Need house help? How to Choose Between an Interior Design Consultant and Full-Service Designer
Have you ever heard of an interior design consultant? As a woman looking to create the home of your dreams, you’re probably familiar with the concept of hiring an interior designer to help you update your space. But did you know that this term can mean many different things?
Within the field of interior design, there are a wide variety of specialists who concentrate on different aspects of the design process. In addition to traditional interior designers, this includes decorators, stylists, stagers, and paint experts to name a few! When you decide to hire a pro it can be confusing to say the least.
In this post I’m going to cover two popular terms that can be a bit confusing: Interior Design Consultant (me!) and Full-Service Interior Designer. Both offer valuable services, but the approach and level of involvement differ significantly. Whether you’re renovating a single room or overhauling your entire home, it’s important to understand how these two options work so you can decide which is the best fit for your needs, style, and budget.
Let’s break down the key differences between an interior design consultant like me and a full-service designer so you can make an informed decision about chosing the right service provider for your next design project.
What is an Interior Design Consultant?
My work with clients falls into the category of interior design consultant. An interior design consultant is a professional who provides expert advice, guidance, and recommendations to help you transform your space—but with less hands-on involvement than a full-service designer. As a consultant, my role is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make confident design decisions on your own.
Fun Fact: I used to be a teacher… and teaching clients how to decorate their homes better on their own is one of my favorite parts of my job!
Big Picture
- Limited Hands-On Time From The Designer: Typically, a consultation involves a single meeting or a few sessions where I provide feedback, discuss design ideas, and offer suggestions on how to improve your space. We discuss solutions and concepts on the spot (even selecting paint colors or specific furnishings together right then and there!).
- Guidance + Vision: I’ll advise you on color schemes, furniture selection, space planning, and other design elements. After our session, I provide you with a document that includes paint samples, furniture examples (with links!) and example photos that help you see an overall vision for your home.
- Execution is Up To You: I help you make a plan, but you’ll take the lead in purchasing items, executing the design, and making decisions.
Flip Through A Consultation Packet From A Recent one-Room Design Consultation ↓
Services Offered
- Color consultations
- Space planning and layout suggestions
- Furniture and decor selection advice
- General design direction
- Style and aesthetic guidance
Your Role
You will be the one making things happen. YOU hire the contractor and buy the furniture, accessories, tile, etc. based on the recommendations I provide. While I am still available to answer questions here and there, most of the work and execution falls to you (or the people you hire).
If you get into the weeds and you need my help again, we simply schedule another session! I can also attend meetings with your contractor or come back and help you style/arrange furniture at the end of the project for an hourly rate if you prefer. Just give me a call…
Investment
Because the level of involvement is lower and the process is less resource-intensive for the designer, interior design consultations tend to be more affordable. You’re paying for expert advice without the full project management.
I currently charge $250 for a two-hour in-home session, which also includes the PDF plan as shown above with written/visual documentation of the work we did during our time together. I can even “meet” you virtually if you don’t live in the Northern Colorado area.
What is Full-Service Interior Design?
A full-service interior designer offers start to finish design services. From the initial consultation to the final installation, they manage the entire process, which can include anything from selecting furniture to overseeing contractors. If you want to hand over the reins and enjoy a done-for-you transformation, this is the service for you.
Big Picture
- Total Project Management: Full-service design is ideal if you’re looking for a designer who handles every project detail from start to finish.
- Complete Design and Execution: The designer will create the concept, select all furniture and decor, hire contractors (if needed), and even supervise the installation to ensure everything is perfect. They are present on the job site and monitor small details. They often have their own subcontractors that they like to work with for things like tile, countertops and cabinetry.
Services Offered
- Concept development and design direction
- Full-scale space planning
- Selection and procurement of furniture, art, and accessories
- Coordination with contractors, carpenters, or architects
- Installation and final styling
Your Role
While you’ll still provide input on things like your style preferences and budget, the designer takes a more hands-on role in executing the design. They may make decisions, purchase materials, and hire professionals on your behalf, ensuring the project stays on track.
Investment
Full-service design is a more expensive option because it requires a higher time commitment and more resources. You’re paying for a complete service, where the designer handles all the details and execution. This can save you a lot of time and effort. For very busy people or clients with large budgets, this can be a great option.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between an interior design consultant and a full-service designer depends on several factors, including your vision, the size of your project, and how involved you want to be. Here are a few tips to help you decide:
Choose an Interior Design Consultant if:
- You have a clear vision: If you know what you want and just need some help to pull the details together, a consultant can help refine your ideas and point you in the right direction. Do you have a Pinterest board full of ideas and feel like you just need help narrowing things down? Then a consultant might be a good fit.
- You want to stay involved: If you enjoy shopping for furniture or accessories and want to be hands-on with the design process, a consultation might be a great fit. I tell people that a great consultation session feels like talking through ideas with a girlfriend; it is a collaborative conversation and you get to take the lead!
- You’re working with a smaller budget: Consulting services are typically more affordable, making it a great choice if you’re looking to manage costs but still need expert advice. A consultation (or two) is a small fraction of the cost of full service design fees.
- You need help with a specific project: Whether it’s choosing a paint color, arranging furniture, or tackling a single room, a consultant can provide tailored solutions for specific challenges.
Choose Full-Service Design if:
- You want a hands-off experience: If the idea of managing every detail feels overwhelming or stressful, a full-service designer can handle everything from start to finish.
- You have a large project: Major renovations, home redesigns, or coordinating multiple rooms often require the expertise and coordination that a full-service designer can offer.
- You prefer a polished, cohesive result: Full-service designers are experts at creating seamless, stylish spaces that align with your aesthetic. If you want a professionally curated, cohesive look, then this might be the right choice for you.
- You have the budget to invest: Full-service design can be pricey, but for those willing to invest in a high-end, hands-off design experience, it offers incredible value for your time and peace of mind.
How I Can Help You as an Interior Design Consultant
As an interior design consultant, my goal is to empower you to make confident design choices and help you bring your vision to life with ease. Here’s how I can support you through the process:
- Personalized Advice: I’ll listen to your needs, preferences, and goals to tailor a design strategy that works for you and your family.
- Confidence Boosting: If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about your design decisions, I’m here to help you build confidence and clarity.
- Big Transformation On A Smaller Budget: You’ll have a more cost-effective solution that still gets you the expert advice you need without spending your entire project budget on design fees.
- Flexible Support: Whether you need a single consultation or ongoing advice for your project, I’m available to guide you through any stage of the design process. I have some clients who I have been working with for years- one room at a time. We can work on your time, at your pace.
In Conclusion
Understanding the differences between an interior design consultant and a full-service designer can make all the difference in choosing the right support for the projects you’ve been dreaming up. If you’re looking for expert guidance and love being hands-on with the process, an interior design consultation is the perfect fit. But if you prefer to hand over the reins and want a professional to take care of everything for you, a full-service designer might be a better option for you.
Whichever option you choose, the key is to select a service (and designer!) that can help make your home dreams REALITY.
If you’re ready to get started, I’d love to help you design a home that feels uniquely yours—let’s chat about your next project!
