Understanding the Investment: Budgeting for a Full-Service Design Project

When you're ready to partner with an interior designer, one of the first questions that often comes up is: “How much should we budget?” It’s a fair and important question—and one we believe should be met with transparency and guidance.

At Grounded Homes, we know that great design is both a creative and financial investment. Our goal is always to help our clients make confident decisions about where and how their money is being spent, while delivering a finished space that’s both beautiful and deeply functional.

Here’s a look at what goes into a full-service design budget, and how we help clients understand the big picture from day one.

1. What Does “Full-Service” Really Mean?

Full-service design means we’re with you from concept to completion. This includes:

• Initial design concepts & space planning

• Material and finish selections

• Procurement of furnishings and décor

• Project management and contractor collaboration

• Styling and final installation

  
  

It’s a hands-on, highly customized experience that saves you time, prevents costly mistakes, and ensures every detail is cohesive and intentional.

2. The Three Major Budget Categories

We help our clients think of their total budget as three parts:

• Construction / Trade Costs

  If your project includes remodeling, this covers contractor labor and materials (e.g., cabinetry, labor for electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, countertop installation, etc.). These costs vary significantly depending on the scope of work and location.

  
  

• Materials & Furnishings

  This includes the actual materials that will be installed in your home - the flooring, countertop slab, backsplash tile, lighting, etc., as well as furniture, rugs, window treatments, lighting, art, and accessories (everything that brings warmth and personality into your home). High-quality pieces are an investment, and we always strive to mix elevated staples with custom and well-made selections that stand the test of time.

• Design Fees

  Our design fee covers all of the strategy, sourcing, drawing, coordination, and creative direction required to bring your space to life. We typically work off a flat fee based on the scope and complexity of your project, which we outline clearly in our proposal.

3. A Note on Transparency

We don’t believe in hidden fees or unclear expectations. At the start of each project, we create a detailed budget estimate and walk you through each component so there are no surprises down the line. If priorities shift, we adjust the plan accordingly.

4. Why “Pinterest-Worthy” Costs More Than It Looks

We love a beautiful inspiration board as much as anyone—but many of those images reflect layered, curated design with high-end finishes and professional styling. That’s part of what we deliver, but it’s helpful to align expectations early so the finished product meets (or exceeds) your vision and stays mindful of your budget.

5. Designing with Value in Mind

We take your investment seriously and always strive to recommend where to splurge for long-term impact and where to save without compromising quality. Whether it’s sourcing durable materials for a busy household or repurposing existing pieces that still have life, we treat your budget as if it were our own.

Final Thoughts

Budgeting for a full-service design project doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right team, a thoughtful plan, and clear communication, the process can be empowering—and even enjoyable.

If you're considering a design project and want to better understand the investment, we’d love to connect and walk you through what’s possible.

Schedule A Call