Interior Decorator Cost - Buyer Experiences and Price Information

Just to clarify to all readers, the main difference between the two is education. Interior Designers usually attend a 4 year institution that is accredited by CIDA. Interior Designers tend to understand more of the structural aspects of a building, which allows them to make structural decision when designing. On the other hand, an Interior Decorator mainly deals with surface finishes, furniture and accessories selections, and drapery. Interior Decorator's do not require formal education, but that does not take away the talent that many possess. We need both Decorator and Designer, because not every client needs the same level of work. Both an Interior Designer and Interior Decorator should be professional and practice good ethics. Always research online, email or calling a few designers and decorators before employing one, many are willing to help you understand what your needs are before taking your money. I'm a 2010 Interior Design graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University. I want to share what my wonderful school taught me about design (and decorating) and ethics should be high on any designers list; whichs means to never talk bad about anyone because our business is through word of mouth, by our clients.

Hello,
I need an advice from other professional designers.
I just got a new apt. to be decorated, with very small renovations involved.
The apt. its pretty big (3 Rooms + 1 Den, 3 Bath, Kitchen, living and Dinning = 3,300sq. ft)
How much do you think I should charge for mainly decoration work?
Thanks

Hi
My question goes out to professional interior designers.
I am currently studying for my diploma in interior design with an accredited Design School in London.
A friend of mine is building a house (the construction has not started yet) with kitchen, living/ dining, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. He has asked me to work on this project. He is fully aware that I haven't finished my diploma as yet.
How much would be a reasonable/ friendly fee to charge?
Any advise would be appreciated.
Thank you and kind regards,
Simone

Is our budget of 8k-10k too much or not enough for a living room?

I need help with my new family room and have no idea how to find a decorator or what they would be a fair price. Any suggestions on what steps I should take?

I beg to differ. The difference is in how much education you have; four years of college vs. a technical college or design school. Designers are also allowed to make structural changes while decorators are not. It is true that some amateurs claim to be decorators; ask for credentials before working with either

To All: You need to make sure you know the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator. An interior designer, like myself, has graduated from an accredited university with proper training. An interior decorator is the little old lady down the street who's been watching too much HGTV. You're taking the risk by paying less for a decorator versus an actual designer. Unfortunatly, Congress has recently passed a stupid law that states you don't have to have any sort of formal education or certification to call yourself an "interior designer" so beware. Look to see if the designer/decorator is a member of ASID or IIDA, or has taken the NCIDQ certification. We currently charge $150/hour, w/ a markup of 25% on all items that are discounted to the trade. Anything that is retail pricing usually is passed through to the client. This is the standard and how we make a living! Hiring a designer/decorator is a luxury and you should view it as so. Just like most anything, you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a "cheap" designer/decorator, than that's probably what you'll get. In other words, don't have Cadillac tastes on a Chevrolet budget.

Dear Ann, I am an interior designer in New York and I find what your designer is telling you to be COMPLETELY not customary. There are various ways to charge but most commonly it is 30-35% mark up on purchases NET or RETAIL -- which means that if the designer can get the items for NET (such as at any trade on place or antique store) he or she will a) give you a copy of the original receipt (sometimes you can even pay the vendor directly) and then charge 30% for the fee. Basically, NET means anywhere between 20% to 45% off retail. At the D and D building in New york it is 40% off retail: so accourding to this you are paying a mark up of 65%!! This is not right. Of course, if he goes to restoration hardware or home depot and cannot get a net price, the mark up remains at 30%. But most reputable designers will always look for the least expensive source, whether to the trade or retail... and charge you EXACTLY what the store/vendor charged them.

What should I expect for a flat fee based on possible designs . This would be a payment for the design it self, no actuall work would be done as of yet.

Hi,
We are in the midst of renovating and redecorating several rooms. We initially advised the interior designer of our $150K budget which included furnishing two rooms. We spent 100K for the materials and renovations and are now looking at furniture. However, he charges 25% commission on furnishings. I should also add that he obtains the furnishings at wholesale rate but wants to sell to us at retial rate and charge commission on the retail rate. I think this is ridiculous and he insists that this is customary. Why would I pay 25% more than retail. I would think that he would be able to obtain the discounted rates for our home as his project. He insists that he has to resell the goods to us. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Sandy, It's unfortunate you had a bad experience. I'm an Interior Decorator, and I would never begin work with a client without providing a proposal first which outlines the scope of the project, plus my estimated hourse and fees. The client signs off on the proposal before any work begins. My recommendation is to always get a written proposal or letter of agreement first, before determining if you would like to hire someone. This will alleviate any surprises --Cindy

I hate to insult those who are actually professional decorators...but my mom hired a lady (Who actually works at her gym as the child care attendent). Anyway, my mom mentioned to her about decorating my daughters room. This lady just happed to be a "decorator". We asked what she charged, and she never really said. She said she would give an itemized list. fianlly, on the day work was to begin, she gives my mom the price, and a paper to sign too. $1500 to paint a 13X14 room, paint the exisitng bed, and then "placement of furniture" . I am furious. I called her and said she could finish painting the room, then call it quits. So, basically, we have a horrible paint job, eneded up with a horrible neon green on two walls. And it only cost $800. What a rip off. She did not even remove the face plates, which now have paint on them. The light fixture has paint...and now I have a lime green patch of carpet...where she spilled paint and attempted to clean up. This week I am having a painting service re-paint her room...for $250!!!!! I'm sick to my stomach. Alway research research research! And we supplied all the paint, rollers etc...the $800 was her wage only! $40.00 hr at 20 hrs to paint one freakin room!