Have you ever been curious about the cost of hiring an interior designer and furnishing a home but hesitated to ask? You're not alone. Many homeowners face this common challenge. Let's dive into some comparisons. Have you ever heard of someone hiring a real estate agent without a budget range to buy a home? Similarly, it's rare to shop for a car without a budget in mind. Yet, many interior design clients feel uncertain about expenses related to furniture, art, remodeling, and design fees. A sofa's price can vary as much as a car's, so should you opt for a Lamborghini or a Hyundai? Naturally, if you reside in a multi-million dollar home, high-end furniture often complements it best. Whether your home is standard or luxurious, a skilled designer will help you find a budget that suits your project and finances.

With over twenty years of experience in my interior design business and a decade of selling fine art and furniture in the corporate sector, I've developed some guidelines to help clients establish an interior design budget tailored to their needs. A general rule is to spend about 10-20% of the home's current value on furnishings if starting from scratch. It's crucial to consider not only the cost of individual items but also their life cycle cost and resale value. Investing in name brands or renowned designers can hold their value for a long time and may even appreciate. On the other hand, purchasing low-quality items that require frequent replacement may cost more in the long run.

A typical budget for living room furnishings and artwork is around $15,000, with luxury projects ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Many of the designs featured in Architectural Digest or celebrity homes exceed $100,000 per room. Adding original, collectible art can significantly increase costs. It's essential to understand your priorities, goals, limits, passions, and vision. An excellent interior designer can help prioritize and maximize your investment.

What about interior design fees? Designers charge either flat fees or hourly rates, plus a commission on home purchases like furniture. Generally, the design fee is about 20% of the total budget. However, a low budget can complicate and prolong the project for the designer, so it doesn't always mean a low design fee. Sometimes, a square footage method is used to calculate design fees, typically $5-10 per square foot, depending on project complexity. The hours a designer spends on a project can add up quickly, so if budget is a concern, opting for a flat-fee instead of an hourly rate is often best.

The success of any design depends on its execution, and designers have access to the best workrooms, carpenters, vendors, and painters, giving them the connections and influence to ensure top-quality results. Ultimately, you get what you pay for, so spend wisely and choose an interior designer who will transform your house into a home. Jennifer Aos has experience with projects of all sizes and budgets. Book a free virtual design consultation and let Anatomy Of Style turn your home into your dream space.