Since I’m no longer taking any design clients, I thought this might be a fun topic to tackle—or at least to open up for a good discussion. Blogs and HGTV have definitely put the idea in lots of people’s minds that it’s possible to redecorate an entire room without spending loads of money with the help of thrifting, DIY’ing, repurposing, repainting, etc. . . But, what happens with those people want to hire a decorator to help them do all of it?
Can you design on a dime AND hire a decorator?
my thrift store dining chairs ($12.50 each!)
I think people are attracted to my blog because, well . . . I decorate with pretty cheap stuff and manage to make it look okay. I found that when I was decorating for other people, I would get lots of emails from prospective clients saying they liked my budget-friendly style and wanted help recreating the same thing in their own homes.
the Habitat Restore lantern I “restored”
I still stand by my philosophy that good design doesn’t have to be complicated or pricey. But, I think you know what I’m getting at. Decorating my own home on a budget has been a process that has included hours of shopping, scavenging, sanding, repainting, and just plain old sitting and thinking about how to change things up. It takes time. Time that might surprise clients if they’re being billed by the hour.
So, let’s discuss. . .
Designers/decorators: How do you set realistic expectations so that you’re fairly compensated for clients who want to design on a dime?
Budget-minded homeowners: Do you think a budget-friendly decorator is an urban legend? What are your expectations when paying someone to help design a room with repurposed and thrifted pieces?
I think the e-decorating trend is a great way to bridge this gap. No, its not quite the same as hiring a designer, but it does help someone understand how to shop and how to develop their style. Or hiring someone local to go thrifting with you can still be affordable. People definitely don't understand how much time it takes.
ReplyDeleteI hired someone to cone in and give ideas for a flat fee, I then did the searching myself and put my own spin on it. We've actually strayed from the reccomendations but they were a good starting point.
ReplyDeleteIt only took me a couple of hours to solve the major problems in a friends home and then they could find similar less expensive options or DIY some of the art projects if they wanted to take the time. Great topic! I always want people to feel like they aren't getting nickled and dimed by hiring a decorator.
ReplyDeleteWell, someone should bring up the topic and I'm glad it's you. As a designer I try to set expectations in the beginning of the process by giving an estimate to my clients. But the truth is that the lower your budget the more time it can take your designer. My best advice is to be honest about what you can afford--both on design services and your overall budget.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading all the comments!
Abby
I have similar clients. I find that most go for a design board, 3d drawing and written plan above an entire installation which means I shop, buy, install and therefore charge for all of those hours. Instead, they get a written plan with images and sources and then they can implementing it saving lots of time that would otherwise be charged for by the designer.
ReplyDeleteA second most popular option is consultations in chunks. So, maybe I do a consultation about color or tile or other specific topics one day and come back another day to answer questions and give other in-home advice. That way, they have someone keeping them on the right track though they are still doing the bulk of the work. And, the last, least popular option these days is the full renovation or install. It does still happen, but most are wanting to save a few dollars and just get direction rather than everything done for them. But, the great thing about decorating is that there is a package or way of doing things for everyone, based on their needs and budget. So, I do think it's more affordable with these new options like e-design becoming more main stream.
I'm working directly with contractors and overseeing them a little less often, but again, it does still happen. There's an option for everyone!
I offer clients options up front - design board with shopping list or hourly design/shopping/installation by me. I think if you are up front and sensitive to people's budgets it goes a long way to establishing credibility. No one likes surprises. I LOVE helping people make their homes beautiful on a budget, I find it most rewarding! Great post Emily!!
ReplyDeletexo~Jill
I am just starting out (with my toes most tentatively in the decorating world) so this is a really helpful discussion. I am very interested to read some of the solutions people have come up with. --And am I the only one who thinks your house looks more than just "okay"?? You are very modest!
ReplyDeleteWe hired a decorator to come in to choose paint color and give us some general ideas. She billed us by the hour and it wound up being under $300. I wound up being some of the best money we ever spent. We weren't buying new furniture and I do fine with choosing fabrics to make pillows, curtains, etc. I get plenty of ideas from YOU and Pinterest for creating and arranging my accessories. Pam was great at choosing the precise right paint color, cluing us into Flor carpet tiles (which is what led me to you!) and giving several options for furniture placement. We had her back when we re-did the master suite and she helped us see that we really didn't need to repaint the master bath (much to my husband's delight) and led us to Shoji White mere weeks before you used it. Both projects turned into a great blend of professional help and inexpensive DIY. I don't think most people realize you can hire a designer just to consult.
ReplyDeleteI am loving the ideas on pinterest and people's blogs...i've hired someone to come in and do it all and hired a consultant...
ReplyDeletemy big problem is - finding all the fun stuff everyone uses - i would definitely pay to show someone the "staging and accessories" i like and have them find them and set it up
i know there's probably a better layout for some things i just don't know how to do it - Mike is handy so making things and repurposing are easy it's just the little finishing touches!
great conversation. I believe in the value of decorators...but find it tough to dish out the cash to get it done...I often find designers / decorators 'prefer' the unlimited budget type of clients. who wouldn't? So I think I may 'hire' a decorator to see how much they can really help me...if they decide layout and save me time...then its worth it i think. Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteGood topic! I think that you can be budget friendly with a designer as long as everyone is up front with what is expected on both sides. I have run the gamut on services all the way from a small fee to consult to designing whole homes on an hourly fee. I have found that transparency is best in your fees and if the client has realistic expectations in the results (based on their budget), everyone is happy!
ReplyDeleteI offer different packages for my clients. It seems to work better than just charging by the hour. I was really scared to do it at first, as my degree is in Broadcast Journalism..not even close to design! But I found my previous work speaks for itself and I still get enough clients to keep a small design business going.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I'm not going to retire on what I do. It's nice to make money at it, but I'm too wimpy when it comes to charging clients who I know are on a budget and I can clearly see need guidance! I guess it's just too much fun re-doing a room for someone who has no idea what to do with it. I end up working for pennies...truly designing on a dime!
The way I design for "clients" in a comfortable way for everyone is having an hourly flat fee that I will charge based on the clients wishes/needs in their space. Sometimes that means just consulting and letting the homeowner DIYer do the projects themselves at their own pace. Sometimes I am moving furniture or merchandising shelves or making art galleries with the homeowners things. Sometimes I am even shopping on a budget for the homeowner. I like the flexibility of this structure and clients like to know they control the budget and overall results...
ReplyDeleteI've found it helps to be very upfront from the beginning. I usually email them an outline of how I bill and what to expect from me for the hours I give them. That way there's no awkward conversation or suprises. It helps them to understand that while they are paying someone to help, they avoid costly mistakes and save money in the long run(wrong color paint at $40.00/gall. adds up! or a couch that doesn't fit in the room). I think if you give options for just a few ideas or guidlines to implement or full on decorating, there's something for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI'm a consumer of design services and even though I have strong opinions, I don't have strong spatial skills. The time my designer put in to make the architect's lousy/pricey plans work better for me was priceless. If you need design help, find someone who clearly communicates how you will be billed and then know that there is a reason they charge, they are really good at what they do: color/decor/space. Love letter to all creative designers from a grateful client of Pace Interior Design, SLC, Utah.
ReplyDeleteI think that's what separates the average decorator from the great ones is the ability to take something old and worn out then make it beautiful. Then to fit it into decor takes real talent.
ReplyDeleteI think it has to do with your expecttions. As a somewhat DIY homeowner, I like to find things and re-do them on my own. (I've been known to pick up things off the side of the street.) But I will pay a designer for a couple of hours of time to come in and help me put finishing touches on my rooms or point out things that I wouldn't have thought of beore. For instance I acquired a bunch of family furniture. I was showing a designer friend some pictures and she suggested that I move a few things around. I never would have thought of it and it made all the difference. She was graciously thanked with a frozen casserole.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. Decorating 'for less" takes so much time and energy and a lot of DIY. We are finding there is a huge market for doing room design boards and then the client executes it themselves. We feel the best idea is to offer many levels of service from a consultation , ala carte or full service. We want to diffuse the rumor that working with a decorator can be scary or too pricey. Great post Emily!
ReplyDeletexo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
This is a great topic! It is worth hiring a decorator/designer at least to give some assistance for furniture placement or even paint colors if you feel you are spending money and not liking the colors and such that you pick. I find that a lot of clients have moved into choosing online inspiration boards as opposed to having full scale renovations, but it's what works for them! By knowing the client's budget you can easily design a room that works for their wallet. I think it is better to be up front from the beginning with the cost I charge for my design boards or for my consultation appointment fee. That way the client knows everything in advance.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you wrote on this subject! I have been slowly trying to start my own design business, but I don't even know where to begin! Sometimes it feels like I can't even give my services away. I always get the feeling people think I want to make their house look exactly like mine which is totally not the case.
ReplyDeleteI also loved getting to hear from customer and designer, sooo good.
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ReplyDeleteI think having the $$$ discussion at the beginning of the project and setting expectations is very important. For clients who have a limited budget 5K or less I recommend my e-design- its a great way to get an overall vision for the space and they do all the leg work of running around purchasing the pieces and putting the space together. Those rooms you see in magazines are not put together overnight and contrary to what we all see on TV with these "instant rooms" what we dont see is all the planning & running around behind the scenes to pull it together-there is usually a large team of people making it happen. If you have the financial resources- one of the great benefits of hiring a designer/decorator is that he/she knows where to shop and has a large library of sources that the general public does not have access to-which in turn get you the space thats not so "out of the box" so to speak. The benefits of choosing the e-desing is cost effective but also you can work at your own pace as you create the space of your dreams. It all boils down to time or money- if you have the money- hire the designer. If you have the time & not the money go for the e-design or just a 1-hr consult and work as your budget permits.
ReplyDeleteEmily, this is a great topic! I charge several ways. I use to charge by the hour and found that most people don't want just an hour. They think they do but then you get to their house and the hour becomes tell me about this room and this room,etc. So now I do VIP days or execrating for those clients. I will do an hourly if it is just for paint consult or something simple but not for redecorating a room. It isn't fair to me or the homeowner to attempt that. If someone is willing to do that, they are not who you want unless it is a designer who is a friend and doing you a favor. Designers can save the client time and money. The biggest problem I have is when clients won't take my suggestions or trust me and then hate what they chose. If you are going to hire a designer, make sure it is someone you trust and then let them do their best work. Trust in the process. The most cost effective way to use a designer is for consulting and you do the legwork which in my practice is the e-decorating way. if you want to pull together something quickly ten VIP is the way to go. Just don't get frustrated thinking you can do it alone because there is always someone who is interested in helping get it done! I love reworking old pieces and creating new looks!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those subjects that I can go on about all day. I'm a blogger, diy'er and designer. I've found some incredible scores like a $17.00 desk or $50.00 campaigner bookshelves. Many items in my home have been found & refinished and when friends or clients visit they get excited about seeing my projects and want the same thing for their house, the problem they want it for $17.00 or $50.00, they don't understand how long it took me to find these items, the research I did to finish the project properly, the time spent repurposing and the cost for supplies. I also spend hours researching, reading blogs, websites, magazines, books and continuing education in order to present ideas to clients. What I do isn't rocket science but my time and expertise is worth more then nothing and over the years I felt like I was giving more and getting paid less, I've had to revamp my business and I only do hour consultations with clients for a set price and I have a booth at an antique store and I sell my items at a local store at set prices so there is no haggling over prices. It has taken some time but I've finally learned my time is worth something just like an attorney, doctor, teacher or secretary!
ReplyDeleteI always just wanted someone to come in and decorate my house with stuff I already have. Stuff I've been buying for years for that day when the house "was done". I have a good eye for nice things at great prices but don't have the knack for putting it all together.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who is just starting a design business but has been doing it in my home for a long time, I totally agree...I spent lots of time and sweat equity on my home that goes into the budget solutions, that won't be easy to re-create for clients. I do hope, however, that my creative "sourcing" for products and unique uses of everyday things might help my clients! Great topic - love your blog. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/
Great question. When I needed some help I called a friend's designer and asked if she'd be willing to stop by for just a couple hours for an hourly fee. I sent her images or the areas beforehand with what I was thinking about changing so we wouldn't waste time. She ended up staying just over an hour (but only charged for a single hour.) During that time she gave me suggestions for what I could do on my own and lots of tips about finding the best help for jobs that I couldn't handle on my own. Best $75 I ever spent decorating-wise.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic! I've had 3 designers out to my home and they've all quoted be upwards of $20K for my living room. I was wanting drapes, rug and accesories. It sounded crazy to me. I'd love to find a budget decorator or even a design board then I can move forward with the plan myself. It's the put together idea I need.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is reading this and can help in the Dallas area. Please contact me!
Wow! So many great comments to read through! I have found that as everyone has said being upfront with billing is important. Before I meet with my client I allow them to choose a variety of design packages from a 3 hour consult to an hourly fee. And then I give them an estimation of hours to execute what we have discussed. If it is a DIY project they would like me to do I will give them a flat rate for the project that will include materials and time. Sometimes I go over and don't charge, but if I do need to I will always let the client know before I bill with an explanation and I have never had any problems. I totally think you can have a designer on a dime budget... you just might have to search for the right one. In these times, high end design is really not an option for most people!
ReplyDeleteGreat topic! Thanks for the conversation!
Oh my Emily, I echo your sentiments exactly!
ReplyDeleteI too can decorate on a dime...in my own home. Why? Because I don't have to charge myself for labor nor do I have to pay my assistant/handy-man..who just happens to be my hubby.
For clients, that's another story! Yes, it all takes a LOT of time as you know. I charge by the hour because so much of my work is redesign..with a little of new things brought in. (And I usually don't do any materials markups either.)
Even though my client projects are extremely affordable, they still are often surprised initially that I have labor fees! I wonder how they think I'd make any money.....
I blame HGTV for that because there are(were) those shows that say they're doing this design on a dime (like $2000) and they NEVER factor in labor fees! Nor do they see how many pre-production hours that went into initializing the plan...or the hundreds of dollars of equipment/tools, behind the scenes workers, etc. that go into making it look "so easy"!
Mind you, I do a lot of decorating consulting that does sorta equate to "design on a dime" for the client. He/she can hire me by the hour to merely get ideas. They then can use them as their jumping off point if they wish, and save themselves a ton of money. I usually will give high end and low end ideas that they can implement themselves if they choose.
Oh the stories I could tell about those people who think a design service is free because "why should I pay you if I can get the salesperson at the furniture store to do the same thing?" Arrrgh! Of course, then I get the calls to come "figure out why it doesn't look right" afterwards ;-)
You designers out there know what I'm talking about. To the customers/clients out there who may read this, rest assured, when you hire a designer you want to work with, he/she will be well worth the money you spend, often saving you money in the long run :-)
I've just started a budget design business based on suggestions from friends who like my home and it. I've found that most people like the in-home consult and the email follow-up with tips, links, sourcing for their projects. There are a few who would like for me to source everything and do a big reveal but I'm just not able to offer that at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI am struggling, however, with how to set pricing and what to offer. I find myself spending lots of time in the email follow-up--when I've only budgeted an hour for it.
If anyone has suggestions on how to set pricing, I'd love to hear them!
P.S. I also wanted to say the absolute biggest project I ever did was one where the total budget was $10,000...and that was all-inclusive for an entire home! Most of my projects are $1000 or less. Maybe I am the true "budget decorator" :-)
ReplyDeleteI started my own budget design business in the last year and I charge an hourly fee + any materials and purchases. I keep it relatively simple. I am interested in hearing how others handle billing and labor.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic!
Something similar came up the other day on another blog specifically in reference to Sarah's House on HGTV. I love her work but it is very high end. The gist of the comments were we would like to see her have a more realistic budget to work with and one that does one rom at a time, not a whole house. My husband and I do most of our work and we enjoy doing it But we spend long periods of time sourcing, looking, buying, re-doing etc. We tend to save things until we have everything accumulated and then do a single installation. Another commenter had it right when she said those labor fees are never factored in when shows on TV are seen. Well, now we are stuck on one room...our living room. I strongly dislike that room but I am really clueless. Hiring a decorator at an hourly rate for ideas and maybe even some sourcing would be totally worth it for me. I also like to take advantage of some things that are only sold "to the trade." There is a difference in these items that is not availed to the regular consumer. Really, it depends on what you want for your home. You have to be honest with your expectations, your budget and the final product you are hoping to achieve. I think fewer people are willing to spend money on full services but there is such a place for decorators with a better eye, sense of scale, and creativity than I have!
ReplyDeleteThough I already commented once, I couldn't resist another comment.
ReplyDeleteWell said Jenna McCalley - hiring a decorator (especially the e-design route) usually saves you time and money. Like she mentioned, a bunch of oops paint atn $40 a gallon adds up, or a sofa that is too large or the wrong color isn't a cheap mistake. Most of my clients have tried things on their own and come to this conclusion over time.
And, of course, well said Amanda Carol - love her. It's about time or money and that helps determine which type of decorating package is right for you. And, yep, we have more sources than the average person.
I agree with Lisa Mende - it's pretty impossible to redecorate a room in an hour consult. Usually in an hour you can just give a paint color suggestion, or furniture placement ideas, but to completely redo a room with solid instructions is not really possible. I used to go home and do homework to deliver a solid plan in that scenario, but then I realized that I should charge for those hours worked and not do it as homework to the consultation.
What I am good about though, is answering short quick questions for free - email me any time. Clients are also welcome to ask about things they see in stores, any time, for free. I do 5 minute answers for free. Yes, these do add up, but I feel like I'm also paying it forward on some level.
Laurie Jones, however, made a great point about how much time can go into even an "inexpensive" diy project - time shopping, time researching, time doing, etc. You can't expect a decorator to do it and get you the piece for that price... unless they help you look for an hourly rate and you redo it.
Tiffany - Great way of saying it - Sometimes I go over and don't charge, but if I do need to I will always let the client know before I bill with an explanation and I have never had any problems. I agree and do the same. That's what clients should expect.
I also typically pass on my discounts to my clients - at places like Restoration Hardware, Crate and Barrell, Pottery Barn, and so on.
I mentioned some of the popular ways I work with clients in my previous comment. Another very popular consult type that is requested is for space planning and furniture placement. It's very common for the home owner not to think of a certain arrangement.
And, another popular one is just for ideas in general, especially along with some links to sources and tutorials.
I'm happy to answer any questions an let you know what is typical to expect when working with a decorator (like, should she charge this) for free - I love being helpful. Just email me, even if you aren't in my area or using me. I just like the idea of debunking the myth that it has to be expensive or intimdating.
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ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading all of your comments. Keep 'em coming! :)
ReplyDeleteYES! I finally found this web page! I’ve been looking just for this article for so long!!
ReplyDeletewedding dresses
Such a great discussion - designing on a dime takes a whole lot longer - it's why I've been working on my home for over 2 1/2 years and it's still not "done". ;)
ReplyDeletegreat topic!
ReplyDeletei think that hiring someone who specializes in "affordable" decorating, can save a client a LOT of money and time. i have found (since i do this for a living) that a flat fee is really appealing to clients. they know how much they are going to spend one deign fees from the get-go, and if they want to hire me for additional guidance they can.
if clients hire me by the hour, i will give them a pretty accfurate estimate on how much time it will take me to execute their wishes, and i let them know as the project goes on how much time they have left. that way, they can decide where to allocate my time.
i totally agree with abby, who stated that sometimes, the smaller the clients budget, the more time it can take a designer to come up with a solution!
it is, as always, a balance of budget!
:)
autumn
My interior decorating business is based on my motto "budget-friendly interior decorating". I offer a really wide range of services so that a client can get as much or as little help as they want. Surprisingly, most of my jobs are full installations which is my most expensive service.
ReplyDeleteI mostly charge a flat fee as I think people on a budget like to know up front what they're going to pay. Most of the time this works but there were a few jobs in the beginning that I swear I only made $5 an hour. But, I was building my portfolio and learning along the way.
Great discussion going on here, good idea, Emily! :)
I think a great way to achieve both is with e-design. The client can take the decorator's ideas and run with them. It's a great partnership, because the client will not have to pay for install, etc. but can still have the decorator's touch. I have set fees for my e-design services and some decide to go for just the accessory design package or 'a la carte' package, which is less expensive. Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteAs an licensed interior designer who has worked with clients with both small and large budgets, there is room for both DIY and to-the-trade resources on almost every project. Consultations for a flat fee can provide a staged plan, which sets expectations for a client on a tight budget. They can then implement the stages when they are ready and can incorporate high/low, re-purposed, to-the-trade, and DIY items.
ReplyDeleteHowever, most clients don't want an entirely DIY home and most interior designers want and need to be compensated for the immense amount of "behind the scene" hours that most interior design jobs require. Nothing replaces the quality of custom upholstery/re-upholstery or drapery/soft-goods. Workroom quality window treatments and pillows can make a room. If a client is going to spend money on higher end items that is always where I recommend it be spent on the the windows.
I also offer full room design or planning assistance and provide a shopping list. I find my biggest obstacle is convincing people who think they have done a good job decorating that they do in fact need help. I don't charge hourly fees and let people know I can work within a "good, better, best" price range and let the client decide what investment level they are at.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I am extremely put off by the majority of decorators/designers attitudes I have been hearing lately. Decorating/designing is a product and to run a successful business you have to please your customer. If you are good people are going to be willing to pay more and wait longer. That is not an automatic privelege just because you have a gift. Thank goodness for competition it pushes us all to excel. I don't understand why decorators/designers believe they should be able to control their market by limiting access to products and services and initimidating their customers. Sorry if this sounds harsh but I am tired of hearing from people who feel "entitled" in any industry. (including my own!)
ReplyDeleteI am not a professional decorator. I would feel very foolish hiring a decorator to do DIY decorating unless the designer actually marketed themselves that way. I certainly would expect practical suggestions and ways to cut costs to achieve my objectives, but I wouldn't expect heroic meansures to save money with time consuming DIY projects. I know things change, but DIY and hiring a decorator are still two separate paths in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteGood question. I always give the option to some of my clients to do any running around that they want to save some money on the hourly rate. I do realize that sometimes spending too much time looking for the cheapest thing will in the end cost more so I am careful with that. Also...in my experience, I can usually estimate what a room will cost and then we make cuts and try to prioritize whats important. Sometimes it is a crap shoot :)
ReplyDeleteHot topic! I just wrote on this too - after reading a post at Apt Therapy! My take is how the tv shows really skew the general public's idea of what can really happen with a reno (either minimal decor or full remodel). It would help if the shows presented the actual time, costs including labor and that all supplies were readily available. Oh, and permits in place!
ReplyDeleteI like the ideas I've heard in decorators comments about edesign, or design boards. I don't know much about how the pricing on those work, I'm a homeowner who likes the DIY approach and I have a very small budget so I've always assumed that a decorator wouldn't even be possible for me. If those were offered at a flat fee it's something I would consider in the future because I sometimes just need the ideas for what to look for and how to place it in the room. I can handle doing the labor part of searching for it on the cheap and fixing it up.
ReplyDeleteI just moved into my first house and needed help with my livingroom that opens into the kitchen. I'm lucky that I have an aunt who loves decorating, and has an eye for how to turn something not so great into something fabulous who helped me pick colors, paint, redo two goodwill chairs and two Salvation army side tables, buy a rug and accessories, make throw pillows, curtains and arrange it all to get the look I was going for. I told her my budget was $520 for everything and we came in at $518 and spent a week doing it. She did it because she loves me and enjoys spending her time doing projects like that. Seeing how much of her time went into helping me is what reinforces my belief as a homeowner on a budget a decorator is a luxury that I probably can't afford.
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