How to Budget Your Interior Design Project
Let’s face it, the elephant in the room is always the budget. Sometimes a potential new client will call and know exactly what they have set aside for their project but most of the time they don’t have any idea. Knowing how much you want to spend BEFORE you start calling designers is as important as knowing how much you want to spend before calling a realtor to help you buy a new home. I realize clients with limited experience might not know exactly how much designing a space will cost, but experience tells me that everyone has a number. Here’s the thing: there is no right or wrong answer! Many designers have a project minimum (our office does) which we feel protects the client from having their decorating budget eaten up by design fees and also allows the design firm to prioritize the project. Figuring out your number can be tricky, but here are some general tips to help you find a range:
Are you expecting to do construction? If so, is it a simple paint job or a gut renovation? What do you hope to spend on this part of your project?
Do you want to add custom built ins? Millwork can really add dimension to a space and value to your home, but is not a small expense.
Do you want to add motorized window shades or a high-tech sound system? Many clients really value the ease of a high-tech home and understand that it is an investment and one that can require extra construction considerations.
With decorating, are you excited to invest in showcase pieces and luxurious fabrics? Had you hoped to have lots of wallpaper or special paint finishes on your walls? Are you expecting to customize your sofas or are you equally happy with an off the shelf product? Furniture itself has a wide price range and while we always try to balance investment pieces with accessible design items, it’s important to establish intent from the beginning.
Are you looking for a design experience that is turnkey, with your bookshelves and coffee table filled? If so, that will require a different budget than one where you purchase art and accessories at a more leisurely pace.
At Bella Mancini Design our projects typically range in a price per square foot for all goods and includes our design services (no construction costs, taxes or shipping) anywhere from $250-$350 PSF. That’s a huge range but applies to a lot of different styles of project, from casual weekend house to refined city living. I encourage you to try that litmus test on your own square footage and see where you net out.
Most importantly, decorating your home can be a daunting and expensive undertaking and figuring your budget out early on can make the process run much smoother and more efficiently than making it up as you go alone. Not only will it create fewer headaches, but it will end up saving you money in the long run.
To learn more about setting a budget and our Comprehensive Design Program, set up a short introductory call with our team.