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Dear Jessica,
I’d like help updating my living room, but am not sure whether to hire an interior designer or an interior decorator. What’s the difference, and how much can I expect to spend for these services? — Jenna, Greensboro

Dear Jenna,
There are a variety of resources to explore within the interior designer/decorator field for your living room project. You can hire someone by the hour, or by the project.

To get the best results, it is important to do your homework. You should first determine whether you want someone to assist you by putting together a design plan that you can execute yourself, or if you prefer a more full-service approach.

Your question about whether to hire an interior designer or interior decorator is a common one. The confusion is understandable, since these titles are often used interchangeably. An interior design degree is focused on design; interior decorating involves more training in the arts. For certain projects, a design degree is important; for others it is not. Formal training from a degree program in interior design is beneficial if you are beginning a remodel or building project.

When embarking on a decorating project, a designer or decorator can be used. Design vision is crucial when choosing a professional. Regardless of a degree, you should be looking for someone with talent, experience, product knowledge, resources, and relationships with workrooms and craftspeople. I have seen good and bad spaces designed by both designers and decorators.

In this region, most designers charge a design retainer/project design fee, or an hourly fee. You can expect to pay a good designer or decorator from $100 to $300 per hour and up. In a large, metropolitan area, the hourly rate would be higher.

Take a close look at the style and work of the designer or decorator that you are considering hiring. What an experienced design professional can achieve in an hour is extraordinary. Keep in mind that a higher hourly rate may end up being a bargain if the designer you hire is experienced and can get the job done more efficiently in less time. A couple of hours working with the best will be more valuable in the long run than numerous hours spent working with a novice.

I have heard of designers offering services for considerably less than the norm, but I’ve also heard about clients being billed for travel and other extras that are generally included in the cost when working with established professionals. Retainer fees are difficult to quote here, due to the unique aspects of each project.

In addition to the hourly consulting fee or design retainer, you should expect to pay a standard markup on materials and labor. This markup varies from
25 percent on designer wholesale pricing on up to full retail, depending on the décor elements purchased. Most client pricing ends up being better than traditional retail pricing.

It is a misconception that hiring someone to help you make decisions about your space is cost-prohibitive. In fact, working with a design professional usually ends up saving money. A big part of working with a client is figuring out the best way to allocate the budget to achieve the best results.

Working with an in-store designer is a good option if you are highly organized and have a design look already in mind. The role of an in-store design consultant is to help you pull a look together based on the information that you are providing. An in-store designer will not second-guess your decisions.

If you pursue this option, I suggest seeing if your consultant can stop by for an in-home visit to view your space. I have seen beautifully coordinated spaces that do not work because of errors in scale. Furniture often looks smaller in showrooms and appears very different when set up in a typical room.

Room makeovers and accessorizing can be a great alternative to a full service interior redo. This involves rearranging your furnishings in order to reinvent your space.

Sometimes a room makeover involves introducing a few new accessories. By giving your space a new perspective, you get a renewed sense of home. Designers and decorators usually charge their standard hourly rate for this service.

If you have a very specific job in mind, such as selecting a paint color, there is help available for that, too. Usually this service is hourly and is great for helping to wade through the multitude of color choices. Your hourly consultant can also order large paint chips (8 by 10 inches) to help you make your final decisions. This option eliminates the need to invest in the mini paint samples, which can add up. This type of service requires an in-home consultation.

Paint can change and transform a space for the better or worse; hiring a pro is usually a safe bet and a smart investment. These services can range in price from $150 to $500, depending on the size of your project. Most of these services are offered by full-service interior designers and decorators. Some companies also specialize in these specific services. 

The advantage of hiring a seasoned design professional, whether you are looking for a paint consultation or designing an entire house, is that you are getting custom-specified products for your project. In my experience, if you are open and communicate well with your designer or decorator, and are specific about your design goals, you should be able to stay within budget and be happy with the end result.

Communication is the key to success. Ask questions and be open to new ideas. Concentrate on the end results and let your designer worry about staying within your budget.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Visit her Web sites at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com or www.thestudioofgreensboro.com. Questions?
E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.