Dear Melissa:
I need help with my new house but I’ve never used a decorator before. I’m afraid it’ll be too expensive. Can you give me an idea of how much it costs? L.M., NY
Dear L.:
While we definitely load the front end of a project’s cost, the savings in the long run can be substantial. Here are some reasons why we are worth it: We can stretch your dollar for the most impact. Our knowledge helps you avoid costly mistakes. We save you time and legwork. We can pull your look together. We make sure your project is in compliance with safety codes. We have access to unique products. We are your advocate when problems arise with manufacturers. In short, we are the experts.
Comparing how different decorators/designers charge is like comparing “apples and oranges”, but I’ll give it a shot. Most people charge an hourly fee, plus expenses, with a small markup on product; often they require a retainer for a minimum number of hours. A variation on this is a project fee where the decorator/designer estimates the cost of his time and the expected purchases, and payment is made on an installment basis. Finally, some shop owners charge the full retail price on merchandise, usually purchased through their shops, which covers their time and overhead.
In the northeast, the average hourly charge for an experienced practitioner ranges from $65-$175 per hour and the mark ups vary from 10-100%, with 25-40% being average. This is highly subjective, however, and depends greatly on the firm’s overhead, reputation, and the trade discount the designer gets from the various manufacturers. (In contrast, a furniture store can expect a 200-220% mark up on products, which offsets its enormous overhead.) The amount of profit is much less for small firms than clients realize.
Unless you have seen someone’s work firsthand, I suggest you interview several people, not so much to find out who is the cheapest, but to determine which decorator/designer you will be most comfortable working with. Compatibility is crucial. M.A.K.
