You’ve been dreaming about this space for a while. Maybe it started with a few saved images on Instagram, a walk through a showhome, or a quiet moment in your kitchen wondering if things could feel better—more functional, more you. Or maybe you’re in the thick of it already, the decisions are starting to pile up, and you’re asking yourself the big question: Should I bring in a designer?

I understand how personal this decision can be. Your home is where your day begins and where it winds down. It’s where you make coffee, welcome friends, and find a quiet moment to breathe. Whatever design you take on should support those moments, not get in the way.

In this post, I share the most common reasons people come to Lori Sellmer Design, and what to consider if you’re wondering whether now might be the right time.

You Want a Space That Feels Like You

One of the biggest concerns people have when hiring a designer is losing that sense of “home.” Will it still reflect who I am? Will it work for how we actually live? Will the designer take over?

I get it. And the short answer is: not here.

At Lori Sellmer Design, we’re not here to imprint our style or create something that looks staged. We’re here to help you shape a space that feels unmistakably yours.

It Starts With How You Want to Feel

I always begin with questions rather than images. Design language can mean different things to different people.

That’s why I start by asking how you want your home to feel. Do you picture something calm and serene? Full of energy? A space to host, a space to retreat, or a bit of both?

Once that’s understood, we’ll start looking at images together. Not to prescribe a style, but to explore what resonates. It’s less about labels, more about uncovering a look and feel that's natural to you.

We Don’t Start from Scratch

Styling isn’t about wiping the slate clean. We don’t want to get rid of all the great things that make your home yours. We ask you to pull out all the things that matter most to you—travel mementos, family heirlooms, that old rocking chair passed down to you from a grandparent. These pieces carry your history and meaning, and we weave them into the design, so they stay part of your home, and part of what gets passed down.

You Want to Get It Right the First Time

Most people start by trying to figure it out themselves. It’s natural to want to take it on, and think, how hard can it be?

When you’re trying to manage it on your own, it adds up fast—the custom sofa that didn’t fit through the door, the weekends lost to showroom visits and online searches, the feeling of being buried under a hundred small decisions.

That’s where my team and I come in. We filter through what's out there and bring forward only what fits your space, your needs, and your style, so you’re never overwhelmed with too many choices. We’re here to take the pressure off, simplify each decision, and explain the thinking behind every recommendation so you can move forward with confidence.

Making the Most of Your Time

Sourcing furniture, coordinating trades, managing deliveries can quietly take over your calendar. And when you’re already balancing work, family, or a renovation in motion, time disappears fast.

That’s where experience matters. We know where to go, what to look for, and how to bring it all together in a way that feels organized and seamless. Instead of chasing details, you can stay focused on the bigger picture.

Choosing What Endures

When the time comes to make a decision, we help you focus your budget where it counts. A classic sofa in a timeless fabric? Absolutely. Trendy hardware or throw pillows you can swap out later? That’s where you can play around. Small touches you can switch over time.

You’re Not the Only Voice in the Room

A big part of what we do is advocate for you.

You might have a clear vision for your home—but communicating that to a contractor, an architect, or even your partner isn’t always easy. Maybe you know how you want the space to feel, but not the right terminology to explain it. Without the right support, it’s easy to feel like your ideas are being overlooked—or worse, dismissed.

We help bridge that gap, so you don’t lose momentum—or your voice—in the process.

Helping the Team See Your Vision

In one home, our client wanted to relocate a bathtub faucet so it would feel more intuitive and elegant in the space. But the contractor initially said it couldn’t be done. Once we walked the team through the design, showing how it could be accessed cleanly through the cabinetry, they agreed. What made the difference was having someone who could speak their language—someone who understood the technical side and could still hold the bigger picture in mind.

Finding Common Ground With Your Partner

The same goes for couples who come in with different styles or priorities. We’re not there to choose sides. We’re there to listen, ask the right questions, and help you find common ground. Together, we shape a direction that feels right for both of you, making space for each voice and keeping decisions clear and focused.

You’re Still Not Sure if It’s the Right Time

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you call a designer. In fact, that’s one of the best reasons to reach out early.

The earlier we’re involved, the smoother everything goes. We help you make smart decisions from the start, avoid backtracking, and build a team that’s aligned from day one. So if you’re thinking about reaching out, trust that instinct. We’d love to hear where you’re at, and help you figure out what’s next.

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