What Homeowners Should Expect

One of the first questions homeowners ask before reaching out is:

“How much does an interior designer cost?”

It’s a fair question — especially when you’re building or renovating a home and making significant financial decisions.

The honest answer is: design fees vary. And they vary for good reason.

Let’s break it down clearly.

Why Design Fees Vary

Not all design projects are created equal.

The cost of hiring an interior designer depends on several key factors:

• The size of the home
• New construction vs. renovation vs. furnishings-only
• Level of architectural detail and customization
• Cabinetry and built-in design
• Lighting and electrical planning
• Number of rooms involved
• The level of project management required

Designing a 6,000+ square foot custom lake home requires a very different level of involvement than refreshing a single living room.

Most full-service designers structure their fees in one of the following ways:

• Flat design fee based on scope
• Hourly rate
• Percentage of overall project investment
• A combination of design fees plus product markup

At Brenna Morgan Interiors, we are the latter. We charge a flat design fee based on scope plus a product markup for all furnishings purchased through us. For large-scale renovations or new construction, full-service interior design fees often begin in the mid-five figures and scale with complexity and scope.

This reflects the level of detail, coordination, and oversight required to execute a cohesive home from start to finish.

What’s Included (And What’s Not)

This is where many homeowners are surprised.

Interior design is not simply selecting furniture or choosing paint colors.

A comprehensive design scope may include:

• Space planning and furniture layouts
• Cabinetry design and elevations
• Architectural finish selections
• Lighting and plumbing selections
• Electrical placement guidance
• Material sourcing and specification
• Vendor coordination
• Ordering, tracking, and procurement
• Installation oversight and final styling

What is typically not included:

• Contractor labor and trade management
• Structural engineering
• Permitting
• Construction labor costs

Design and construction work hand in hand, but they are separate services.

When clearly defined, both operate more efficiently — and with far fewer misunderstandings. Take a look at our services here.

Designer vs. DIY: What’s the Real Cost?

At first glance, DIY can feel like the less expensive option.

You avoid design fees, and you purchase items yourself.

But here’s what often happens:

• Incorrect measurements lead to furniture that doesn’t fit
• Finishes are selected out of order, causing delays
• Materials clash once installed
• Electrical plans don’t align with furniture layouts
• Change orders add unexpected thousands to the build

Even one construction mistake — moving plumbing, adjusting cabinetry, relocating lighting — can cost more than a designer’s fee.

Additionally, professional designers have access to trusted vendors, trade-only resources, and quality products that are not always available at retail level.

The result is typically a more cohesive home with higher long-term value.

When Hiring a Designer Actually Saves Money

There is a common misconception that hiring a designer is a luxury expense.

In reality, in many custom builds and renovations, it is a protective investment.

A designer can help you:

• Finalize selections early, preventing costly change orders
• Ensure materials are cohesive before installation
• Avoid purchasing the wrong-sized furniture
• Create a clear plan for builders and trades to follow
• Eliminate expensive “redo” decisions

When you’re investing hundreds of thousands — or more — into your home, thoughtful design direction reduces waste, delays, and decision fatigue.

And perhaps most importantly, it ensures the finished home feels intentional rather than pieced together.

The Bottom Line

Interior design fees vary because the level of involvement, expertise, and responsibility varies.

For homeowners building or renovating in the Lake Norman area, working with a professional designer often results in:

• A smoother construction process
• Fewer costly mistakes
• A cohesive architectural vision
• A finished home that feels timeless, layered, and deeply personal

The right designer does more than make your home beautiful.

She protects your investment.