I interviewed my cousin, who is an interior designer at a luxury residential interior design company.

Can you walk me through your process when designing a space for a client?

First, we focus on understanding what the client wants: how they intend to use the space, what tones and colours they are drawn to, and what their personal style is. We also consider the layout — types of furniture and where it should be placed. After gathering all this information, our team collaborates to develop design concepts. We then pitch the final design to the client for approval.

How often do clients request changes after a design is completed?

"All the time!" It's rarely an issue with the original design itself; clients often change their minds once they see the design come to life. Revising designs can be a very time-consuming process.

What are the biggest challenges when selecting wall materials, colours, or textures?

We use a lot of wallpaper, and sometimes it’s hard for clients to envision the final look. That said, walls are generally one of the easier parts of a design project because they serve as the foundation of the room.

How often do homeowners want to change their interiors (seasonally, every few years, etc.)?

Most clients aim to design their "forever home," so they prefer to get it right the first time. However, trends change, and some homeowners might want updates every 5–10 years.

What are the most common reasons clients want to update their walls?

New trends are the biggest motivator.

Are there any specific colours, textures, or finishes that people request most often?

Almost everyone seems to dislike green. Velvet is also unpopular because it’s not very durable. Many clients prefer painted walls or paneling. Personally, I encourage them to consider wallpaper — it adds a lot of character.

Have you seen an increase in demand for smart or adaptive home features?

Yes, there’s definitely interest. However, these features often end up breaking or causing problems. While we wouldn’t discourage a client if that’s what they want, the technology isn't fully reliable yet, and mistakes are more common. The idea is promising, but the execution still has a long way to go.

How important is sustainability when choosing design materials? Would smart walls be more appealing if they reduce waste compared to traditional remodelling?

Sustainability isn’t the first thing clients or designers think about when starting a project, but it’s definitely important. Smart walls that reduce waste sound very appealing once you think it through.

How would you prefer to control a feature like smart walls?

I would want to control it via my phone.