Hello. After a lot of consideration (and extensive amount of research), I need to get something out of my chest.
Listen, I am no expert, but as someone who loves interior design, I used to believe that the passion was solely about aesthetic appeal.
The kind of picture-perfect spaces you see in glossy magazines or on Pinterest.
Flawlessly styled homes, luxurious hotels, trendy cafés, etc etc. I believed a good interior design was simply about creating spaces that make you stop, stare, and snap a picture.
But with social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, everyone suddenly became an ‘expert.’
Whenever I opened these noxious apps, there was always someone ready to share their interior design tips.
More often than not, the advice felt repetitive, revolving around nothing more than a trendy colour palette they “predicted” (um, who are you again?).
They begin discussing how to replicate celebrity homes they recently viewed in Architectural Digest or on Pinterest, offering their opinions on why these styles could become the next major trend in the industry.
But here’s the thing: most of these so-called ‘experts’ barely scratch the surface of what interior design truly is.
There, I said it.
Even professional interior designer Kimberlee Marie, whose works has been featured on The Wall Street Journal and The Seattle Times challenged the common belief held by influencers that interior design is just a hobby.
She pointed out that many people don’t realise that interior designers operate as full-service firms.
She said, “With the rise of social media, I think there are a lot of wrong preconceived notions that this is simply a hobby for most and that it’s really just about picking paint, fabrics, and some pillows for the sofa.”
We’re all guilty of making snap judgments about spaces, true. If a room has statement furniture, expensive countertops, or a perfectly curated aesthetic, we label it as ‘beautiful.’
We’ll walk into a café, take one quick look around, and dismiss it as ‘boring’ because it doesn’t match our personal taste.
That’s a shallow way to view design, and frankly, it’s unfair.
How often do we stop to think about the process behind it?
How often do we consider the people who brought those spaces to life, the challenges they faced, or the meticulous planning involved?
Hardly ever.
As a writer, I was trained to see things through different lenses. And honestly, I wish I had learned sooner about the reality of interior design.
About a year ago, I left the world of luxury-lifestyle writing and stepped into PropTech—a fast-growing industry that blends property, digital marketing, and technology.
Suddenly, I wasn’t just analysing interior design; I become a part of the industry that creates it.
Working closely with property developers, researching designers, and collaborating with architects has broadened my perspective in ways I never imagined.
It made me understand that interior design is so much more than choosing trendy furniture and coordinating colours that meet your taste. Plus, you’ve got to consider your client’s needs, too.
There are times when your ideas might clashes with the people you’re working with. It’s not a walk in the park.
Interior designing is about putting functionality, comfort and practicality above anything else. And, most importantly, the people who bring it all together.
Think about it. That boutique hotel lobby you love? Someone meticulously designed the lighting to make it feel both cosy and elegant.
That Instagrammable café? Someone carefully planned the seating layout to maximise capacity without making it feel cramped.
That dream apartment that’s the perfect balance of modern and homey? Someone had to juggle design and budget constraints while ensuring it felt like a sanctuary.
Before a space even begins to take shape, there are countless hours of planning, problem-solving, and decision-making involved.
Where should the furniture go?
What materials are durable and cost-effective?
How do you make the space feel warm yet functional?
Designers wrestle with these questions long before they get to the ‘fun’ part. And the craziest part? Nothing ever goes exactly as planned.
Not to mentioned, there are delays. Budget cuts. Last-minute material changes. Unexpected structural issues.
Interior design isn’t just about creativity—it’s about adaptability, problem-solving, and resilience at every step.
So, it frustrates me when self-proclaimed experts on social media make it look effortless.
Aesthetic TikTok room makeovers, quick DIY hacks, and curated ‘before and after’ reveals create the illusion that anyone can be an interior designer.
Okay, I love a good DIY project. Who doesn’t? But a good interior design requires skill, knowledge, and years of experience.
Just because you have over 20k of followers, doesn’t mean you’re eligible to throw out predictions, ideas and do’s and don’ts.
Don’t get me wrong. Being a fan of interior design and staying updated on trends is not the same as, “Five colour I will not use If I were an interior designer.” Excuse me? Who are you to decide?
Interior design is a profession—one that demands just as much expertise and dedication as any other field.
And the people behind these industry? They’re more than just artists.
They’re problem-solvers, strategists, and visionaries who pour their creativity, emotions, and energy into making a space come alive.
Like Kelly Wearstler who began her career modestly in the mid-90s. To date, she has completed significant projects for the Viceroy hotel chain and is now the design partner for the Proper Hotel Group.
Her impressive portfolio features luxury residential designs for well-known clients like Gwen Stefani, Jessica Alba and Wolfgang Puck.
The New York Times recognised her as one of the designers who reintroduced “the decorative back to interior design,” with her own style described as romantic.
With nearly 30 years in the game, Kelly Wearstler has set the standard for many interior designers.
Do you think the industry would accept a stay-at-home influencer passing judgment on her extensive body of work? I think not!
Or Michelle Nussbaumer, a respectful designer with a very expressive preferences.
Her design style, which she calls ‘wanderlust-maximalism’, is both adventurous and experiential.
Nussbaumer’s work reflects the rich cultural heritage found around the world. When putting together furnitures, she incorporates bold colors from the architecture of Mexico, traditional patterns from Indonesia, and intricate tapestries and tilework from North Africa and nearby areas.
Her designs bring the unique of art discovery into everyday living spaces.
And oh boy, I wish these designer received the recognition they deserves.
To conclude, not everyone can be an interior designer, no matter how many Pinterest mood boards you create. It’s not as straightforward as that.
You have to know about space, how things work, and how people behave, along with many other factors that need a long-term perspective.
Interior designing is essential to our daily lives, influencing how we feel, work, and interact within a space.
This is a PSA to all overnight influencers who believe they can share their opinions on interior design in 2-3 minutes video without actual knowledge.
Also, a reminder to all writers and editors to not blindly follow influencer trends and hastily pass judgment on interior design simply because Jessica on TikTok said it so.
The next time you walk into a beautifully designed space, take a moment to appreciate the work that went into it.
Because real design isn’t just about what meets the eye—it’s about the thought, care, and expertise that shape the world around us.
End of my confession (and discussion).
What can we do to prevent these influencers from discussing topics they are unqualified to address?
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