It’s a common question. I would love to be able to give a quick answer that applies to every situation, but the honest answer is…it depends. There are several factors that affect pricing so it is just not possible to make a determination without seeing your home and/or project. Every home is unique, and requires an individual assessment.
And, while understanding what design services will cost is important when you hire an interior designer, what you are really looking for is someone who can relate to you and take your vision, style, and needs to create the space of your dreams. You may be surprised to learn interior designers have skills far beyond picking out pillows, sofas and paint colors (even though we enjoy those areas of design as well!), making their services more valuable than you had originally considered. They have extensive experience in interior space planning to create design visuals to share their vision of your space, they work with you on the selection of materials and finishes, they work directly with contractors and sub-contractors to ensure the design is implemented according to plan and they manage the project budget. They have an extensive network of sources for home design and finishes to which the average person does not. This ensures they can shop for the best options to fit your design aesthetic, your lifestyle and your budget.
So what are the cost options for design services? It can vary a lot based on the individual designer but I consider each project as follows –
- If a client has a kind of list of projects in various areas of the house, an hourly rate tends to work best.
- If the project is such that it includes a fairly significant scope such as a complete kitchen or bath remodel, I am more able to create fixed pricing for these scenarios.
- I also work with clients who have budgeted a certain number of hours for design services. In those instances, we accomplish as much as we can in the time allotted.
In early discussions with the designer, it is also important to determine if the client has realistic expectations as to the cost of their design projects. They want to understand the client’s overall project budget number, along with a sense of what you are willing to spend on various individual items. With the wide range of design products available at an equally wide range of price-points, understanding your limits is important.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Request an interior design consultation today and let us provide peace of mind thru working with a professional.
How do you know if you’re hiring the best designer for your project? First, look at their portfolio. Knowing your style helps.
