The average cost of hiring an interior designer is $6,500, while an interior decorator costs $2,000 to $11,300 on average. Factors such as project scope, space size, designer’s reputation, and project timeline can impact the cost of interior design projects. On average, interior designers typically cost between $2,000 and $14,000 in total.
In 2022, the average cost of an interior designer is not as high as it was in 2021. However, hiring an interior designer can still be a rewarding experience, especially for those looking to renovate their home. Some designers charge a flat fee, while others charge more. Online design services are also available at a lower cost than traditional designers.
Great interior design doesn’t have to be expensive; you can start by asking friends for recommendations and interviewing multiple interior designers. Hiring a qualified interior designer removes the risk of making mistakes and opens yourself up to trade discounts. Hiring a designer is now more affordable and easier than ever, making it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
In conclusion, hiring an interior designer can be a challenging decision, but it is essential to consider factors such as project scope, space size, designer reputation, and project timeline when considering the cost of hiring an interior designer. By exploring various pricing models and finding expert design help for free, you can make an informed decision about whether to hire an interior designer or not.
📹 Can you Afford an Interior Decorator
Owner and Principal Decorator, Lauren White, recommends things you should consider when you’re looking to decorate your …
Why do you need an interior decorator?
Hiring an interior decorator can be beneficial for those who lack the time, design expertise, or confidence to create an aesthetically pleasing space. They offer professional guidance and knowledge of current interior design trends, contributing to a smoother and more successful design journey. The cost of hiring an interior decorator is often less, resulting in less decisions, phone calls, drama, and more satisfaction.
They are also skilled at working within a budget, helping clients find cost-effective decor solutions. In essence, hiring an interior decorator can provide more time for busy individuals to enjoy their busy lives.
What is the 80 20 rule in decorating?
The 80-20 rule in interior design is a strategy to create a balanced and harmonious space by choosing one dominant style or color scheme for 80 of the room and a contrasting or complementary style or color scheme for the remaining 20. This approach ensures a cohesive look without being too boring or chaotic. For example, a modern and minimalist room can be achieved by using white, gray, and black, while adding bright colors or patterns for the remaining 20. For a cozy and rustic room, wood, natural fabrics, and earthy tones can be used, along with metallic accents or geometric shapes.
What do interior designers usually charge?
Interior designers can charge an hourly rate for limited services, such as guidance and assistance with sourcing specific items. The average hourly rate ranges from $75 to $250, with a starting rate of $75 to $125. After several years of experience, the rate can increase to $150. However, charging an hourly rate can be challenging to estimate at the beginning of a project. To avoid this, interior designers should include the fee in their contract along with a list of work they will be charging for.
A flat fee or fixed rate is a common method for billing clients, but it can be challenging for new designers. It requires calculating expenses in advance, which can be unpredictable. Clients may extend the scope of the project after starting work, so it is essential to draft a contract that covers this scenario.
Should you hire an interior designer or do it yourself?
The choice between hiring a designer or DIY projects depends on personal preference and budget. Experienced designers save time and deliver beautiful results, while DIY projects allow creativity and accomplishment. Margarita, a luxury interior designer, decorator, and furniture curator, has a unique skill set influenced by European and Latin American sources. She has design studios in Denver, Miami, Montecito, Aspen, and Barcelona.
Should I be an interior designer or interior decorator?
Interior decorators and interior designers are similar professions, but they differ in their ability to make architectural changes to spaces. Interior designers can make architectural changes, while interior decorators do not. Interior decorators work with clients to select décor elements for new or old spaces, while interior designers help choose furnishings, color palettes, and textiles for existing spaces.
They can assist in freshening a client’s home or creating a specific atmosphere in a restaurant. Understanding the subtle differences between these careers and how to get started in the industry is crucial for career advancement.
What is the minimum budget for interior design?
This guide provides a simplified approach to finding and hiring the best affordable interior designers in Bangalore. The cost ranges from Rs. 30, 000 to Rs. 60, 000 for small projects and Rs. 2, 00, 000 to Rs. 5, 00, 000 for larger projects. The aim is to transform your humble, bare minimum home into a stylish and functional space without breaking the bank. This guide offers a simplified approach to finding and hiring the best affordable interior designers in Bangalore who can transform a brick-and-mortar building in your sanctuary within your budget.
What is the 70 30 rule in interior design?
The 70:30 rule is a popular interior design rule, where 70 of a room is in one style and 30 in another. This creates a unique and eclectic look, making the space more personal and individual. Matching everything is not recommended, as rooms benefit from extra texture, depth, and pattern. Anchoring the room with one style or color or shade ties it together and serves as the foundation. The balance 30, driven by accents, accessories, art, and statement objects, adds visual appeal and makes the room more interesting and dynamic. This rule also works well when developing a color palette, as it allows for a visually standout space by coding the room in one dominant color or tone.
What is the 60 30 10 rule in interior decorating?
The 60-30-10 Rule is a classic decor rule that suggests that the 60th color should be the dominant color, the 30th color should be the secondary color or texture, and the last 10th color should be an accent. The 60th color represents the overall color of the room, while the 30th color serves as a secondary color that supports the main color while adding interest. By following this rule, you can create a visually appealing and visually appealing space.
Is it cheaper to use an interior designer?
Most people would choose to work with an interior designer to create their perfect home due to their vast design expertise, resources, and time and stress savings. However, the cost of hiring an interior designer is often a barrier. An interior designer’s experience and expertise can prevent costly mistakes, such as ignoring practical components like dimensions and layout, which DIY renovators and designers often overlook. This can lead to expensive replacements or additional renovations.
An interior designer is trained to take these practical details into account, ensuring that the final product is functional and looks as desired. This prevents the need to buy a new couch or move a kitchen island due to unsuitable dimensions or layouts. Overall, hiring an interior designer can save money on your project and ensure a more enjoyable and functional home.
What is the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?
Interior design and interior decorating are distinct concepts. Interior design is the art and science of understanding people’s behavior to create functional spaces within a building, while interior decorating is the furnishing or adorning of a space with decorative elements to achieve a certain aesthetic. Interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design. The process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis, and knowledge integration, to satisfy the needs and resources of the client. They must respond to the building shell, physical location, and social context of the project to create spaces that improve the experiences of the occupants.
How to get an interior designer on a budget?
Setting a realistic budget is crucial for hiring a decorator. Research average rates in your area and communicate your maximum budget upfront to allow designers to tailor proposals. Explore cost-saving options like promotional room layout packages, referrals, and off-peak discounts. Consider flexible billing models like hourly fees or project-based pricing. Compare designers within your budget range by considering portfolios, reviews, expertise, and communication styles. Lesser known designers may offer greater affordability without compromising quality.
📹 2024 Interior Design Trends You Can ACTUALLY AFFORD | Interior Design Trends for Non-Rich People!
So often, interior design trends videos are focused on luxury interior design. I love deriving inspiration from there, but let’s face it, …
I love this topic!! Thank you for leveling the playing field and reminding us that people at every budget/income level deserve the homes they love, and sharing creative ways to make that happen. I really loved the subway tile example. I recently did a bright blue penny tile backsplash in my kitchen and I love the effect. Maybe I was thinking by forward 😊
Pretty sure scotch guard contains PFAS aka forever chemicals (John Oliver last week tonight did a great segment a few years back). Companies have come out with PFAS free alternatives like Nik Wax it’s an easier application than scotchguard because you can treat fabric in your washing machine, but they also have sprays.
I love this article. One thing I have found that is often not sad as well is when you need a piece of furniture, shop thrift stores, strip, Stan, paint. There are tons of YouTube articles that show how to do this and it’s not that hard. You can have a beautiful sideboard piece that is real solid wood for less than $50. If you are going to buy brand new, get the best quality you can afford . In the long run, this will end up costing you less because you will not have to replace it every few years when it breaks.
Highly Sensitive People and people with Misophonia, like me, really appreciate closed concepts. It’s very overwhelming to hear people eating wherever you are in the space, or to feel pressured to socialize when you’re not ready to. I think neurodiversity really needs to be considered in interior spaces.
Lol, my spouse will fight you on the subway tile (I’m ambivalent). Pretty sure he was about to murder the designer for our remodel when he let her know at the very beginning that he abhors subway tile and not to ever include it, and then she’d try and sneak it in to every conversation, and then also tried to sneak it onto our order behind our backs. We ended up with this very lovely ceramic tile that’s printed to look like natural slate, it looks lovely and is far more our taste.
My favorite is the missions/craftsman style, the slats, the nice clean lines, then I can warm it up with accessories but I really don’t need that many, it’s the style I just keep coming back to & I LOVE oak! I HATE painted wood with a burning passion! Wood has grain for a reason, you stain or even a clear-coat polyurethane & it’s gorgeous, timeless & if well cared for, a piece that you can hand down from one generation to the next.
I’ve been designing my house with an RH inspired look for the last 2 years, even though it wasn’t the ‘favorite’ influencer style and it was considered outdated, I still found good dupe pieces. I like the clean lines, clean look and the black, gray, white and beige.. Makes my art stand out too. I’m planning on a black linen sofa next.
As one of the “non-rich”, I loved this article! I’m trying to save to get a “good” sofa that will last, to design off of. I recently purchased a chaise, which I love, in a neutral color. I picked a fabric that had some texture, (Thank you, by the way!), and has varying shades of warm grey, woven through the ivory fabric…tres cher. Yikes! So thanks for the reminder on scotch guard. I’ve been being paranoid about spilling something, (like you, I eat while sitting in the living room), to the point of not enjoying the chaise! Before it gets stained, I’ll get ScotchGuard, so I can start enjoying my purchase! Just an FYI: I hope your feeling as good as you look!
The problem is choice and too many people saying what’s in or out. Thanks for your common sense approach! I’m building a home with rooms because I don’t want to see the clutter or deal with noise across 3-4 rooms all open to each other. Also, I buy what I love and what works for family. Consignment shops are a goldmine and garage sales. No interest in redefining a space every couple of years…yuck. And boucle? AWFUL! Fun article!
I love love LOVE “warm minimalism!” but my life cannot support all those light colors. I have blue hair, two 100 lb pibbles, 2 cats… and a husband. I’m living in that GREY era forever and always– but! there is a lot of texture, tints/tones/shades of grey with natural textiles and beautiful medium-toned woods with lovely grains. WHEN YOU HAVE “BLUE” PETS, YOU CHOSE THE GREY LYF. It helps soo much! If you DO want to live this Warm Minimalism life, wait a year. You’ll find everything in thrift stores, FB marketplace, and on the sidewalk-mainly in rich neighborhoods. I scored some seriously amazing Scandinavian Design oversized armchairs on the streets, yo! ground score of a lifetime! With my recent new build, instead of a tile backsplash, I opted to continue my IKEA quartz countertop about 18″ up the wall. It was affordable, it’s durable, it’s STUNNNINNGGGG, and takes zero maintenance (no grout BS). It ended up costing less than tile and the FLOW of the kitchen…. it’s so very calm and inviting. <3 LOVE these articles <3 Lookin great, KB!
I love this topic! I love how you consistently (and emphatically!) remind us that we can have a beautiful home even if we are not wealthy. I love to travel and bring home items made by local artisans (not “touristy” knick-knacks and souvenirs but made by hand using natural materials). I would love to see a article about incorporating them without making my home look cluttered. Off-topic comment: I really, really have to pay attention when perusal your articles because you talk sooooo fast! LOL! I’m a non-native English speaker and you keep me on my toes! I don’t mind though, I love your articles. 🙂
Thank you for this! Growing up (I’m 60ish) my family and friends families, etc rarely changed decor. And this keeping up with trends esp the constant mfr of paints, and the mining of stone and the trees, etc we need to seriously consider what it’s doing to our planet. Also, most of my life I rented and therefore never changed paint. Instead I would find King or Q size sheets, or cool Indian motif and tack them to the walls (not completely flat).
Kiva, you are on point again. I used Scotch guard to protect my sectional when i purchased it 2 years ago for the very reason you mentioned. Those performance fabrics would have pushed me out of my budget. My only suggestion is to spray in a ventilated room. The only thing I’m not certain, and maybe someone else can answer, is do we need to reapply after a certain amount of time?
I like boucle, but in a very limited usage (no kids, and a non-scratching pet). I have one chair and one pouf. I dont like a RH style. I like color. Some white and some black accents are fine, but I like color qnd a bit more funkiness. CB2 right now is 100% RH meets Post Modern. Most post-modern is not for me either; never has been. I especially dislike all the overly rounded bubble furniture and tree trunk size legs. Green gonna be a trend!!? Love it, it’s my favorite color. My dining room is dark green. Really like the one you show, though. I bought my apt. and desperately want to re-do my kitchen. It’s restaurant grade stainless steel, 90’s Tuscan tile, and black worn painted concrete (I think!) counters. 😂. Thanks for this, keep the affordable ideas comin!
I have a folk victorian with a wrap around porch and columns in square boxes all along the porch. I am painting it a cream color but I love the jewel tones so I’m doing each box in the dark jewel tone colors, each a different one. And the corbels. Hoping it turns out! Jewel tones by Benjamin Moore Shadow, dark burgundy, ecru, salamander and gentleman’s gray
PET WARNING If you have pets, do NOT use Scotchguard!! There is a warning on the spray can that’s says so. Also, there is a warning on Swiffer WetJet liquid container, says do NOT use if you have pets! Makes me wonder about my toddler who crawls on the floor and mouths the furniture. Read the warning labels people!
RH : invest in their towels, not the new lines of micro-cotton super soft meh, the line they’ve been carrying for more than 20 years, we finally wore out our set of bathsheets more than 10 years after we got them, they’re more than excellent quality they held up perfectly to the very end, we bought another set of bath sheets, well worth the investment
I love most of your articles. You give great design tips. However, can you please talk a little slower? I don’t intend for this to be mean but sometimes I am really close to quitting before the end of the article especially when your words start running together. I’m guessing I’m not the only person who feels this way and I want your website to have continued success.
I have my own style don’t care how the high in style looks. I put in what I like and want and where I want to put the items. Everyone who comes into my home always ask where or how I got this item or that and some try to duplicate that look that’s fine with me. To many people only keep an item for a year or 2. If u love the item you will want to keep it longer. I don’t care how much money I have it just being stupid to change frequently. We have enough in the land fill because someone had to stay up with their neighbors. Keep up the wonderful work you do.
Love your articles! Could we add to the list of things we don’t like is idea that every few years we are supposed throw out furniture and replace with with new furniture to be “on trend?” I get so tired of seeing houses decorated like they have been prepackaged right off the conveyor belt. We are individuals. Can we embrace that fact? Additionally, the appalling wastefulness disgusts me. By the time the trends get down to those of us with a working class budget the items are garbage quality anyway. Can we get to the point where we can just save up to buy a quality piece or two that we really love (on trend or not) and will love for a long time? Then save up some more and do the same thing again. In the end, we will have a home that looks like us, not the house of some cookie cutter Stepford wife. Thank you for standing up for intelligent thought and less conformity in design.
Buy what you will love/will enjoy for a long time. Don’t worry so much about trends. If you like it and will for a long time, you will save money. Keep the things you will want to change out more often or seem like a trend that you will get over on the cheaper side. If things look good together for you, it becomes more timeless. It’s ok to change as well. Analysis paralysis and being never satisfied seem to take up too much mental chatter for me personally. 🙂 Angela
Girl.. you are an designer! Sherwin-Williams has a designer account option. Porcelain counters are hot here in Atlanta and bringing it up the back splash is on trend here. Porcelain tiles, large 2’x4′ and 4’x8′ are being used in bathrooms. During covid folks learned open concept did not fit with everyone at home. This is the reason for the quick- turn on open concept. Folks want that front room just to themselves (no kids allowed rooms). Moody rooms are all the rage. Folks are working from home and need 2 home office spaces that are private. So many reasons that open concept no longer work for folks. I see English, French design heavy here in GA. We are very traditional here in the South!
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾well done and well said u keep it real each and every time ❤my home is a mixture of emerald green and neutral colors nothing is matchy matchy ☝🏾 reason is because I’m on a tight budget and the other reason is by the time I can it the item it’s only 1 left 🤷🏽♀️and what do u know I’m in style 😂❤
I’ve searched and searched for a article and person like you who I understand n understands meeee I see allll these beautiful homes N I CANNOT AFFORD THESE THINGS!!!, I LITERALLY CRIED WHEN U STARTED TALKING, IM ITALIAN I TALK FAST N I JUST LOVE YOUR PERSONALITY UR A DOWN ACE CHIK!!! SHE SAID U CAN POOP ON IT LMFAO NO REALLY THO PLEASE HEAR ME WHEN I SAYYY THANK YOUUU GURRRLLLLL!!! YOU REALLY HELPED ME IM NOT PLAYIN!!! UGH UR THE GRTEST!!!! 💋 😊
Love your energy. Love this article! What are your thoughts though about how the chemicals ? Maybe Just not worth preventing the spills and stains?? “Scotchgard’s “new” fabric protector contains short-chain (C4) PFBS which is toxic to humans, pets, and the environment, although less so than the original PFOS.Jul 16, 2023 ” -; internet search after hearing some documentaries in the past about PFOS.:(
Hi, I’m moving out of my house of 20 years; downsizing from a 5 bedroom 5 bathroom house to a 2 bedroom apartment. I had to purchase new living room furniture for the smaller space. I was told by furniture store salesman that the industry has moved away from “Scotchgard” as it’s been found to be cancer-causing. My Google research confirmed this! Scotchgard like “forever chemicals” are not safe and should not be considered!
In my country You can find granite tiles in 120x60cm from 15dolars per sqare meter and up, first clase, and various marble designed tiles for from 10 dolars, to 30 dolars per sqare meter, marble is little more expencive, I guess this is cause Italy is near, Bulgaria is near, and We also produce them ourselves, it seems more expencive in US.
I absolutely love updating my living spaces! Fortunately for me my circle of people that frequently visit my home couldn’t care less about the latest interior design trends 😂 I’ve mastered the art of filling my spaces with things that make me smile. Fortunately, I am blessed to be able to pull it together in a manner that is esthetically pleasing to the eye ❤
Ok, decades ago I did Coke and I NEVER talked as fast as you. KB, was your bus leaving? Were you trying to get a vlog done in 90 seconds, no breath? S L O W your roll. As well, why would you think people would spray CHEMICALS all over the furniture they are most intimate on, next to the bed? People cuddle, people wear night clothes, kids rolls on the cushions. Is THAT where you are telling us to spray chemicals so strong as to avoid stains? THAT seems healthy, said no one, EVER.
A person after my own heart: enough with the stupidly expensive bs & down with the realism of daily living. The older I get, the less energy I have to spend dusting & maintaining frivolous things like decorative cupboards, tile anywhere, knick knacks, etc. The older I get, the more I prefer a minimalist, feng shui style (with no ridiculously overtextured items that are ridiculous to clean – looking at boucle & those ridiculous light shades) & I absolutely adore traditional stuff, but I just don’t have the health or energy to maintain it anymore, so I’ve kept a few antique pieces & heirlooms & sold or handed down the rest. I love an open kitchen, living & dining area sandwiched between bedrooms & bathrooms (+ utility/laundry) on both ends with a fireplace backed up against the bedrooms for emergency heating should the power go out. Another issue with house design is the amount of energy that can be saved by surrounding the house with a porch & fully enclosing (3 season) the end that gets the most energy-sapping issues from (cold winds from the north side vs intense, summer heat on the south side, depending on your region). Bold colors: If it’s your house, do whatever. When I rented, we just kept the walls the same (most forbade repainting anyway) & just buy throws, tablecloths, art & whatnot to add color & create balance. It’s not worth the headache obsessing over the wall color in a rental. Post modern: absolute trash. Skip it unless you can build it yourself. Don’t even bother.
“You know what’s gonna make me feel better? Spending a lot of money at Sherwin-Williams.” Get me those itty bitty jars of paint samples! And fabric stores and book stores—my husband just leaves me at the door. And yes! Usher in the age of green. I live in the woods, so green is always in style here!
Hi!! New subscriber, I absolutely love this article and your personality is just as amazing! You are just what I was looking for! I do have a question, with dark color paint trending what would you say about a very small master bathroom?? I heard that I should do very light walls and trim with a dark color floor. Do you agree with that? This bathroom is not only super small but it also has no window. I want it to look and feel bigger, not like I’m in a closet. Help!!
You know one thing? You always have to save money. You have to buy the right house, in the right location and, if you have the money, the square feet that can make your life comfortable. Furniture and decor, even the tiles, you can find both, very expensive and very cheap options. Go for the cheap and your good taste will ty all together.
One way to ‘fix’ matching furniture sets is using slipcovers. Unfortunately manufacturers offer sets and retailers price the sets to move. I just sold my house and steam cleaned the upholstery and used slipcovers on the dinning room chairs and accent pieces. Completely new look and I purchased cheap on Amazon. Very affordable if you have solid pieces and don’t want to invest big money into upholstery or big ticket furniture purchase. Also…. you can wash them etc… no fuss maintenance. I think furniture sets are here to stay because consumers often buy based on comfort, lifestyle and importantly price. Until recently niche retailers like IKEA always did slipcovers as a versatile way to keep their lines small, affordable and appealing to the most consumers possible. I just bought a very low over stuffed boho style loveseat and chair. They match and can be 3 chairs, one couch etc… semi modular. Chenille….. and a huge can of scotchguard . Lol
Not being Funny 🤣 >>but as 78 yr old senior whose raised a basketball team of kids both boys & girls I’ve never scotch guarded Anything or used plastic on furniture or couch covers but did find that Chestnut colored Velvet worked wonders. Bought L-Shaped couch in 1970 Lasted till 2008😮**(now I use washable Faux fur Rigs & throws because my MinPin claws damaged my tights. jumping up -so to protect My New “Leather Couch” it’s Usually covered with Luxe Looking Faux Fur) **I’m a throw on it some fur girl =Now❤❤❤ Otherwise< I'd still upholster in Velvet because that material is forgiving with wear & tear >mine lasted 50+ years with 7 boys including 4’dogs & 2’cats jumping around daily on them when not Home😢 Like little animals these children do wrestle,folic & play when adults Aren’t perusal )🤣😂🤣😂
I think a closed kitchen has a benefit of hiding the cooking mess, as well as reducing the food smell permeating all around the house. Instead of trying to change the house, though, I’d actually rather just have a nice outdoor cooking space other than my driveway. My yard just doesn’t accommodate that.
What can you do with pleather …leather bonded…My friend got a white pleather mid century in her very sunny boho library/ den…with an Orange setee and a deep blue and the inside of the bookcases…with pops of lime green…I am Loving it.The colorful carpet that it the faded Persian style rug ..pulls it all together. Love your website Godspeed Dee
Don’t be too harsh on yourself, there is value to look out what is trendy among the top decorators and their wealthy clients, even though most people can’t afford to go all in the style. There is value in detailing what is trendy among the general population too, and how to adopt the style without refurnishing the entire place. Any of these topics are interesting and I’m quite curious to get your take on them. ^__^
My next house will be all white walls. I’m tired of color. I do want a kitchen that has subway tile in it. I’m not sure of the color yet. I just hope I get to move to another house someday. And everything I want in it is already done inside. I’m getting to old to be doing all I want myself. And my husband thinks he can. But he really can’t. I know that from experience. I have a cover on my sofa. I have three dogs and when it rains a lot in Georgia my yard is an orange mud hole. I’m going to get some scotch guard and spray it on my sofa. I had my granddaughter and her boyfriend here last week. And he asked if I got a new sofa because the cover wasn’t on it. I took it off to wash it. It was filthy. So I know it’s saving me from scrubbing orange out of my sofa. Plus I have young grandkids too. And the two youngest are kind of messy. So I guess it isn’t just the dogs. I’m so glad I watched this article. I will be putting scotch guard on my list. Thanks for that one.
I never wanted to use a chemical spray in my furniture bc I was raising little children. I do not recommend using scotch guard on your fabrics if you have little children. Instead think about days of yore. What did they do? Tapestry. Cotton tapestry heavy weaves to hide stains. Slip covers over your nice new couch and underneath a crib mattress protector. In time you will be able to remove this and have your nice fabric to see It won’t be forever. But please avoid chemical sprays on home fabrics. Use all natural fabrics for furniture when you have children. High patterns on the sofa and rugs. No solids. Cover the base of your furniture with plastic to protect from clawing cats and from spills. Leave the cushions natural and have them reupholstered when they get ruined. Or worst case buy cheap natural fabric furniture and then dispose of it when its lived it’s useful life. Otherwise I like kivas advice.