Jetgirls.net - View Single Post - Interior Design and how much would services cost?

Bigsweetie · 03-09-2008, 06:08 AM

Hi Kristie!

Whom you need to hire depends on what work you want done. If you're just looking to paint and rearrange furniture (or possibly buy a few pieces), hire an interior DECORATOR. If you're looking for a complete remodel (new kitchen or bathroom, knocking down walls, etc.) hire an interior DESIGNER. There is a huge difference between the two.

A decorator needs no formal training (although many have a two yr. degree) and little to no knowlege of electrical, plumbing, building codes, etc. A designer will have a four year degree (minimum) and should be licensed (not always though, i'm not licensed, but it's not required in my state). If you go the designer route, find one that's NCIDQ Certified (i.e.- licensed) and has been in business for a while. Also check references for both types.

Once you find the right person, have an idea of what you percieve as the problem areas of your house. You don't need solutions, just know what you want fixed. Also, it's helpful (although not necessary) to cut out things from magazines that you like. Write down what you like about the picture (is it the colors, or is it a particular style, or is it the arrangement of the furniture, etc.). That will help your decorator or designer understand your style. Be specific about what you liked in the pics though.

The person you choose should not make any decisions without coming to your home. No paint colors should be chosen, etc. w/o a site visit.

What to pay? It really varies based on experience and training. A decorator with no formal training probably 15-25/hour. A decorator with a 2yr. degree or a trade school degree 25-50/hour. A licensed designer with a 4 yr. degree probably 50+/hour. These are just guesses on my part. I haven't been in the industry in a few years and I don't know if the pricing is different in your part of the country.

My experience is more in commercial design than residential otherwise i'd offer to come out there and help you myself.

Good luck! I hope I was helpful!

03-09-2008, 06:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bigsweetie Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Clinton Township, Michigan Posts: 1,590 Recipes: Thanks: 8 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Interior Design and how much would services cost? Hi Kristie! Whom you need to hire depends on what work you want done. If you're just looking to paint and rearrange furniture (or possibly buy a few pieces), hire an interior DECORATOR. If you're looking for a complete remodel (new kitchen or bathroom, knocking down walls, etc.) hire an interior DESIGNER. There is a huge difference between the two. A decorator needs no formal training (although many have a two yr. degree) and little to no knowlege of electrical, plumbing, building codes, etc. A designer will have a four year degree (minimum) and should be licensed (not always though, i'm not licensed, but it's not required in my state). If you go the designer route, find one that's NCIDQ Certified (i.e.- licensed) and has been in business for a while. Also check references for both types. Once you find the right person, have an idea of what you percieve as the problem areas of your house. You don't need solutions, just know what you want fixed. Also, it's helpful (although not necessary) to cut out things from magazines that you like. Write down what you like about the picture (is it the colors, or is it a particular style, or is it the arrangement of the furniture, etc.). That will help your decorator or designer understand your style. Be specific about what you liked in the pics though. The person you choose should not make any decisions without coming to your home. No paint colors should be chosen, etc. w/o a site visit. What to pay? It really varies based on experience and training. A decorator with no formal training probably 15-25/hour. A decorator with a 2yr. degree or a trade school degree 25-50/hour. A licensed designer with a 4 yr. degree probably 50+/hour. These are just guesses on my part. I haven't been in the industry in a few years and I don't know if the pricing is different in your part of the country. My experience is more in commercial design than residential otherwise i'd offer to come out there and help you myself. Good luck! I hope I was helpful! Last edited by Bigsweetie; 03-09-2008 at 06:57 AM.