Cost of Interior Designers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The advice on here is so dumb on this topic. People always say you either have to buy everything from a single store or spend minimum 50k on design services alone. Absolutely not true. There are plenty of online designers.

Try this place.

https://roomlift.com/pages/before-and-after

Nobody said those things.
My personal opinion/experience is that the low cost online services are not better than the in store free ones. Having them try to sell you things from larger online retailers isn’t worth anything. Most likely, you’re still going to take that floorplan and maybe a key piece or two and shop outside the plan anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People pay 75-100k just for design services? F’in hell you guys are crazy.

This thread says the total budget is 100k, but I’m sure people routinely pay that much just to the designer, and it’s because they’re very rich and the total budget for the project is >$1m. We’ll tell them you called.

They don’t spend money like they’re “very rich”. They spend money like they’re temporarily rich.

[Anonymous]

Former designer here so I can provide some perspective. Most professional designers have a Minimum Purchase Agreement, clarifying up front that the furnishings spend will be north of $50k or $75k. Design firms have two revenue streams: hourly billing and margin on furnishings they can buy wholesale. They take projects based on two criteria: 1. How profitable it will be, 2. Will it be “magazine-worthy” when finished. Expect hourly fees of $260-$350, and expect professional designers NOT to use retail sources (poor quality and no control over production). Typical furnishings budget for a fully finished room is $30k not including design fees. Hope that helps!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Finishing up a two room design with an interior designer in Vienna. Her model, and the others I considered, is that her fee is built into the total project cost.

This was part of a renovation (separate from designer) to open up wall between the rooms and make it a larger multi-functional space, 1st floor center hall colonial.

Benefit to me was that she got my style quickly, made suggestions that were exactly what I wanted, didn't feel insanely expensive giving that I was doing a large space from scratch. I have a space that exactly fits our needs (kids, dog, etc), that looks great and is completely customized.

She also suggested paint colors for the entire floor (not just her portion), helped with other design issues in the renovation, etc.

Total cost is at about $40k:
custom drapes for five windows and sliding glass door
custom sectional
low love seat
two swivel chairs
two arm chairs
two area rugs
two smaller stools
media console
two large coffee tables
one small end table
floor lamp
two table lamps

How on earth?!?

A sectional alone is $10k for custom USA made. Easy to spend 15-20k on a good brand like Wesley Hall.

Custom drapes for 5 windows is at least $15k

Are you buying cheap Potterybarn stuff and claiming it’s a designer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Former designer here so I can provide some perspective. Most professional designers have a Minimum Purchase Agreement, clarifying up front that the furnishings spend will be north of $50k or $75k. Design firms have two revenue streams: hourly billing and margin on furnishings they can buy wholesale. They take projects based on two criteria: 1. How profitable it will be, 2. Will it be “magazine-worthy” when finished. Expect hourly fees of $260-$350, and expect professional designers NOT to use retail sources (poor quality and no control over production). Typical furnishings budget for a fully finished room is $30k not including design fees. Hope that helps!

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not saying this to be snarky, but rather helpful: very few, if any, designers will take you on for a Pottery Barn budget. Most designers only use custom furniture, that's how they make the bulk of their income. You might try on instagram and look for someone young and hungry for work.

Are you starting from complete scratch?

I’ve used a few different designers. They use “custom” furniture (to the trade only) but generally is cheaper and better quality than pottery barn or west elm.

[Anonymous]

For Interior Designers I have a question.

I am a GC who usually doesn’t have issues with division of services with Architects but often have issues with Interior Designers. They often want to source counters, millwork, plumbing fixtures, tile, etc. When I explain that they need to be responsible for their installation they balk. Don’t show up for countertop templating and install, don’t provide protection to existing surfaces, etc. They want me to do their take offs. They want me to do their receiving of materials on the job. I explain they do not have General Liability insurance, etc and are not licensed for construction services and they just balk.

I am not trying to be too snarky but why can’t you stay in your lane ?

And what’s with attitude - it’s not all but I more often than not have these problems.

Either that or get your GC license and do your own work.

I would appreciate insights from any design professionals following this thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For Interior Designers I have a question.

I am a GC who usually doesn’t have issues with division of services with Architects but often have issues with Interior Designers. They often want to source counters, millwork, plumbing fixtures, tile, etc. When I explain that they need to be responsible for their installation they balk. Don’t show up for countertop templating and install, don’t provide protection to existing surfaces, etc. They want me to do their take offs. They want me to do their receiving of materials on the job. I explain they do not have General Liability insurance, etc and are not licensed for construction services and they just balk.

I am not trying to be too snarky but why can’t you stay in your lane ?

And what’s with attitude - it’s not all but I more often than not have these problems.

Either that or get your GC license and do your own work.

I would appreciate insights from any design professionals following this thread.

That is their lane. They are paid to select finished and you are paid to install them. Why would a client pay a contractor to pick out finishes? You don't have a design background and will pick the cheapest (and usually ugliest) option. Why would a designer be in charge of install? That's what a contractor is for. Sounds like you need to stay in your lane.

I have a serious issue with contractors who want to choose finishes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm looking for some info on what it costs to have an interior designer help you furnish your house. I get that this varies wildly depending on the budget for furniture and decor, but assuming a Crate and Barrel/Pottery Barn level furniture budget, not a Room and Board/Ethan Allen one, can anyone give me a ballpark? For a smaller house -- say 2500ish sq feet, not a McMansion?

Or at least help me with some insight into how it works?

I'm not interested in the store design services. I don't want an entire room of Pottery Barn stuff, or whatever. I've also used Havenly, and it was ok, but not great and I'm looking for more.

I think this is short sighted. Developing a floor plan is one of the hardest parts and one of the most important. I would try a few free in store design services, even for the ones that are over budget. If one gives you a floorplan you love, that gets you 60% of the way there. You can take those dimensions and shop anywhere.

Thanks, this is helpful. I will reconsider. I'm a bit cautious here because a friend of mine who knows damn near zip about interior design does this for a living at a relatively upscale home store, and views it as her job to just upsell as much as possible. Apparently she mainly uses AI for her "design."

I don’t think this is typical. But anyway, go to Ethan Allen and pick someone who looks sharp. If you don’t like her ideas, try a different one. I do think Rthsn Allen has good designers. Would have doubts about West Elm based on interactions there.

Ethan Allen hires real designers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For Interior Designers I have a question.

I am a GC who usually doesn’t have issues with division of services with Architects but often have issues with Interior Designers. They often want to source counters, millwork, plumbing fixtures, tile, etc. When I explain that they need to be responsible for their installation they balk. Don’t show up for countertop templating and install, don’t provide protection to existing surfaces, etc. They want me to do their take offs. They want me to do their receiving of materials on the job. I explain they do not have General Liability insurance, etc and are not licensed for construction services and they just balk.

I am not trying to be too snarky but why can’t you stay in your lane ?

And what’s with attitude - it’s not all but I more often than not have these problems.

Either that or get your GC license and do your own work.

I would appreciate insights from any design professionals following this thread.

That is their lane. They are paid to select finished and you are paid to install them. Why would a client pay a contractor to pick out finishes? You don't have a design background and will pick the cheapest (and usually ugliest) option. Why would a designer be in charge of install? That's what a contractor is for. Sounds like you need to stay in your lane.

I have a serious issue with contractors who want to choose finishes.

It may have been that my post was not clear.

I have no issues with designers selecting finishes. The issue I have with the designers is how they want to manage their procurement and installation.

So, if the Interior Designer wants to select products that’s great. If they want to provide them then they need to manage their delivery, need to unpack them to ensure they are not damaged, and properly store -ideally offsite. They also need to manage take offs and quantities.

They should not tell the clients that if they are providing the materials the GC should not mark up the materials. Again, if they want to provide then the Interior Designers needs to ensure they are properly ordered and placed usually in the garage.

Instead they ask me how many tiles to order, tell me the tiles are coming next Tuesday, that I have to be there to receive, inspect and verify delivery or even worse deliveries show up on the job unannounced. Or the five digit DR fixture is arriving on Tuesday - you need to be there to check it in and confirm it’s not damaged or the ID says they are going to provide the millwork but I need to install it for them.

This is not about them selecting finishes - it is their insistence that if they specify they have to provide. Again I do not have this problem with Architects - they specify and my firm is then responsible for materials and methods which is the industry standard.

Also it should be possible to have this conversation without denigrating my or other GCs skills and or tastes.

That said I do not want to be in the selection business. Selfishly I want a selections book, usually organized by space, that can be used as a reference for material ordering and layout.

So succinctly, if the ID selects the slabs -why is it with the proviso that she sources them ? If you want to source them and mark them up - including the price of the fabrication and install - then you need to own that process. Not have a GC own that process for materials he is not supplying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For Interior Designers I have a question.

I am a GC who usually doesn’t have issues with division of services with Architects but often have issues with Interior Designers. They often want to source counters, millwork, plumbing fixtures, tile, etc. When I explain that they need to be responsible for their installation they balk. Don’t show up for countertop templating and install, don’t provide protection to existing surfaces, etc. They want me to do their take offs. They want me to do their receiving of materials on the job. I explain they do not have General Liability insurance, etc and are not licensed for construction services and they just balk.

I am not trying to be too snarky but why can’t you stay in your lane ?

And what’s with attitude - it’s not all but I more often than not have these problems.

Either that or get your GC license and do your own work.

I would appreciate insights from any design professionals following this thread.

That is their lane. They are paid to select finished and you are paid to install them. Why would a client pay a contractor to pick out finishes? You don't have a design background and will pick the cheapest (and usually ugliest) option. Why would a designer be in charge of install? That's what a contractor is for. Sounds like you need to stay in your lane.

I have a serious issue with contractors who want to choose finishes.

It may have been that my post was not clear.

I have no issues with designers selecting finishes. The issue I have with the designers is how they want to manage their procurement and installation.

So, if the Interior Designer wants to select products that’s great. If they want to provide them then they need to manage their delivery, need to unpack them to ensure they are not damaged, and properly store -ideally offsite. They also need to manage take offs and quantities.

They should not tell the clients that if they are providing the materials the GC should not mark up the materials. Again, if they want to provide then the Interior Designers needs to ensure they are properly ordered and placed usually in the garage.

Instead they ask me how many tiles to order, tell me the tiles are coming next Tuesday, that I have to be there to receive, inspect and verify delivery or even worse deliveries show up on the job unannounced. Or the five digit DR fixture is arriving on Tuesday - you need to be there to check it in and confirm it’s not damaged or the ID says they are going to provide the millwork but I need to install it for them.

This is not about them selecting finishes - it is their insistence that if they specify they have to provide. Again I do not have this problem with Architects - they specify and my firm is then responsible for materials and methods which is the industry standard.

Also it should be possible to have this conversation without denigrating my or other GCs skills and or tastes.

That said I do not want to be in the selection business. Selfishly I want a selections book, usually organized by space, that can be used as a reference for material ordering and layout.

So succinctly, if the ID selects the slabs -why is it with the proviso that she sources them ? If you want to source them and mark them up - including the price of the fabrication and install - then you need to own that process. Not have a GC own that process for materials he is not supplying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For Interior Designers I have a question.

I am a GC who usually doesn’t have issues with division of services with Architects but often have issues with Interior Designers. They often want to source counters, millwork, plumbing fixtures, tile, etc. When I explain that they need to be responsible for their installation they balk. Don’t show up for countertop templating and install, don’t provide protection to existing surfaces, etc. They want me to do their take offs. They want me to do their receiving of materials on the job. I explain they do not have General Liability insurance, etc and are not licensed for construction services and they just balk.

I am not trying to be too snarky but why can’t you stay in your lane ?

And what’s with attitude - it’s not all but I more often than not have these problems.

Either that or get your GC license and do your own work.

I would appreciate insights from any design professionals following this thread.

That is their lane. They are paid to select finished and you are paid to install them. Why would a client pay a contractor to pick out finishes? You don't have a design background and will pick the cheapest (and usually ugliest) option. Why would a designer be in charge of install? That's what a contractor is for. Sounds like you need to stay in your lane.

I have a serious issue with contractors who want to choose finishes.

It may have been that my post was not clear.

I have no issues with designers selecting finishes. The issue I have with the designers is how they want to manage their procurement and installation.

So, if the Interior Designer wants to select products that’s great. If they want to provide them then they need to manage their delivery, need to unpack them to ensure they are not damaged, and properly store -ideally offsite. They also need to manage take offs and quantities.

They should not tell the clients that if they are providing the materials the GC should not mark up the materials. Again, if they want to provide then the Interior Designers needs to ensure they are properly ordered and placed usually in the garage.

Instead they ask me how many tiles to order, tell me the tiles are coming next Tuesday, that I have to be there to receive, inspect and verify delivery or even worse deliveries show up on the job unannounced. Or the five digit DR fixture is arriving on Tuesday - you need to be there to check it in and confirm it’s not damaged or the ID says they are going to provide the millwork but I need to install it for them.

This is not about them selecting finishes - it is their insistence that if they specify they have to provide. Again I do not have this problem with Architects - they specify and my firm is then responsible for materials and methods which is the industry standard.

Also it should be possible to have this conversation without denigrating my or other GCs skills and or tastes.

That said I do not want to be in the selection business. Selfishly I want a selections book, usually organized by space, that can be used as a reference for material ordering and layout.

So succinctly, if the ID selects the slabs -why is it with the proviso that she sources them ? If you want to source them and mark them up - including the price of the fabrication and install - then you need to own that process. Not have a GC own that process for materials he is not supplying.

I’m not in your particular business, but this just sounds like a billing issue. It makes perfect sense that projects above a certain $$ are going to have an interior designer selecting countertop slabs and tile. If you want to take on such a project, sit down with the designer and figure out how to bill it and divvy up the work so that everyone gets paid appropriately.

To say what I’m really thinking, use your words like a big boy. If a designer is trying to stick you with unpaid work, talk about it. I’m sure there will be some you don’t want to work with again and some with whom you can form good and profitable long term relationships.

There is no way I would ever do a project where the GC selects the slab for the kitchen counters. It might be me, or a designer, but it’s not going to be the GC unless I consider them to be also the designer some how. So there’s got to be a way to work it out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Former designer here so I can provide some perspective. Most professional designers have a Minimum Purchase Agreement, clarifying up front that the furnishings spend will be north of $50k or $75k. Design firms have two revenue streams: hourly billing and margin on furnishings they can buy wholesale. They take projects based on two criteria: 1. How profitable it will be, 2. Will it be “magazine-worthy” when finished. Expect hourly fees of $260-$350, and expect professional designers NOT to use retail sources (poor quality and no control over production). Typical furnishings budget for a fully finished room is $30k not including design fees. Hope that helps!

This really helps a lot and sounds very reasonable. Thanks so much. I would be really happy if I could do 3 of the main rooms for about 90kin furnishings budget with a 15-20k budget for design fees. Am I way underestimating hourly design fees though?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For Interior Designers I have a question.

I am a GC who usually doesn’t have issues with division of services with Architects but often have issues with Interior Designers. They often want to source counters, millwork, plumbing fixtures, tile, etc. When I explain that they need to be responsible for their installation they balk. Don’t show up for countertop templating and install, don’t provide protection to existing surfaces, etc. They want me to do their take offs. They want me to do their receiving of materials on the job. I explain they do not have General Liability insurance, etc and are not licensed for construction services and they just balk.

I am not trying to be too snarky but why can’t you stay in your lane ?

And what’s with attitude - it’s not all but I more often than not have these problems.

Either that or get your GC license and do your own work.

I would appreciate insights from any design professionals following this thread.

That is their lane. They are paid to select finished and you are paid to install them. Why would a client pay a contractor to pick out finishes? You don't have a design background and will pick the cheapest (and usually ugliest) option. Why would a designer be in charge of install? That's what a contractor is for. Sounds like you need to stay in your lane.

I have a serious issue with contractors who want to choose finishes.

It may have been that my post was not clear.

I have no issues with designers selecting finishes. The issue I have with the designers is how they want to manage their procurement and installation.

So, if the Interior Designer wants to select products that’s great. If they want to provide them then they need to manage their delivery, need to unpack them to ensure they are not damaged, and properly store -ideally offsite. They also need to manage take offs and quantities.

They should not tell the clients that if they are providing the materials the GC should not mark up the materials. Again, if they want to provide then the Interior Designers needs to ensure they are properly ordered and placed usually in the garage.

Instead they ask me how many tiles to order, tell me the tiles are coming next Tuesday, that I have to be there to receive, inspect and verify delivery or even worse deliveries show up on the job unannounced. Or the five digit DR fixture is arriving on Tuesday - you need to be there to check it in and confirm it’s not damaged or the ID says they are going to provide the millwork but I need to install it for them.

This is not about them selecting finishes - it is their insistence that if they specify they have to provide. Again I do not have this problem with Architects - they specify and my firm is then responsible for materials and methods which is the industry standard.

Also it should be possible to have this conversation without denigrating my or other GCs skills and or tastes.

That said I do not want to be in the selection business. Selfishly I want a selections book, usually organized by space, that can be used as a reference for material ordering and layout.

So succinctly, if the ID selects the slabs -why is it with the proviso that she sources them ? If you want to source them and mark them up - including the price of the fabrication and install - then you need to own that process. Not have a GC own that process for materials he is not supplying.

I’m not in your particular business, but this just sounds like a billing issue. It makes perfect sense that projects above a certain $$ are going to have an interior designer selecting countertop slabs and tile. If you want to take on such a project, sit down with the designer and figure out how to bill it and divvy up the work so that everyone gets paid appropriately.

To say what I’m really thinking, use your words like a big boy. If a designer is trying to stick you with unpaid work, talk about it. I’m sure there will be some you don’t want to work with again and some with whom you can form good and profitable long term relationships.

There is no way I would ever do a project where the GC selects the slab for the kitchen counters. It might be me, or a designer, but it’s not going to be the GC unless I consider them to be also the designer some how. So there’s got to be a way to work it out.

OP here.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

I agree with your feedback.

My question really was geared toward the culture of it - meaning I have had this problem with a significant portion of the designers I have worked with so trying to understand the mindset.

There are cultural aspects of other trades - for example over the years I have had several plumbers tell me they are too expensive to clean up and have the laborer do it. It cultural and I believe it’s taught to the apprentices. I had one crew they didn’t have vacuums on their trucks - it’s cultural. So you learn to watch the plumbers like a hawk and not pay them if they don’t clean and organize the job.

Trying to receive feedback from designers about the billing issue. It’s obviously a money grab and it’s also obvious they don’t have the staff nor infrastructure to build out construction. So why do they insist on doing do so instead of working in a collaborate fashion ?

I had one that reached out to me - wanted to take me to lunch and then proposed she provide all the materials and she would pay me a co-ordination fee ? So, trying to understand their reasoning because again it feels like a money grab and they don’t even want to do any of the heavy lifting.

And they are making money on these jobs - on one of the jobs they charged the client over 40k for a sectional. It looked like it came from Bob’s discount furniture. I still work for the client and they are still pissed.

Not trying to hijack the thread and I realize they come with the territory but I would like to work through some rules of engagement.

[Anonymous]

To the OP (not the contractor),

I just did our family room with my designer, this our second house together. I spent 18k for a custom rug, custom 2 chairs, a custom couch, console table, and custom cafe curtains plus 1k in design fees. I would budget 25k per room, but it depends on what you need--e.g. soft furnishings vs. casegoods, dining room table/chairs are $$$, etc. Working with a designer can be great if you understand its a collaborative process that takes time. Be true to yourself and your family's likes/dislikes and your lifestyle as you make selections and you'll be happy. Instagram can be a great way to find designers in your area.

Tip #1 -- ask your friends with stylish homes if they have a designer they'd recommend. More people use them than you know. Ask if they would work with them again or if they were to use a designer again what would they do differently?

Tip #2 set up several consults with designers--share your budget (which is realistic I think) and your priorities for spaces and which order.
The designer will come back with a proposal indicating flat fee or hourly charge for design services. In my case with my new house we decided to come up with a cohesive plan that I can execute piecemeal with her--so I paid for design fees upfront to do 2 rooms but did 1 first (in terms of furnishings, window treatments, etc), we'll pace it out over the course of a year or two.

Tip #3 you might be tempted but don't try to source yourself from their selections, its a very quick way to dropped as a client. Yes designers add markups to some things, but they also pass along discounts and have access to things traditional consumers do not--including installers, workrooms, etc.

Tip #4 By the time something makes it onto Pinterest its dated, your designer can push you to not make decisions that will have your house look like 2024 and can help you achieve a timeless yet put together look.