There are a lot of questions and misconceptions about hiring an interior designer or decorator.  One of the most common is how much it will actually cost to hire one.  Another is if hiring a professional is actually worth it.  Let’s see if we can’t shed some light on these two topics and share how we, at Decor Designs, charge for the services we provide and how they are beneficial for our clients.

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.

As with any contractor, before hiring an interior designer, it’s important to discuss his/her/their fee structure and ensure it aligns with your budget and the scope of your project. 

Master Bedroom After

At Decor Designs, our services are billed hourly.  We believe charging by the hour gives us the greatest flexibility to customize our services and fees to best meet the needs of our clients, while also staying on budget. 

During the project, we carefully log the time spent working for our clients.  This includes not only the time spent directly working on the task but also any time spent on related activities such as research, communication with the client, or project coordination.  We track material purchases in a similar fashion.  That way, at any given point, we can tell exactly how we’re doing on budget and if any adjustments need to be made.  

Hourly billing also allows us to take advantage of any “sweat equity” our clients are willing to invest in the project.  Our clients have the option of reducing how much they spend on our services by taking on certain parts of the project themselves to save time (and $$$ money) helping them stay closer to their preferred budget.

Of course, hourly billing also protects us from clients who might require additional time we fail to anticipate at the beginning of the project.  Overall, hourly billing is a fair and transparent way for us to charge for our services, providing flexibility and control for both our clients and us.

As to the question of worth, the answer, of course, depends on your ability to plan, shop and execute a space that is on par with the work a design professional can create.  Whether or not an interior designer is worth it depends on your specific needs, budget, and the complexity of the project. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Expertise: Interior decorators and designers bring expertise in space planning, color schemes, furniture selection, and overall aesthetics. If you’re not confident in your design skills or simply don’t have the time to devote to designing your space, hiring a professional can be valuable.

  2. Save Time: Designing a space can be time-consuming, especially if you’re starting from scratch or doing a major renovation. Interior designers can streamline the process by providing you with a comprehensive plan and handling many of the details for you.

  3. Resources: By the very nature of their work, designers are professional shoppers as well.  They acquire a vast knowledge of products and sources which may not be readily obvious to the general public.  This knowledge helps designers narrow down choices and find the best ways to elevate the look of your space while working within your desired budget.

  4. Avoid Costly Mistakes: Designers can help you avoid costly mistakes by ensuring that everything in your space works together harmoniously. This can prevent you from purchasing furniture or materials that end up not fitting or clashing with the overall design.

Honestly, in some cases, you may be able to achieve a satisfactory result on your own, especially for smaller projects or if you have a strong vision for your space.  There are also alternative options, such as hiring a design consultant for a one-time consultation and implementing those ideas on your own.  

Working with a designer or decorator is an intimate affair.  After all, they’re spending your money and touching your “stuff”.  As with any relationship, open communication and transparency is key. 

At Decor Designs, we work very hard to spend our client’s money like we’d spend our own.  We look for savings, where possible, while refusing to sacrifice on quality or the finished design.   In addition to saving our clients money and frustration, we strive to deliver beautiful spaces our clients will be proud of and enjoy sharing with friends and family for years to come.

If you’re still on the fence about asking for professional design help, give us a call.  We’d love to answer any questions or concerns which might be keeping you from having the beautifully designed home you deserve.

Happy Decorating from Decor Designs.  815-245-2433