Baltimore HUD Homes Blog

What are the reasons why you would or would not work with an interior designer? That’s one of the hot topics being discussed in Home Remodeling and Repair in Zillow Discussions.  Personally, I’ve never used an interior designer — and come to think of it, I don’t know anyone who has. I’ve always thought of interior designers as working mainly for more wealthy clients who can pay top dollar for fine home furnishings. But is that a misconception?

As expected, some of the responders in the thread outlined the high cost as a reason they wouldn’t use a designer.

Spec_Tater says: 100% cost. I can buy the same lines that they offer without the markup.

But can interior designers actually save you money? Some say yes, while others aren’t so sure:

J Steingberg Design: … Products that a designer sells are sold at less than retail to the client (hence, the incentive from buying from a designer- aside from the “trade-only” access for a lot of things). Right now, about 30% markup from wholesale is standard. Most designers I know (myself included) are in the 20-25% range. Anyways- just thought I would say that. Im still trying to get my friends to *get it* that I can get them better stuff cheaper!

Spec_Tater: What I meant by cost  is that I have a friend who is an interior designer. She quoted me pricing on the pieces I wanted snd [sic] showed me her cost.  I was able to get the exact same model and brand for less than she paid.

la457: I think the expensive thing is partly a misconception on my part that a lot of the general public shares.  Part of my brain knows it only makes sense that a designer would be able to get the best stuff for less money than I could.  But another part of my brain is telling me to hold on to my wallet.  I’ve seen too many of those design shows on TV where they pay 16K for a small end table.

Having more control over the outcome was also pinpointed as a reason not to use a designer. But if you’re not too design savvy? Then it makes sense.

kd8kkjv: If I know color and texture and am comfortable with it and can make decisions in a timely manner, I don’t need a designer. If I’m undecided and confused and working in an unfamiliar materials, I might hire one … I work with designers in my field and to me, the feed back I’ve gotten from clients of theirs say they tend to project their own feelings and wants in a home and forget somewhat who the end user is.

rlvarcoe: …. I have worked with a few and found them to be most valuable.  Instance in case was a remodel for resale and they gutted the first floor, the layout was horrible and came out looking boxy.  After most of the work was done the homeowner brought in a designer and (as should have been done in the first place) they opened up rooms got rid of a small entry and added a bathroom… if this homeowner would have called in a designer from the git go they would have saved thousands and had a great design to boot… not to mention time….

So what do you think? Would you use an interior designer?

If you are thinking about using one, remember that you can find interior designers in your area in the new Zillow Professional Directory. Going it alone? Then check out Dueling Digs, a great resource for home remodeling ideas.

Photo credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Mr-Eckhart

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