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House Beautiful spoke with interior designers about eight qualities that can shape how someone sees and improves a space. The experts said design work relies not only on taste, but also on curiosity, practical problem-solving, communication, empathy and organization. The traits are expert perspectives, not a formal test of design ability.
Interior design involves more than choosing attractive furniture or colors, according to designers interviewed in a House Beautiful report on eight traits associated with a design-minded eye. The experts pointed to qualities including curiosity, a defined but flexible sense of style, problem-solving, empathy and clear communication, describing them as useful habits rather than proof that someone is suited to the profession.
The report’s eight signs are an appreciation for everyday beauty, natural curiosity, a defined sense of style, an ability to see how design elements work together, problem-solving skills, strong gut instincts, empathy and good communication. Together, the list presents design as a combination of visual judgment and interpersonal and organizational skills.
Neal Beckstedt, founder of Neal Beckstedt Studio, said designers need to balance qualities that can seem at odds: creativity with practicality, free-thinking with organization, and listening with having a point of view. That balance matters in a job involving deadlines, budgets, contractors and clients, as well as unexpected changes during projects.
Several contributors emphasized that a design eye can be developed through experience. Michelle Gage of Michelle Gage Interiors recommended visiting museums and home shops, traveling and spending time around people interested in design. She also suggested magazines and books as accessible sources of inspiration, while cautioning that social media alone cannot replace seeing spaces and objects in person.
Design Is More Than Taste
The report broadens the popular idea that interior design is mainly about having good taste. A room must work for the people using it, fit practical constraints and reflect a client’s priorities—not just look cohesive in a photograph. That makes listening and communication part of the design process, alongside decisions about color, scale, texture and layout.
The distinction is useful for readers considering changes to their own homes. Paying attention to how a room feels and functions, noticing details and staying open to alternatives can inform everyday decisions, even without professional training. But the article does not present its list as a validated assessment or say that possessing these qualities qualifies someone to work as a designer.
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How the Eight Traits Fit Together
The report draws on comments from designers at several firms, including Cheryl Luckett of Dwell by Cheryl, Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs, Sarah Lederman of Sarah Lederman Interiors, Amy Studebaker of Amy Studebaker Design and Phil Norman of Norman Design Group. Their comments reflect professional experience and individual perspectives, rather than findings from a survey or academic study.
Luckett described noticing small details and understanding how colors, textures and layouts combine to create harmony and emotion. Hayslett said curiosity can help a designer recognize how a space feels and functions, while also spotting elements others might miss. These observations connect visual awareness with how people use a room.
The other traits address the demands of working with clients. Hayslett said projects can encounter layout issues, sourcing problems or budget limits, and that designers must adapt. Norman said empathy and listening help designers pick up on needs clients may not explicitly state. Studebaker described trusting her instincts when selecting materials, working with clients and making business decisions.
““Creative yet practical, free-thinking yet organized, and being a great listener yet opinionated are my top three must-haves.””
— Neal Beckstedt, founder of Neal Beckstedt Studio
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What the List Cannot Establish
The eight signs are expert observations gathered for a lifestyle report. The source does not describe a research method, a representative survey or a test measuring whether people with these traits perform better as designers. It also does not establish that the traits are exhaustive, or that everyone who has them would enjoy or succeed in the profession.
The report offers no specific way to measure qualities such as an “eye” for design or strong instincts. Those terms are subjective, and contributors may apply them differently. The advice about building a design sensibility is practical guidance from Gage, not evidence that a particular activity will produce a particular level of skill.
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Applying the Ideas at Home
Readers can use the list as a prompt to observe their own spaces: notice which areas feel comfortable or awkward, consider how furniture placement affects movement, and identify what details make a room feel personal. The report’s experts also suggest looking at design in person and learning from books, magazines and visits to museums or shops.
For anyone considering professional interior design, the article points to skills beyond visual taste: understanding client needs, communicating choices, organizing work and adjusting when budgets or sourcing plans change. House Beautiful’s report does not announce a formal program or next milestone; it offers expert guidance for readers interested in how designers approach spaces.
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Key Questions
What are the eight signs of thinking like an interior designer?
The report lists appreciation for everyday beauty, curiosity, a defined sense of style, an understanding of how design elements work together, problem-solving, gut instincts, empathy and communication.
Does having these traits mean someone can become an interior designer?
No. The list describes qualities designers interviewed by House Beautiful said are useful. It is not a formal qualification, aptitude test or guarantee of professional success.
Can someone develop a better eye for design?
Michelle Gage recommended seeking out design beyond a screen, including museums and home shops, and suggested books and magazines as alternatives. Her comments are expert advice, not a measured guarantee of results.
Why do designers need empathy and communication skills?
Designers work with clients who have different needs and desired outcomes. Phil Norman said listening can help a designer understand needs a client may not state directly, while other contributors emphasized adapting ideas to the client.
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