People often ask me what a day looks like in the life of an interior designer. Is it all cushion fluffing and fabric selections???
Well, to be honest, yes there’s definitely some of that (and I wouldn’t have it any other way!). But the reality involves a lot more problem-solving, site visits and logistics than most people expect.
So today, I thought I’d pull back the curtain and share what really happens in a typical day at EB Studio.
MORNING RITUALS
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of interior design and running a business, it’s that no two days are ever quite the same. While the morning walk with Louis is a non-negotiable, what follows is usually a mix of creative problem-solving, client collaboration, and yes – the occasional dash across Sydney in heels to a job site!
My Morning Must-Do’s:
- Quick email scan to catch any urgent client updates
- Review of the day’s schedule and site visits
- Tidy up of my own house (because I cannot stand coming back home to mess at the end of the day)
ON SITE & IN THE STUDIO
Mondays are an office admin day, this is where all the big things get ticked off my to do list so I can then be available for whatever the week throws at me after this.
Most mornings Tues-Fri start with a client consult or site visit, we like to do these as a team first thing in the morning so we’re fresh and ready to give our creative best. One of the places I’m at the most at the moment is @thepillars.au, where BIG works are in process.
I love these early site visits – there’s something special about walking through a space as it transforms. Plus it’s a great opportunity to collaborate with the builders and solve issues in advance.
Then it’s back to the studio, where it’s all about bringing designs to life.
Between finalising furniture selections, reps to learn more about new fabrics or finishes and putting the finishing touches on my new book launching this June (I can’t wait to share more about this one with you!). Plus all the business admin that goes with running a studio – meeting our accountants, planning a marketing strategy, collaborating with our web developer for website changes and so much more.
AFTERNOON TRANSFORMATIONS
Afternoons are a great time for finishing touches – and photoshoots!
Installation days are FULL (and intense!) but incredibly rewarding – every cushion placement, every artwork height, every small detail matters. But they’re usually wrapped up with a gorgeous photoshoot. Styling for photography is its own art form – what looks perfect in real life doesn’t always translate through the lens so I’m jumping between what’s happening in front of the camera and what’s happening behind it so I can make sure the pics paint the house in the best light.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way:
- Good design is equal parts creativity and problem-solving with a splash of logistics thrown in
- The best spaces evolve over time – they’re never truly “finished”
- Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective
- There’s no such thing as a design emergency, everything is figure-out-able!
- Details matter, but functionality always comes first for us at EB Studio
Between client projects and book writing, 2025 is a busy time for me – and the whole studio.
But I’m never too busy for a lap around the block with Louis!
Until next time,
Em x
P.S. Want more interior design tips and tricks? Check out my books “Home” and “Keeping House” – they’re packed with all my tried-and-tested decorating advice. And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram (@emma.blomfield) for daily inspiration!
