Your home plays a central role in your life and that of your family. It serves as a place for shelter, relaxation, work, and social interaction.  It’s important for your home to reflect not just your personality, but the way you function in your space.  This is why it’s so important to be mindful and realistic when planning your interior design projects.  The way you design your home plays an important part in the mood,  functionality, and overall satisfaction of everyone who lives there.

But making your home into the relaxing, functional and comfortable space you desire can often be expensive. Many clients are overwhelmed when learning the cost of realizing their interior design visions.  Sticker shock is often a big hurdle to overcome when getting your project off the ground.  Here, we’ll talk a little bit about what’s involved in many of the projects we do, and why the investment might be more than you were expecting, and some suggestions on how to prepare for them.

	Professional Expertise  First and foremost let’s talk about your designer.  Chances are, you’ve attempted to do some interior design projects on your own, with varying degrees of success.  You may be questioning why it costs so much to have a professional put together a few color options for you, or select a new fabric for your sofa.  The truth is, you are not just paying for the designer’s time, but the years of experience that comes with it.  Your designer understands how the undertones of your wood flooring will affect the way your paint color looks, or what kind of fabric will hold up best against your active family.  She has likely spent years at school, and even more years learning and making mistakes so that you don’t have to.  All of her time and knowledge is worth more than just the hours she puts into your project.
	Customization  Creating custom work is always more expensive than buying off the rack.  But it’s the only way to ensure that the finished result is uniquely you.  Whether it’s drapery that is fabricated to fit your odd shaped windows, or unique furniture with a custom finish, these are the elements that make your home design fit not only your personality but your lifestyle as well.  When products are mass produced, they can be made for less cost (and usually lower quality), but when you are specifying one special item that fits unique requirements, the price always goes up. Pictured here: Mr. Carlos from PW Upholstery, Patrick Street Interiors' Lead Re-Upholstery Workroom
	Quality Materials & Finishes Using high-quality materials and finishes is essential for achieving durable, visually appealing results. Premium materials often come with higher price tags, but they can contribute to the longevity and overall quality of the design. In addition, many of the higher end products boast eco-friendly production or  use renewable resources in their production lines.  While these products often come with a high price tag, if you are looking for responsible products and companies, it is often worth the extra cost.
	Labor Costs  Skilled labor is required for tasks such as creating custom drapery, installing stair runners, or fabricating unique furniture.  Even painters and wallpaper installers have to understand the ins and outs of their trades that most DIY-ers will never know.  As with the Designer, you are not just paying for someone’s time, but their years of experience at their particular job. Labor costs can vary depending on factors such as location, market demand, and the complexity of the project, and you should always take that into consideration when planning your project.  9 times out of 10, the labor costs are much more than you were expecting.  It’s also worth noting that truly skilled laborers are something of a dying breed.  As the older experts in the various fields retire out of the workforce, fewer and fewer laborers are stepping up to train with and replace them.  Their scarcity in some fields inflates their value and makes everything more expensive.

Interior Design Projects can be expensive, but don’t be discouraged.  Hiring an interior designer can actually help you get the most for your budget.  If you follow these tips you can be sure to have a rewarding experience and a beautiful home at the end of your project.

1. Be honest and upfront with your designer about your budget, and how much flexibility you have with it. 
2. Be willing to be flexible. Often you can trade off a higher end material in favor of custom labor that will have a very similar look.
3. Break your project into manageable bites.  Working on one room at a time is a great way to feel you are making progress on your project while you budget for the next phase.
4. Do your research.  Coming to your designer with a magazine clipping file, or a Pinterest board that highlights your preferred style or look will save your designer time (and thus, you money) by providing her with a roadmap to your desired end result.

Ultimately, engaging the services of an interior designer is an investment in the overall quality and enjoyment of your living or working environment, making it a decision well worth considering for anyone seeking to transform their space into something truly exceptional.

Let’s Work Together
Collaborating with us goes beyond aesthetics; it's an investment in transforming your space into a beautifully curated and functional home that aligns with your lifestyle. Whether you're a busy professional, a new homeowner, or someone seeking a fresh perspective, choosing Patrick Street Interiors as your interior designer firm is a worthwhile decision. We’d love to meet you—stop by our showroom or call us today!

Schedule your complimentary 15-minute Design Discovery call today.