Over my 19 years as an interior designer, I’ve heard some non-truths about working with an interior designer. Today, I’m sharing the most common misconception I’ve heard.
The misconception that when you work with an interior designer your project will cost WAY more.
Have you had this fear about hiring an interior designer? If so, you’re not alone.
We’ve all heard the horror stories. Like the client who hired a designer without setting a clear budget. Halfway through the project, they realized the custom furniture and imported tile selections had pushed them over by nearly $40,000. By the time they scaled back, the timeline stretched. They had to make compromises on finishing touches that really mattered. So we understand the fear that designers have expensive tastes and will insist that only the most expensive items will work in order to achieve a certain look.
There is a lot to break down here, because yes, working with an interior designer is a luxury. You certainly CAN pick lighting and furniture on your own. You certainly can go into a remodel or new build project with just a great contractor.
And there are also designers out there who DO completely ignore client budgets. This makes it impossible for their clients to ever see the design come to life unless they completely disregard their agreed-upon budget.
But, when digging into whether there is an alignment with your needs and wants and what a professional interior designer can offer, the key is to understand what you value the most.
Making an investment in professional interior design services is an important choice.
Here are some key considerations to be aware of if you’re considering hiring my team for your upcoming project:
- There is a fear that an interior designer will implement their own preferences without regard to what the homeowner really wants. When you work with my team and I, this is not the case. We are 100% devoted to understanding your wants and needs. We select items that reflect your style, preferences, budget, and unique vision. While my design aesthetic leans toward coastal modern, my true passion lies in infusing your home with colors and textures that tell your story—not mine. Whether your style is quirky or cool, clean or bold, my team and I take the time to get to know you. This ensures every corner of your home feels like a true extension of your self-expression.
- My experience as an interior designer allows me to help clients avoid making costly mistakes. Many homeowners end up hiring us to fix those mistakes. Have you ever seen someone buy a beautiful sofa that looks great in the showroom? But it doesn’t fit through their front door or overwhelms their living room. Or invest in lighting fixtures that are either too dim or too harsh for the space? These are mistakes my clients have had to correct. They are costly issues that proper space planning and lighting design could have prevented. Working with a designer upfront ensures your choices fit perfectly and function beautifully from day one. Well, as an experienced interior designer, I know how to properly evaluate options before an investment of money or time occurs. This helps clients avoid choices that won’t achieve their vision and ensures every decision moves them closer to the outcome they want.
- I have access to way more products and materials than most homeowners do. Companies that make furniture and home products and only sell to professionals like me are called “to-the-trade sources.” This means when you work with me, you get access to all those amazing options you wouldn’t be able to find on your own. Plus, because I work with these companies all the time, I know about the quality, customizations, and features they offer. This allows me to source products that are higher quality and one-of-a-kind. Often, they are also more affordable than what you’d find shopping on your own. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities for your home!
- One of my favorite things to do in a design project is to take a high-low approach. This means I select high-quality and statement pieces where it counts, and budget-friendly options elsewhere. It’s rare for someone to have the budget to invest in luxury pieces for every element of their space.
- More often, it makes sense to splurge on certain high-impact pieces in some instances. In other cases, it’s best to be much more restrained on other items. If done well—spending money where it counts—the overall effect will seem more high-end and custom. This happens even if lower-cost pieces were mixed in. I can help you determine where to save, and where to splurge. Read this post for where we typically save and splurge in our client projects. <- designer, if you’ve published the post on where to save/splurge, link it here (LINK JULY BLOG)
- My team and I are well-versed in value-engineering. This means figuring out how to get the desired effect at a lower cost or getting the most “bang for your buck”. Our goal is to help you achieve a beautiful, functional, and lasting space that fits within your financial goals. A good designer will be a conscientious steward of your investment, and will aim to find affordable options without compromising quality, keeping the design aligned with the approved budget. Making the best choices in decor and furnishings protects and maximizes your investment in your home. This is why we provide detailed information up front about our design service pricing and typical project investments. You can inquire here for more details.
- My team and I allocate time each month to research new products so we stay up-to-date on the latest trends, materials, and innovations. We also devote time to monitoring architecture, industrial design, and fine art to spot trends and create timeless designs. By dedicating time to research, we are able to ensure our clients aren’t investing in something trendy that will look out-dated tomorrow. The selections we make for our projects have a timeless appeal; we choose designs meant to last beyond passing trends. Choosing pieces that will stay stylish for a long time means you won’t have to replace them anytime soon. It’s a smart way to save money and make your investment last
- Another thing worth considering is the emotional toll and stress of going through a home update or redesign without an advocate. Countless decisions need to be made. The fear of wasting time and money on pieces that might not fit, function, or flow with the rest of the space can be incredibly overwhelming. Working with a designer can significantly reduce your stress. Throughout the design project, you’ll know you have an experienced team focusing on your project so you can relax and focus on your family, your career, and day-to-day life. That kind of value is priceless.
Hiring an interior designer to lead you through the design process is a valuable investment that will save you time, money, and stress. Our team has vast insight into what is possible. Our clients often share with us that they are able to realize something they could never have created on their own. The result will be a beautifully designed and curated space that reflects your unique story and supports your lifestyle. It will also function effortlessly for you and your family—now and as life evolves.
Want to learn more about working together? Schedule a free consultation call to learn more about our services, pricing, and how we can support your project from start to finish.
FALL IN LOVE with where YOUR LIFE UNFOLDS
ASR Design Studio is an exclusive residential interior design studio in Southern California.
We specialize in remodeling, new builds, furnishing, and thoughtful styling.
Our approach to creating homes blends our signature style of modern coastal design with our clients’ personal preferences, lifestyles, and objectives.
We believe that your home should tell the story of who you are.
