Why the Brief Matters
The quality of your design outcome is directly linked to the quality of your brief. A clear, structured brief helps designers understand your requirements, respond with relevant proposals, and price accurately. A vague brief leads to miscommunication, redesigns, and wasted time for everyone.
This guide provides a practical template you can use when approaching designers — or when submitting your project through Interior Design Hampstead's matching service.
Essential Information to Include
1. Property Details
Start with the basics: property type (terrace, semi-detached, flat, detached house), approximate size or number of rooms, age and architectural style (Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, modern), location and postcode (e.g. NW3, NW6, NW8), current condition (recently renovated, original condition, partially updated), and whether the property is in a conservation area or listed.
For NW London properties, conservation area status and Article 4 directions are particularly relevant as they may constrain material choices and external changes. See conservation area interior design guide.
2. Project Scope
Be specific about what you want designed. Is this a whole-home project or specific rooms only? Which rooms are included? Are structural changes planned (walls removed, extensions, loft conversions)? Is the kitchen and/or bathroom included? Are you commissioning bespoke joinery? Do you need furniture sourcing or will you handle that yourself?
The more precise you are, the more accurate the designer's response will be.
3. Budget Range
Designers need a budget indication to propose appropriate solutions. You do not need to commit to an exact figure, but a range is essential. Include your approximate total budget, whether the budget includes or excludes build works, and whether you have a separate furniture budget.
If you are unsure what is realistic for your scope, say so — an experienced designer can advise on whether your budget aligns with your aspirations and suggest adjustments where needed.
4. Timeline
When do you want the project completed? Key timeline information includes your ideal start date, any fixed deadlines (e.g. moving in date, school term start), and whether you will be living in the property during works.
5. Style Direction
Give the designer clues about your aesthetic preferences. This does not need to be a detailed mood board at this stage. Consider describing rooms or spaces you admire (reference specific examples if possible), colours you are drawn to or want to avoid, how formal or relaxed you want the space to feel, whether you prefer a cohesive look across rooms or distinct character per room, and any items you want to keep and design around.
6. Practical Requirements
Cover the functional aspects: number of people living in the home, children's ages if relevant (affects durability requirements), pets (affects fabric and flooring choices), home working requirements, storage priorities, and any accessibility needs.
7. Constraints and Non-Negotiables
Note anything the designer must not change or must accommodate: original features to retain (fireplaces, cornicing, floor tiles), planning restrictions, budget caps on specific items, and materials you want to avoid (e.g. no wallpaper, no carpet).
Template Summary
Use this checklist when writing your brief:
- Property: type, size, age, location, conservation status
- Scope: rooms included, structural changes, joinery, furniture
- Budget: total range, what it includes/excludes
- Timeline: ideal start, completion deadline, occupancy during works
- Style: references, colour preferences, formality level
- Practical: household size, ages, working from home, storage needs
- Constraints: features to retain, planning restrictions, material exclusions
Submitting Through Interior Design Hampstead
When you use our matching platform, the submission form captures the essential briefing information. We review your brief, add context based on local property knowledge, and match you with designers whose specialism and availability align with your project.
The more detail you provide in the brief, the better the match.