1. What should I expect to spend on furniture?
2. Do you charge a mark-up?

My answers are 1) it depends upon the amount you invest* and 2) yes, I charge a 30 percent mark-up on top of my wholesale cost. However, the real answers are more complicated than that.

There is no doubt that hiring an interior designer is an investment. However, the overall benefits a client receives outweigh the costs. Here are just a few examples:

• A designer is a professional who understands your individual needs and the scope of your project from the beginning.
• They ask the right questions to get a feel for your style and incorporates your personal touches into the overall design.
• Interior designers also have access to furniture and materials at wholesale prices. This allows them to access a wide variety of products, including fully customized, semi-custom & in stock items. It also allows for products to be delivered in a timely manner. Please see my recent blog post “Why Purchase Items Through an Interior Designer.” 
• Designers are often focused on energy-efficient and green designs, which can help homeowners save thousands in utility costs in just a few years.
• A designer knows how to value engineer a project. This helps you know when it’s worth investing in certain pieces and when it is best to choose a cost saving alternative.

If you are considering an interior design project, I encourage you to consider the big picture and all that a design project involves. If you have any specific questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Tracy Morris Designs.

*I advise my clients to budget between twelve and fifteen percent of the home’s price for interior design expenses. For example, a client should budget between $600,000 to $750,000 for fully design and furnish a $5 million dollar property.

For more information on the benefits, read this article.