in-home designer is creative, dynamic, and deeply personal. It’s about listening carefully, planning thoughtfully, and designing with intention. From the first consultation to the final presentation, each stage is guided by one goal to make the client’s vision a reality.

While the process follows a structure, consultation, home visit, and in-store presentation every project is unique. It adapts to the client’s needs, timeline, and lifestyle.

Designing homes is both an art and a service. It requires empathy, creativity, and precision. And at the end of each day, knowing that I’ve helped someone feel more comfortable, confident, and happy in their home is the greatest satisfaction of all.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience the La-Z-Boy Design Service, now is the perfect time to find out. Book a complimentary design consultation and see firsthand how our in-home designers bring ideas to life from the first conversation to the final reveal.

Hedi Mozaffari

In- Home Designer 

La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor 

Greater Vancouver