A Day in the Life of an Interior Designer

🕯️ A Day in the Life of an Interior Designer

What it's really like bringing dream spaces to life

Ever wondered what an interior designer actually does all day? Spoiler: it’s not just picking paint swatches and fluffing throw pillows (although we definitely love doing that too). At Adnam’s Designs, every day is a unique blend of creativity, problem-solving, planning, and hands-on decision-making. Here’s a peek into what a typical day looks like for me—from early-morning coffee to end-of-day design inspiration.

☀️ 7:30 AM – Morning Routine & Inbox Check

I always start the day with coffee and quiet time—usually reviewing emails and catching up on messages from clients, trades, and suppliers. It’s when I double-check my schedule, go over site progress updates, and prep for any design meetings. Organization is everything, especially when juggling multiple projects at once.

Tasks:

• Reviewing client inquiries

• Confirming product deliveries or trades on-site

• Prepping samples and presentations

🖊️ 9:00 AM – On-Site Visits or Client Meetings

Mornings are often dedicated to site visits. Whether it’s checking in on a renovation project or doing a walk-through with a new client, this part of the day is all about boots-on-the-ground progress.

Sometimes it’s confirming where lighting fixtures will hang, sometimes it’s walking through cabinetry installation or troubleshooting a hiccup with flooring—design is as much about creative vision as it is about managing the details.

Today’s Site Checklist:

• Confirm tile layout in master bath

• Measure for custom window treatments

• Walk-through with electrician

🖥️ 11:30 AM – Design Work at the Studio

Back at the office (or my home design studio), it’s time to focus. This is when I get into the creative zone—mood boards, layouts, selecting materials, and coordinating finishes.

Whether I'm sourcing tile for a kitchen reno or pulling together a full interior scheme for a new build, every decision is about creating a space that is timeless, functional, and uniquely tailored to the client.

Studio Work Might Include:

• CAD drawings or floorplan adjustments

• Selecting paint colors, hardware, or flooring

• Creating design boards for upcoming presentations

🥗 1:00 PM – Quick Lunch & Sourcing Run

Lunch is usually a working one—either catching up on admin, scrolling through new design releases, or heading out for a sourcing trip. I might visit local showrooms to view furniture in person, check samples for durability, or meet with suppliers to ensure product availability.

Sourcing Tasks:

• Visit tile and countertop suppliers

• Finalize fabric selections for custom drapery

• Review lighting lead times and pricing

📞 2:30 PM – Project Coordination & Communication

This is where the behind-the-scenes magic happens: coordinating timelines, checking in with contractors, updating clients on progress, and managing expectations.

Renovations and design projects are multi-layered, and keeping everything running smoothly means being available, clear, and proactive.

What This Can Include:

• Project timeline updates

• Budget reviews

• Calls with contractors or cabinet makers

• Sending updated mood boards to clients for approval

📐 4:00 PM – Creative Brainstorming & Inspiration

Late afternoons are often reserved for creative reset—scrolling through design inspiration, flipping through design books, organizing samples, and letting ideas marinate.

Every space we design should feel like home for the people who live in it. That means looking beyond trends and finding personal touches, subtle layers, and purpose-driven design details that make each project unique.

🕯️ 6:00 PM – Wrapping Up & Reflecting

At the end of the day, I review what was accomplished, prepare for tomorrow’s schedule, and often wind down with a quick walk or journaling session. Some nights include consultations with clients who work during the day—or catching up on drawings and plans after dinner.

The work is fast-paced and ever-evolving—but that’s what makes it so rewarding. No two days are the same, and every detail counts when you’re helping someone design a space that reflects who they are and how they want to live.

🖤 Why I Love What I Do

Designing spaces isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a feeling. Whether it’s a small change or a major renovation, each project is a collaboration, and I’m honored to help bring my clients' visions to life.

If you’re curious about starting your own design journey—or just love peeking behind the scenes—I hope this gave you a little glimpse into my world!

Let’s design something beautiful, functional, and completely you.

📩 Lyla.adnam@accesscomm.ca

🌐 www.adnamsdesigns.ca

📍 Serving Regina, Saskatchewan & Surrounding Areas