Hard Finishes vs. Soft Furnishings: Why It Matters When Choosing a Designer
If you’ve ever hired—or thought about hiring—an interior designer, you’ve probably discovered that “interior design” can mean a lot of different things. Some designers help you choose furniture and drapes. Others, like me, focus on the structural and architectural elements of your space. Clients often come to me asking for help with throw pillows or sofas, and while I appreciate a good textile as much as the next person, it’s not the kind of design I do.
So let’s break it down.
What Are Soft Furnishings?
Soft furnishings (also sometimes referred to as FF&E: furniture, fixtures & equipment) are the decorative and movable pieces in a space. These are the things that make a room feel finished and lived-in, and they typically include:
Rugs and curtains
Pillows and upholstery
Paint colors
Lamps and decorative lighting
Beds, chairs, and sofas
Designers who specialize in soft furnishings help clients create a cohesive style and bring personality and warmth into a space. This often comes later in the design process, once the structural elements are finalized.
What I Focus On: Hard Finishes and Renovation Planning
My work lives in a different phase of the process. I focus on the architectural layer of interior design for renovations—especially kitchens and bathrooms. These are the parts of your space that get measured, installed, tiled, plumbed, and built in.
Here’s what that includes:
Cabinet design and functional layout
Plumbing fixture selection and placement
Tile and grout layout, patterning, and materials
Wall elevations and 2D/3D room plans
Integration of architectural elements like paneling, trim, or built-ins
This is foundational design—decisions that impact how your space functions, how it flows, and how it comes together during construction.
Why This Distinction Matters in Your Remodel
Soft and hard design elements both matter—but they come at different stages of a project and require different skill sets.
Think of it this way:
If you're planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, you need to know where the plumbing, cabinets, and lighting will go long before you think about what barstools to buy. That’s where I come in—ensuring your space is thoughtfully designed, beautifully detailed, and ready for construction.
Once that layer is complete, a designer who focuses on soft furnishings can help with color stories, styling, and sourcing pieces that make your space feel like home.
Where My 3D Rendering Service Bridges the Gap
One of the most powerful tools I offer is 3D renderings for kitchen and bathroom remodels. Even though I specialize in hard finishes, I can incorporate any paint colors, curtains, or furniture ideas you've already selected—whether you picked them on your own or with another designer.
This ability to visualize both the architectural layout and your soft furnishing choices helps you see the full picture of your finished space before construction begins. It’s an incredibly helpful way to feel confident in your decisions and ensure everything works together beautifully.
Not Sure What Kind of Interior Design Help You Need?
No problem. If you're unsure whether your project calls for hard finishes, soft furnishings—or both—I'm happy to talk it through. I’ll let you know if your scope aligns with what I do, and if not, I can point you to someone amazing who can help.
Want to get started?
Tell me about your project. If we’re a fit, we’ll kick things off with an initial design meeting and a clear roadmap inside your personalized project site.
Let’s build something beautiful—and functional.
