When it comes to interior design, there's no denying that full-service options can carry a substantial price tag. It is in fact, a luxury service. This often prompts the question: "Why is full-service interior design so expensive?"

As homeowners, it's natural to feel the urge to take on interior design projects ourselves. After all, we have access to a wealth of inspiration online and countless DIY tutorials at our fingertips; however, there's a distinct advantage to enlisting the expertise of a professional interior designer.

While the cost may initially seem daunting, it's crucial to understand the value and intricacies involved in this comprehensive design service. Come along with me as we demystify the cost of full service interior design. I will shed some light on the factors that contribute to the higher costs of full-service interior design and demonstrate how it ultimately benefits clients in achieving their dream spaces.

1. Expertise and Professionalism

Full-service interior design encompasses a wide range of skills, knowledge, and experience. As professional designers, we invest years into honing our craft, developing an understanding of architectural principles, design concepts, color theory, space planning, and more. Our expertise allows us to create cohesive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing interiors tailored to each client's unique needs.

Clients are also paying for the designer’s creativity. We possess an innate ability to envision and create spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. By hiring a professional, you gain access to our wealth of knowledge, ensuring that your space is designed with expertise and creativity. We bring fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a trained eye that can transform your vision into a reality, elevating your space to new heights.

Anyone can imitate what they see on the Internet, but the ability to visualize a space, incorporate unique and customized solutions for how that particular client lives, and execute their vision above and beyond what the client could ever do themselves is next level!

The cost of hiring a professional interior designer reflects our ability to deliver exceptional results and save clients time and potential costly mistakes.

A lot of people think they can do it themselves because they believe they are saving money, when in reality what’s really going on is that they don’t value what professional designers bring to the table. The mindset is “I’ll just go on Pinterest and copy what I see”. They would rather mimic what has already been done, rather than have us create something that’s truly unique and functional for them.

2. Extensive Planning and Research

Behind every well-executed interior design project lies extensive planning and research. Designers spend considerable time getting to know their clients, their preferences, lifestyle, and specific requirements. We conduct thorough research to identify the best materials, furnishings, fixtures, and finishes that align with the client's vision while considering functionality, durability, and sustainability. This level of attention to detail ensures that every element of the design contributes to a harmonious and personalized space.

Often times, people who want to do it on their own typically focus on what’s cheapest and what looks “good enough”. There’s really no in-depth research taking place…they spend most of their time researching the cost. Although cost is a legitimate factor in a home project, there are other equally important factors to consider as well.

Here’s some food for thought — What time is actually spent exploring what materials are suitable for how they live, the durability, and maintenance? Will every product and detail selected be cohesive throughout the space? Was everything installed correctly or did Uncle Bob do it all for free because it’s his side hustle? These are things that make you go, hmmmm.

3. Personalized Approach

Every space is unique, and a professional interior designer recognizes this. We take the time to understand your lifestyle, preferences, and individual needs to create a design that is tailored specifically to you. Designers have the ability to capture your personality and translate it into an interior that reflects your taste and fulfills your requirements. We consider factors such as functionality, flow, and desired ambiance to create a space that not only looks stunning but also works effortlessly for you and your family.

4. Seamless Project Management

One of the primary benefits of full-service interior design is the peace of mind it offers clients.

Designers handle the entire project management process, which includes coordinating with contractors, overseeing construction or renovation work, managing timelines, tracking all product ordering, shipments, and deliveries, taking care of any damage claims, coordinating and scheduling furniture delivery and installation days, and ensuring adherence to levels of investment (all daunting aspects of a project that many homeowners don’t want to deal with).

Our involvement ensures that the project progresses smoothly, minimizing potential delays, cost overruns, and stress for the client. The fee associated with project management is well worth the investment, considering the complexity involved in overseeing all aspects of the design process and the valuable time clients are saving.

5. Access to Exclusive Resources

When investing in full-service design, professional designers have access to a vast network of industry professionals, suppliers, and vendors. This access opens up opportunities for clients to procure high-quality materials, unique furnishings, and custom-made items that may not be readily available to the general public. While these resources may come at a premium, they often contribute to creating truly exceptional and one-of-a-kind interiors.

People who truly value this exclusive access, are willing to invest in it.

6. Time and Effort

Designing a space from scratch or undergoing a significant renovation project requires a significant investment of time and effort. Professional designers work closely with their clients, dedicating hours to planning, conceptualizing, designing, sourcing, and executing the project. We meticulously handle every detail, from floor plans and furniture selection to color schemes and lighting design, to ensure a cohesive and polished end result.

While DIY projects may seem cost-effective initially, they often end up being more time-consuming and expensive in the long run. We have access to a wide network of suppliers, contractors, and artisans, streamlining the process and ensuring that your project stays on track. By entrusting your project to a professional designer, you free up your time to focus on other important aspects of your life while having peace of mind that the project is in capable hands.

As Melissa Galt discusses in her book, Marketing Luxury Design: Attracting Affluent Clients, when clients don’t have to manage their project, they can actually “gain back hours, days, weeks, and months of their time while professional interior designers deliver their design dream. Time is always our greatest non-renewable resource”.

Once our time has been spent, we can never get it back. Business-savvy clients understand this crucial concept so they want to maximize the little time they have and are willing to invest in it and trust the process.

Bottom line: While it's tempting to take on an interior design project yourself, the advantages of hiring a professional designer are undeniable. Full-service interior design may appear expensive at first glance, but it's essential to recognize the value it brings to a home project. The cost reflects the expertise, professionalism, and extensive efforts of designers to create unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces that result in a huge positive impact on a client’s health, wealth, and relationships.

Hopefully, I have been successful at demystifying the cost of of full service interior design for you. By hiring a designer for your full service project, clients benefit from our knowledge, creativity, access to exclusive resources, meticulous project management, and the ultimate luxury of a hassle-free design experience from start to finish. In the end, the investment in full-service interior design pays off by delivering remarkable and personalized spaces that truly elevate the quality of life for the clients. Now that’s priceless.

Do you value your time and want your project done right? Do you value a well-designed home? We hope so! If that sounds like you, complete our Contact Form today so we can discuss your design needs. Design is our passion. It’s what we do every day so let us show you what’s possible!