FAQs: Interior Design
From start to finish, a project typically takes 6 to 12 months. Usually, it's 8+ weeks for design and then it's renovations and waiting for custom furnishings.
We use a flat, value-based fee model, based on the size and scope of your project. A 2-hour Design Jumpstart is $1500; Design Master Plan is $3500 per room; and Design Comprehensive starts at $6500 and is quoted per project. Regardless of the design package you choose, you will know your entire design fee up front, with no surprises.
If the scope of your project changes - you decide to add an additional room, or change your vision for a space halfway through - we will send an additional flat-fee proposal for that aspect of the project.
In addition to our complete room design packages, we offer a 2-hour design consultation called a Design Jumpstart. A Design Jumpstart is ideal for clients who plan to invest less than $15,000 on their project.
A Design Jumpstart session is an information-packed consultation where you'll gain targeted, expert design recommendations. You can learn more about a Design Jumpstart right here.
We require 100% payment on all orders for many reasons. One of our favorite responses (loosely quoted by Tobi Fairley) is: “If, after placing an order, you decide you don’t want that sofa, I can assure you that I don’t want it either.”
We’ve had clients go through tough times that pulled them away from the project. While it is completely understandable that someone dealing with a personal crisis can’t focus on the design project, the custom orders already set into motion cannot be paused or cancelled, which means that item is yours. When it comes down to it, we’re a design firm, not a bank. Once a custom order is placed, it is non-refundable.
Non-custom pieces may (possibly) be returned or exchanged at the discretion of each individual vendor, and are subject to restocking fees from the vendor plus an additional invoice for our time spent handling the issue.
Here are some additional resources:
You’ve hired us to design and implement a vision for your space and we suggest you don't buy anything on your own while we're working together. Your choice may not be a fit for the design, layout, or investment and can throw a wrench into our design plan, which can ultimately add more time - and money - to your project.
Revisions are included in our design process, and after both the conceptual design and detailed design presentations, you'll have one week to review the design and let us know if there are any items you'd like re-selected. No goods are purchased without your approval and 100% payment; the decision about what is purchased and installed in your home is ultimately yours.
Yes, we can (and happily will!) recommend contractors and trades that we love and trust for your project, and this is part of the value we bring to our clients. Our insurance stipulates that you must enter into an agreement with them directly, meaning you will sign an agreement with them for the scope of work and pay them directly for their work.
For our Design Comprehensive clients, we are still involved throughout the implementation process, communicating with your contractors and tradespeople and assisting with any questions they may have while implementing the design plan.
If you don't dig the team of tradespeople we've connected you with, you of course are free to find your own trades for the project.
We totally can work with your planned investment, but understand that no one's design wishlist is ever within the amount they hoped to invest! Think of it this way: if you want a Mercedes but have a Kia budget, it's up to you to increase your investment amount to afford the Mercedes, or decide to make some compromises and stick with the Kia. Both cars will get you from point A to point B - and you get to decide which you want and which you can afford.
A clear picture of your planned investment at the start helps us create a design plan that meets your needs, desires, and financial goals. Put some time into coming up with a number before we start, even if you think you have “no idea”. We’ll talk you through what we can accomplish with your investment and you’ll be thankful in the end that we nailed this down in the beginning.
Here’s an idea of how investments typically work out on a design project. Design Fees land at about 20% of the total investment; freight and white glove delivery expenses are around 18%; furnishings and labor are about 52%; and the final styling accessories are 10%. This varies from project to project, but it’s a good starting point so you’ve got an understanding of where your design investment will be going.
We recommend 10% of a room's budget be saved for accessories and styling at the end. When you splurge on a new outfit but forget to buy the shoes, jewelry, and a great bag to complement it, doesn’t it just fall short?
The same goes for an interior. Getting the final details right can make the difference from a room feeling halfway finished to a room that looks amazing.
The final 10% of the budget, used for artwork and accessories, takes a room to a whole new level. A fully complete and styled room is a must-have in the Lesley Myrick Interior Design philosophy and gives you the best bang for your buck.
For our Design Comprehensive clients, we perform one large delivery of all your items whenever possible. COVID-related backups in the home goods industry mean that sometimes we'll deliver and install a room when it's 90% complete so that you're not waiting unnecessarily long to enjoy the transformation of your home.
Items purchased by us on your behalf are safely stored at our office or in a white glove receiving and delivery facility until delivered to you.
(Heads up - clients are responsible for all shipping, storage, & delivery fees.)
Did we answer your questions?
Awesome! Now for the fun part: starting your project. Tell us a little about your project and inquire about working together right here.