How to Proactively Address and Handle the Most Common Interior Design Client Complaints

Every interior designer has been there—you’re deep into a project, feeling good about the progress, and then BAM—a frustrated email lands in your inbox, or a not-so-pleasant phone call comes through. Maybe the client feels out of the loop, has sticker shock, or suddenly wants to change everything. These moments can be stressful, but they’re also preventable—or at the very least, manageable with grace and professionalism.

Over the years, we’ve gathered insights from working interior designers about the most common client pain points and complaints. After hearing the same frustrations repeatedly and seeing common patterns emerge, we realized that most designers—at some point—will experience these, and that’s why we wanted to share them with you to help you avoid unnecessary headaches!

So, whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro looking for smoother projects, here’s how to get ahead of these common complaints before they happen—or handle them better if they already have appeared.

1. "I Had No Idea It Would Cost This Much!"

The Problem: Budget surprises are one of the biggest frustrations for clients. Even when they say they understand the costs upfront, they often get sticker shock when invoices start rolling in.

Proactive Solution: Be painfully clear about the budget from day one. Provide a detailed cost breakdown, not just a ballpark figure. Explain where their money is going and include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. A transparent, well-documented pricing structure (and a clear contract!) can save you from awkward conversations down the line.

How to Handle It: If a client is shocked by the cost mid-project, calmly review the breakdown again, pointing out agreed-upon expenses. If necessary, remind them of the contingency plan and discuss any cost-saving adjustments that don’t compromise the design.

2. "The Project Is Taking Longer Than Expected."

The Problem: Clients often don’t understand how long quality design takes, and delays (which are almost inevitable) can lead to frustration.

Proactive Solution: Set expectations early! When presenting the project timeline, build in buffer time for unexpected delays. Communicate consistently—weekly updates via email or a shared project tracker can keep clients informed and reassured that things are still moving forward.

How to Handle It: If a client is frustrated about delays, acknowledge their concerns and explain the reason (e.g., supply chain issues, custom orders). Offer a revised timeline and, if possible, a temporary solution (such as a loaner piece or alternative selection).

3. "I Feel Out of the Loop."

The Problem: Clients can sometimes feel like they’re left in the dark, unsure of what’s happening or when they’ll see progress.

Proactive Solution: Regular check-ins are key! Set up a predictable schedule for updates—whether it’s a weekly email, a shared design board, or a quick call. Even if there’s nothing major to report, a simple “Here’s where we are this week” keeps them engaged and reassured.

How to Handle It: If a client expresses frustration about communication, apologize for the gap and immediately set up a more structured update system moving forward. Offer to increase updates for their peace of mind.

4. "I Don’t Like That—Can We Change It?"

The Problem: Clients second-guessing decisions mid-project can cause major headaches, especially when items have been custom-ordered or installed.

Proactive Solution: Help clients feel confident in their decisions by providing detailed mood boards, samples, and 3D renderings before anything is finalized. Also, include a revision policy in your contract so clients understand when changes are possible—and when they aren’t.

How to Handle It: If a client wants a change after finalization, remind them of the revision policy and explore compromise solutions (e.g., styling tweaks instead of major replacements). If it’s non-negotiable for them, provide the cost implications upfront.

5. "This Isn’t What I Imagined."

The Problem: Sometimes, a client’s vision and the final result don’t align, leading to disappointment (and a tough conversation for you!).

Proactive Solution: Over-communicate the design intent. Walk clients through visual presentations, material samples, and inspiration images so they can clearly envision the outcome. Encourage feedback early and often to ensure alignment.

How to Handle It: If a client is unhappy with the result, listen first and pinpoint the disconnect. Offer styling tweaks or minor adjustments where possible, but also gently remind them of the approved plans and previous discussions.

6. "Why Am I Paying for This When I Could Just Buy It Myself?"

The Problem: Clients may not understand the value of designer-sourced products versus what they see online at major retailers.

Proactive Solution: Educate your clients on the benefits of trade-only resources—better quality, unique options, and the expertise that comes with your selections. Show them the difference between custom, high-quality furnishings, and mass-produced alternatives so they see the added value.

How to Handle It: If a client pushes back, explain the hidden value of professional sourcing, including durability, customization, and your access to better pricing. If needed, compare side-by-side with retail options to illustrate the difference.

7. "I Thought That Was Included."

The Problem: Misunderstandings about the scope of work can lead to frustration when clients assume certain tasks or services are part of the package.

Proactive Solution: Define everything in the contract. Walk them through what is (and isn’t) included in your services, and provide a detailed scope of work before the project begins. If additional work arises, make sure they approve an add-on agreement before moving forward.

How to Handle It: If a client is caught off guard, calmly reference the contract and explain the scope. Offer to adjust the package with a change order if they’d like to add the service.

8. "I’m Not Happy With the Communication."

The Problem: Every client has different expectations when it comes to communication, and mismatched styles can lead to dissatisfaction.

Proactive Solution: Set communication preferences early. Some clients love emails, others prefer quick texts or scheduled calls. Establish the best way to keep in touch and set boundaries for response times so expectations are clear from the start.

How to Handle It: If a client feels unheard, ask for their preferred communication method and adjust accordingly. If necessary, increase touchpoints temporarily to rebuild trust.

Wrapping It Up: A Smoother Client Experience Starts with You

The key to avoiding client complaints isn’t just fixing problems when they arise—it’s proactively setting expectations, communicating effectively, and keeping clients informed every step of the way. When you do, projects run smoother, clients are happier, and you can focus on creating those stunning spaces!

If you’ve run into any of these challenges (or have a tip that’s worked for you), let us know!

xx, Danae

P.S. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by client communication, need better systems in place, or just want to streamline your workflow, consider hiring an Elite Virtual Design Assistant (VDA). Our seasoned experts handle client communication with professionalism, address complaints proactively, and keep projects moving forward seamlessly—giving you peace of mind and more time for creative work.

---

Mastering Client Emails: A Business Toolkit + Mini Guide for Interior Designers

$25.00

Also, check out our Mastering Client Emails Business Toolkit and Mini Guide—a must-have resource for interior designers looking to improve their email communication with clients!

What Does It Really Mean to "Educate" Your Clients?

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

When you hear the phrase "educate your clients," does it conjure images of standing at a chalkboard, diagramming the difference between a loveseat and a settee? Or maybe, you picture a client nodding eagerly as you cover the finer points of fabric durability? (Spoiler: it’s neither of these.) Educating your clients isn’t about lecturing; it’s about giving them the confidence to make decisions and the clarity to trust yours. 

Here’s the thing: interior design can feel overwhelming for those new to it. Most clients walk in with a Pinterest board full of dreams and a vocabulary that maxes out at “modern farmhouse.” They want the magic but aren’t always sure how it’s made. That’s where you come in—not to play professor, but to guide them through the process with a little patience, a lot of insight, and just enough humor to keep it from feeling like a chore.

The Balance Between Informative and Intuitive

Your clients don’t need a masterclass in lighting fixtures or upholstery techniques (though you’d absolutely crush teaching one). What they need is a high-level understanding of how your decisions will improve their lives and their spaces. Instead of overwhelming them with jargon, find the sweet spot: enough information to build trust without derailing the conversation into minutiae.

For example, if a client asks why you’re recommending a wool rug, skip the technical rundown of fiber resilience. Instead, try this: “Wool holds up beautifully over time, even in high-traffic areas, and it’s easier to clean when life happens—because it always does.” Boom. You’ve addressed their curiosity, given them a practical reason to agree, and left them feeling like you’ve got their back.

Anticipate the FAQs

Part of educating your clients is staying one step ahead. Think about the questions you’ve been asked a hundred times before:

• “Why is this so expensive?”

• “How long will it take?”

• “Can we just DIY this part?”

Instead of waiting for these to pop up (often at the least convenient moment), weave the answers into your initial conversations. Transparency—about timelines, budgets, and what’s realistically possible—goes a long way in building trust. When clients feel informed, they’re far less likely to balk at a quote or a lead time later on.

Teach Without Preaching

Nobody likes a know-it-all, even when they really do know it all. The trick is to share your expertise without making your client feel like they’re out of their depth. Avoid saying things like, “Actually, that’s not how it works,” or, “You’re wrong about that.” Instead, reframe your response: “I see why you’d think that—a lot of people do. But here’s why this approach might work better for your space.”

By validating their perspective first, you’re keeping the conversation collaborative rather than corrective. This approach builds rapport and shows that you value their input, even if it’s a little off-base.

Show Them the Process

Clients often come to you without a clear understanding of how much a renovation or furnishings can cost, nor how design fees or mark-ups work. While you don’t need to tell them all of your backend operations, a little transparency goes a long way. Breaking down costs in an approachable way helps them see the value in each element and reduces sticker shock later.

You can also let them see what goes into the decisions you’re making. This doesn’t mean sharing every single email with vendors, but it can mean walking them through your mood boards or showing them how you’ve narrowed down options for their project.

For instance, if you’re proposing a custom-built shelving unit, explain why the measurements matter and how it’ll elevate their storage game. “This is designed to perfectly fit your collection of antique cameras and leave room for a few books or decorative accents. It’ll keep things looking intentional rather than cluttered.” Now they’re not just hearing “custom shelving”—they’re picturing the end result and understanding the “why” behind it.

Humor Is Your Secret Weapon

Let’s face it: there will be moments when your client’s eyes glaze over, especially during discussions about lead times or budget breakdowns. That’s when a well-placed joke or lighthearted comment can save the day. Humor makes you approachable and reminds your clients that, at the end of the day, this process should be fun. After all, they’re creating a home, not enduring a tax audit. 

For example, if a client groans about how long it’ll take to get their dream sofa, you might say, “I know…but hey, it’ll give us plenty of time to debate throw pillow colors.” It’s a small thing, but it keeps the tone light and the relationship strong.

Educating your clients is about empowerment. It’s about giving them the tools to appreciate and maintain the space you’ve created together while helping them see the value of your expertise. And when they understand the value of what you’re bringing to the table, they’ll trust you to do what you do best.

xx, Danae