I have been doing interiors design work for 15 years now, and the hardest issue I’ve seen clients struggle with is determining their design budgets. “What’s my budget?” may be the hardest question to answer, but it’s also one of the most important matters that need to be ironed out at the start of any design project.
If you have wisely chosen to hire an interior designer, she will help you figure out what your design project should cost. When I work with clients, we go step by step though the budget process at the first official meeting.
During the budget process, we get into the nitty-gritty of what the client wants on three levels: Good, Better or Best. Then, piece by piece, we come up with what the project will cost altogether.
I have also had the privilege of working with clients who know their budgets from the outset. They have mulled it over and determined that they are willing to spend, for example, $20,000 to $25,000 on their living room. As your designer, having this crucial information means that I will only show you products that fall into that price range, because it’s my job to stay within the budget. As a savvy designer, I know where to best splurge and where to save to maximize every dollar.
Figuring out your design budget may be the least exciting part of your project, but it’s a big part of the puzzle that will serve to guide you on your journey.
Heather McManus
Artistry Interiors
January 28, 2015
