The Cost of Comfort

How to Navigate a Home Furnishing Budget with an Interior Designer

Furnishing a home is an exciting opportunity to tailor a space to your personal style, offering not only a fresh look but a fresh start. However, for many homeowners, the cost of furnishing a home may feel like a mystery. With so much to consider about furniture styles, sourcing, and interior designer fees, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and delay your dream home transformation.

But don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place for expert guidance! As a professional interior designer and decorator, I’m here to help you make informed decisions and get the most value out of your home furnishing budget.

Just the other day, I had a discovery call with a potential client looking to furnish their newly purchased, multi-million-dollar home. They estimated a furnishing budget of $20,000 for the entire 3,500 sq ft space. After I walked them through a realistic cost breakdown, they were surprised to learn how much more it would actually take to bring their vision to life.

Understanding what goes into creating your dream space is essential. Here are a few key factors to consider when planning your furnishing project:

Budgeting

Furnishing a typical living room with mid-range retail pieces generally starts at around $30,000. The final cost will vary depending on the room’s size and whether it includes elements like custom window treatments, built-in storage, or a fireplace design.

Lead Times

Be prepared to anticipate at least 4 months to have your home fully furnished and decorated. Furniture deliveries generally take 4 to 10 weeks, while custom millwork may require 8 to 12 weeks to complete. 

Designer Fees

Interior designer fees typically range from 20% to 35% of your overall project budget. For example, a $100,000 project would include a design fee between $20,000 and $35,000.

Never underestimate the transformative power of thoughtfully curated furnishings. They can significantly elevate the look and feel of your home. Quality furniture is a worthwhile investment, so it’s important to approach the process with intention.

Hiring an interior designer helps you get the most out of your budget. Designers manage the time-consuming tasks of sourcing, planning layouts, and coordinating all the moving pieces—saving you time, money, and stress. By trusting their expertise, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and enjoy a smoother experience from start to finish.

And best of all? You’ll wake up each morning in a thoughtfully curated space where every detail—and every dollar—has been accounted for. That “dream home” Pinterest board? It just became your reality!