FAQs2026-05-05T16:21:53+00:00
Family Room design makeover
FAQs

You wouldn’t think twice about hiring a pro for plumbing, electrical or other home improvements, so why should your decor be any different? Working with a decorating professional helps you avoid costly mistakes and brings a level of detail and polish that might be hard to achieve on your own.

Still, there are plenty of misconceptions about what it’s really like to work with a decorator. Here are some of the questions we hear, again and again:

Frequently Asked

How much does it cost to hire an interior designer?2024-04-25T20:33:53+00:00

First, the cost of hiring an interior designer can vary widely depending on several factors such as experience, location, scope of the project, and level of customization required.  While every design professional sets his/her/their own pricing, here’s a breakdown of typical pricing structures:

  1. Hourly Rate: Many interior designers charge by the hour. Rates can range from $50 to $200 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and location.  Keep in mind that some designers may also have a minimum number of hours required for a project.
  2. Flat Fee or Fixed Rate: Some designers prefer to work on a project basis and will charge a flat fee or fixed rate for the entire project.  This fee is usually determined based on the size and complexity of the project.
  3. Percentage of the Project Cost: In some cases, designers may charge a percentage of the total project cost.  This percentage typically ranges from 10% to 30%, but can vary depending on the designer and the specifics of the project.
  4. Consultation Fee: Some designers may offer an initial consultation for a set fee, which can range from $100 to $500 or more. This fee may or may not be applied towards the total cost of the project if you decide to hire them

Read more in our recent blog post.

How long does it take to complete an interior design project?2024-04-25T20:35:54+00:00
Can I hire an interior designer if I have a small budget?2024-04-25T20:36:08+00:00
What is your fee structure?2026-05-05T16:04:57+00:00

We charge a flat hourly rate for consultations, planning, sourcing and installations with a two hour minimum for all consultations and installations.

Do you markup merchandise in addition to your hourly fee?2026-05-05T16:05:22+00:00

No. In fact, as an added benefit for our clients, we often share a portion of any applicable trade discount which may apply to items purchased on your behalf. While the discount varies by project and purchase at our discretion, you do our best to ensure you get products at the same or an even better price than you could have gotten them on your own.


Why do you charge by the hour rather than a set fee?2026-05-05T16:05:41+00:00

Every design project is different and some can be very fluid. Just ask anyone who’s done home improvement before. They’ll tell you, one change often leads to others. Charging hourly gives our clients the opportunity to customize our services to fit their needs and budget while also allowing us to anticipate ‘scope creep’ on our end. It also puts you in control, letting you decide where and how much support you need for your project. That way, you get guidance exactly when it matters most, without paying for time you don’t use.

How do you handle project budgets?2026-05-05T16:05:57+00:00

We will work with you to set a clear budget upfront then track spending closely and present options at different price points to stay on target without sacrificing the overall end result.

How long will the project take?2026-05-05T16:06:13+00:00

Timelines vary, but most projects range from a few weeks to a month or more for a single room but can be several months for larger projects. Because no two projects are the same, we’ll give you an estimated budget and timeline after your initial consultation. Things like supply delays or unexpected costs can affect the plan. But we’ll communicate any updates along the way to keep you informed and confident. We also track time and expenses as we go so there aren’t any surprises at the end.

Can you work with my existing furniture and other cherished accents?2026-05-05T16:06:35+00:00

Absolutely! We love incorporating pieces you already own, giving them a fresh, new look that blends seamlessly with any updated furniture or décor we may add. Combining old and new instantly makes the final design feel both refreshed, yet familiar.

What if my stuff isn’t good enough?
2026-05-05T16:06:52+00:00

Stuff is just stuff, no matter what it costs. If you think about it, what truly matters isn’t how much you spend, but how thoughtfully you use what you buy. We do believe everyone deserves a beautiful home. And we’re here to help you make the most of the “stuff” you already own or can afford to replace so your home always looks its very best!

What is the difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer?2026-05-05T16:07:07+00:00

Interior decorators primarily focus on aesthetics (think fixtures/finishes) like furniture, color, layering and styling etc…while interior designers are also trained and licensed to handle structural changes.

How would you define your design style?2026-05-05T16:07:22+00:00

While every person (including design professionals) has his/her own taste and style, the best decorators are the ones who help their clients refine their own style and bring that vision to life. The fundamentals of good design apply to every style. So, we strive to provide a beautifully layered look with close attention to the details that reflect our client’s personality throughout.

Do I have any control of what we do or buy?2026-05-05T16:07:37+00:00

Of course! You’re always in control, start to finish. Our job is to learn your style, understand your goals, and help bring your vision to life. We ask plenty of questions, along the way, so we can lead you confidently toward a result that feels polished, personal, and truly yours.

What is included in a full-service design?
2026-05-05T16:07:53+00:00

Everything from concept development and space planning to sourcing, ordering, installation, and final styling.

Can you recommend builders or contractors?2026-05-05T16:08:07+00:00

Referrals to outside vendors can be tricky (for obvious reasons). While we do have relationships with several trusted, local professionals we can recommend for your project, we want to make sure they are the right fit for your project. Of course, we’re also happy to work with contractors you’ve chosen.

How often will we communicate during the project?2026-05-05T16:08:23+00:00

We communicate as needed, providing regular updates and check-ins after key milestones during the project (furniture deliveries etc…)

What happens if I don’t like the final design?2026-05-05T16:08:39+00:00

Working with a design professional requires a great deal of trust and is an inherently personal relationship. Good communication and clear expectations are keys to a successful outcome. We’re always gathering information and feedback, along the way, to refine the design as we go. In the end, we offer a 72-hour return policy for any items you may want to return or revisit.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) bots can give me design advice and even create realistic room mockups for me. So, why would I hire an interior decorator?2026-05-05T16:08:54+00:00

While AI can generate ideas, a professional decorator brings experience, intuition, and the ability to fully tailor a space to your lifestyle. Remember that designers don’t just design. We solve real-world challenges, pay attention to the infinite details of a project and ensure everything comes together both beautifully and functionally. AI can definitely offer ideas and provide visual aids. However, it cannot replace a trained eye, hands-on experience, actual decorating or the ability to manage a project from concept to completion. A professional decorator delivers a finished space…not just ideas.

How are you different from the FREE design help they offer at the local furniture store?2026-05-05T16:09:09+00:00

While the best things in life are free, everything else worthwhile comes with a price. “Free” advice is rarely free in the long run. The associates at home stores are trained to sell products, not necessarily to design. They may or may not have any formal training, experience, or a true eye for design. While they can offer their opinion, their job is ultimately to make a sale.

Will I have a big reveal like they do on TV?2026-05-05T16:09:27+00:00

Absolutely! While you might get a few sneak peeks along the way, we love a big “reveal” just as much as our clients do. Working behind the scenes lets us be creative and relaxed! Trust us, it will look a little messy before it looks amazing. Our goal is for you to walk in and see every detail just as perfect as we intended. We call it “party pretty”!

Making the Most of Your Good TasteTM

Whether you’re choosing the perfect paint color, selecting new fixtures and finishes, rearranging or replacing furniture, hanging artwork or styling with cherished accessories, we help do it all!

Go to Top