Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much do interior designers charge in my area?
Interior designers charge$50 to $200 per hour on average, depending on the scope of work and the decorator's experience. Hiring an interior designer costs $5 to $17 per square foot for consultation, design work, management, and furnishings. A 1-hour in-home consultation costs $50 to $450.
What does an interior designer do?
Interior designers provide decorating aesthetics, layout and space planning, and structural design expertise to make interior spaces functional, safe, and attractive. Designers help select color palettes, furniture, lighting, paint, wallpaper, fabric, window treatments, and accessories. Designers also work with you, suppliers, architects, and contractors to coordinate the entire design, building, and installation process.
What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?
Interior decorators provide aesthetic assistance for pre-constructed homes and rooms. Decorators focus on style, color palettes, furniture, lighting, paint, wallpaper, fabric, window treatments, and accessories. Interior decorating doesn't address structural work, exterior elements, or how the space functions.
Interior decorators are not required to be certified or have a degree, but may have taken courses.
Interior designers provide decorating aesthetics, space planning, and structural design expertise. Interior designers work with you, your architects, and your builders through the architectural design phase, the construction or renovation stages, and the complete interior decorating process.
Interior designers are formally trained and may be required to have a degree or certifications to practice as designers. Designers are trained in drafting, lighting, computer-aided design (CAD), drawing, space planning, architecture, furniture design, and color and fabric.
How do interior designers work with clients?
Interior designers ask the client to complete a detailed questionnaire before the initial consultation.
After scoping the project, the designer sets the expectations, timeline, and explains estimated costs.
Designers will begin working on the structural and aesthetic design, while considering building codes, safety and flow, space planning, and current design trends.
Designers present at least two design concepts, layout plans, mood boards, furniture, colors, and work hands-on with the client to finalize the details and decor.
Designers can assist throughout the architectural and construction process, or the initial planning or interior decorating only.
After the furnishings are selected, the decorator organizes the purchasing, transportation, and installation.
How long does the interior design process take?
The interior design process takes 2 to 3 weeks, including the initial consultation, two design concepts, layout planning, 3D modeling, researching (materials, finishes, and furniture), and hiring suppliers and contractors.
How do you find a good interior designer?
To find the local interior designers, do the following:
Start your search on websites like HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, neighbors, builders, and architects.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Peruse their portfolio and look-book from past projects.
Get at least three price estimates from different designers to compare.
Select companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced.
Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
Look for designers who are part of the American Society of Interior Designs (ASID) or have passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) exam.
Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
Ask for a full itemized estimate or contract in writing.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.
After asking questions, hire the best interior design service near you.
What questions should I ask local interior designers?
When hiring a home designer, ask them the following questions:
How long have you been an interior designer?
What is your interior design style?
What design services are offered?
Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers and photos from previous projects?
How do you decide which projects are a good fit for your company?
Where do you get your design inspiration?
Do you work alone or with a team of designers?
How much client involvement is recommended?
Do you charge a flat rate, by the hour, use the cost-plus method, or a combination?
How much will my project cost?
How do you prioritize my budget throughout the project?
Are there any potential complications you foresee with my project?
What type of materials will you use?
Can you provide me a written estimate or contract?
What’s your payment schedule?
What do I need to provide to get started?
What to ask references:
Did you enjoy working with this designer? Would you work with them again?
What we're their strengths and weaknesses?
Did the designer adhere to your budget?
Did they communicate promptly and thoroughly? Did you feel heard and understood?
Did any issues arise? If so, how were they handled?
Did the design turn out as expected?
Reviews for Surprise interior designers
Recent success stories from people in the Surprise area.
Erica B.
Her design!
Jay B Designs, LLC
Danae C.
Miesha and the team were extremely helpful from beginning to end. Our project entailed wallpaper installation and full furnishing for our bedroom, living & dining room and a refresh to our home office. The detail the team had in ensuring that all of our needs were met within our budget was impeccable. She even provided a detailed shopping list with links specific to the items needed for our space. The team also went above and beyond to deliver our pieces to us and provide hands on service and execution. I appreciate the time and careful consideration that went into making our house our forever home. Thank you Miesha! Would absolutely hire this team again.
Aster Luxe Designs
Jessica Q.
We couldn't be happier with the way our dining room turned out! We hired Homestead Restorations to install matte black shiplap to one of the walls in our dining room, while chatting in our design consultation with Jennifer and Jason we mentioned how closed off the room felt. They came up with a solution instantly, literally on the spot! Jason poked around the ceiling and they explained how taking out the drywalled dropped ceiling would eliminate that closed off feeling AND create the look and feel of raising the ceiling in not only the dining room but entryway also. They were spot on! The room turned out better than we could have imagined!!! I'm a pretty frugal person and also very picky, so the fact that they exceeded my expectations and for about half the cost I was anticipating for materials alone, the least I could do was write this review and show support. Thank you again for all your hard work, you are both so talented! We are grateful that we had you two helping us make our home exactly as we've dreamed! We will definitely hire your company again!
JPM CONSTRACTING LLC
Heckel
Britt Wallace was there for us every step of the way. Thank you Britt!!! He sold our home in 1 day for full asking price - and gave us the BEST Lender to purchase our NEW Home!!!