What Does an Interior Designer Actually Do? – HMO Edition
If you’ve never worked with an interior designer, you might wonder what they do and whether they add value to your project. Many assume that designers just pick colours and cushions, but that’s like saying a baker just adds the icing to cakes, it’s one of the smallest parts of the role.
In reality, an interior designer can make a huge difference in your project by ensuring that the space looks great, functions well, and appeals to future buyers or tenants. Let’s explore the value an interior designer can bring and the specific tasks they handle throughout a renovation.
The Value of an Interior Designer
Let’s look at how having an interior designer can add value to your projects.
1. Strategic Planning and Vision
Before any work begins, an interior designer works with property owners to understand their vision for the space. A good designer doesn’t just focus on how things look now—they think about how the design will age, fit trends, and enhance the property’s value for resale or rent. Their ability to combine creativity with practical solutions makes them essential to any renovation project.
They’ll combine their knowledge of property design with their knowledge on amenity standards, HMO regulations and tenant demands to create a plan for your space that will appeal to your ideal tenant from day 1.
2. Consistent Style and Flow
During any project it’s easy for different parts of a property to feel disjointed. An interior designer ensures a cohesive look throughout, from flooring and wall finishes to furniture and lighting. This consistency gives the entire project a polished, high-end finish that helps your property or HMO stand out in the market.
3. Maximising Space and Functionality
Designers are experts in optimising space, whether it’s making the most of small rooms or finding smart storage solutions. In HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation), they balance the need for more rooms with the desire for stylish communal areas. This approach ensures the space works for future tenants while increasing rental income.
4. Adding Value to Your Property
An interior designer does more than make a property look nice—they help increase its value. From maximising your layouts to selecting finishes that maximise your budget to staging for sale or rent, their design choices can significantly boost your property’s market price or rental returns. They know where to invest for the best returns, ensuring your renovation budget is used wisely.
We’ve had HMO projects where a few tweaks to the layouts have resulted in over £100k being added to the end value of the property, so our involvement at this early stage isn’t to be underestimated.
Key tasks your interior designer will help with
Now let’s look at the specific areas where an interior designer gets involved during a renovation:
1. Space Planning and Layout Design
Designers assess the current layout and work with clients to create a more efficient design. This could involve moving walls, reconfiguring rooms, or simply rethinking the use of space. Designers create floor plans and 3D models to show how changes will look, ensuring the layout is functional and future-proof.
For HMO projects especially, this can be absolutely crucial to getting the whole flow of the house right.
2. Selecting Materials and Finishes
From flooring to taps and door handles, designers help select materials that will fit with the style required but maximise your budget. With their knowledge of products and trends, they recommend the best options that balance durability, style, and value.
3. Choosing Colour Schemes and Lighting
Designers carefully choose colour schemes that flow well between rooms and enhance natural light. They also design lighting plans that balance ambient, task, and accent lighting, creating the perfect atmosphere. Well-placed lighting can also highlight key features and make rooms more inviting.
We can even help with M&E drawings to make sure every light switch and plug socket is in the correct place for your tenant or buyers.
4. Sourcing Furniture and Accessories
Sourcing furniture and accessories can be time-consuming, especially when your budget is so important to the project. They choose pieces that match the aesthetic and function of the property, and often secure trade discounts, saving you money. Designers also take care of finishing touches, like artwork and soft furnishings, which can make the difference between an average property and one that sells quickly.
5. Communicating with Contractors
While not always the project manager, designers will communicate with contractors to ensure their vision is properly executed. They work closely with builders, electricians, and plumbers to make sure the design plan is followed and any issues are resolved, avoiding costly mistakes.
At Aben you’ll be provided a full design pack with decoration plans, flooring plans and all of the extra details and joinery specifications your builder needs to complete the project.
6. Staging the Property for Sale or Rent
Once the project is finished, a designer can stage the property to make it more appealing to buyers or tenants. They style each room to highlight its best features, making the space feel both aspirational and liveable. Well-staged properties tend to sell faster and for higher prices.
If you’d like us to include home staging or HMO staging in your quote then just ask!
Whether you’re doing a small renovation or a large-scale development, an interior designer is a valuable member of your team. They help create functional, beautiful spaces that increase property value and appeal to future occupants. From layout planning to selecting materials and staging, their role covers every aspect of the design process, ensuring the best results.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your next property project, book in a free discovery call to see what value we can add to your project. For more design tips and inspiration, sign up for our Interior Insights mailing list, where we share weekly advice tailored to property developers and investors.
