What Is Full-Service Interior Design? (And Is It Right for You?)
If you’re in the process of hiring an interior designer, you've probably heard the term "full-service interior design" but what does it actually mean? Is it just a fancy way of saying someone will help you pick out furniture? Is it overkill for a normal renovation? And why does it cost more than a design consultation?
There's a lot of confusion about what full-service design actually entails and the term itself doesn't do a great job of explaining what's involved.
In simple terms: full-service interior design means your designer handles everything from initial concept through final installation. And we mean everything. Space planning, material selections, contractor coordination, furniture sourcing, project management, styling. You're not just getting design advice. You're getting a partner who collaborates with you to design your home, and then manages the entire process while you go about your life and check in.
Think of it less like hiring a consultant and more like hiring a general contractor for the design side of your project. Except instead of managing construction, your designer is managing every design decision you’ve approved, coordinating all the moving pieces, and making sure that the final result is exactly what you envisioned. This is what that looks like in practice.
The Discovery Phase: Understanding Your Vision
Every full-service project starts with getting to know you, your home, and what you're hoping to achieve.
Initial Consultation We spend time talking through your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and goals for the space. This isn't a quick "what's your favorite color" conversation. We dig much deeper to find out your whats, wheres, hows, and whys. What drives you crazy about your current space? Where does clutter accumulate? How would you like to use your kitchen? Why did you decide now is the time to renovate your home?
We also discuss budget and timeline. These aren't uncomfortable questions to avoid but essential information that shapes everything that comes next. A realistic budget conversation upfront saves everyone from scope mismatch, and wasted time later down the process.
Site Assessment We visit your home (or your potential home if you haven't moved in yet) to see the space firsthand. We take measurements, photos, and notes. We look at how natural light moves through the space, ideal traffic flow, structural limitations, and opportunities you might not have noticed.
If you're doing a renovation, we also assess what exists now. What can stay and what needs to change? Are there any obvious issues that will affect the project?
Setting the Foundation By the end of the discovery phase, we have a clear understanding of your vision, your constraints, and what success looks like for this project. This becomes our roadmap for everything that follows.
Concept Development: Bringing Ideas to Life
Once we understand what you want, we start translating that into actual design.
Space Planning This is where we figure out how the space should function. We create floor plans, test furniture layouts, and thinking about how you'll move through each room. If you're renovating, we determine which walls stay, which ones move, and where new elements go.
Good space planning is the foundation of everything else (no pun intended). Get this right, and the rest will flow naturally. Get it wrong, and no amount of pretty finishes will fix a layout that doesn't work for you.
Mood Boards and Concept Presentations These aren't just random Pinterest boards. We create visual representations of the design direction and show you how colors, textures, materials, and styles will come together. This is where you start to see your vision take shape.
We'll present a few different directions if appropriate, or refine a single concept based on our initial conversations. The goal is to align on the overall aesthetic before we get into specific product selections. This will act as our design roadmap for the rest of the project. If during another phase of design or construction we hit a roadblock, we will refer back to these boards to see how that can be executed in style with what we like.
Budget Refinement As the concept develops, we continuously check it against your budget. We're honest about what things cost and where we might need to adjust if we're tracking high. Better to have these conversations early than to fall in love with a design that's not financially feasible.
Design Development: All the Decisions
Now it is time to get into the details.
Materials and Finishes We select everything that goes into the construction or renovation. This includes things like
Plumbing fixtures (sinks, faucets, shower heads)
Appliances (and their ideal size)
Tile for backsplashes, showers, floors
Cabinet styles and finishes
Flooring for each room
Countertop materials
Hardware for cabinets, doors, and bathrooms
Paint colors for every surface
Lighting fixtures (recessed, pendant, chandelier, sconce)
Window treatments
Wallpaper (if applicable)
For each category, we don’t only pick something pretty but consider durability, maintenance, how it works with other selections, and whether it fits your lifestyle. We also source samples so you can see and feel materials in your actual space before committing.
Custom Elements If your project includes custom millwork, built-ins, or special features, we design those in detail with your storage needs in mind. This means creating drawings, elevations, and specifications so contractors and fabricators know exactly what to build.
Technical Drawings For renovation projects, we create detailed construction documents. Floor plans, elevations, lighting plans, electrical layouts, plumbing locations. These aren't optional. They're what contractors need in order to bid accurately and build correctly.
Furniture and Decor Planning While construction plans are finalized, we also plan all the furnishings. This includes things like sofas, chairs, tables, beds, rugs, lighting, artwork, accessories. We create layouts, specify exact pieces, and think about how everything works together with the main renovation.
This phase involves a lot of decision-making, but we guide you through every choice, explaining options, and make sure everything aligns with the overall vision.
Procurement: Sourcing and Ordering
Once decisions are made and the budget is approved, we handle all the actual purchasing and logistics.
Placing Orders We order everything including furniture, lighting, rugs, tile, plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, window treatments, and accessories. We manage relationships with vendors, track lead times, and keeping detailed records of every order. You will be invited to our design portal where you can see and track all the approved products and their order status.
Trade Access One of the benefits of working with a designer is access to trade-only showrooms and brands. Many of the best furniture lines, fabric houses, and specialty vendors only work with design professionals. You get access to products that aren't available to the general public. In many cases, we also get to customize their offerings your exact preferences. Need a metal worker to make a custom bar? We know a guy. Want a specific dining chandelier that you dreamt up. Here are 4 different lighting makers.
Managing Lead Times Different items have wildly different lead times. Custom furniture might take 12 to 16 weeks and that is before shipping. The vintage rug you love might arrive next week. We coordinate all of this behind the scenes to arrive when they're actually needed, or sent to a receiver who inspects your items, stores them in secure designer only facilities, and white glove deliver them to your home when the space is ready.
Quality Control When items arrive, we inspect everything. We check for damage, manufacturing defects, incorrect items (this happens more than you’d guess), and logging their arrival for you and the contractor. If something is wrong, we handle the returns, replacements, and communication with vendors so you're not dealing with customer service headaches.
Construction Coordination: Managing the Build
If your project involves any construction or renovation, this is where we really earn our fee.
Contractor Selection We can help you find contractors, request bids, and evaluate proposals. We speak the language of construction, so we know what questions to ask and what red flags to watch for. Because we were involved in the design process and selected the materials, we know exactly what should and should not be included in the contractor proposals.
Pre-Construction Meetings Before work starts, we meet with your contractor to review plans, clarify details, and make sure everyone understands the scope and design intent. This prevents miscommunication and costly mistakes down the line.
Site Visits During Construction We visit the site regularly throughout the construction phase. We check that work is being executed according to plans, answer contractor questions, make design decisions as issues arise, and catch problems before they become bigger issues. When not on site, we are also available and in contact with you and the contractor to check in budget, and discuss project weekly schedules.
There are never ending questions during construction. "Where exactly does this light go?" "We found an issue behind this wall. What do you want to do?" "The tile you ordered fell off the truck and now needs to be remade. What’s the alternative?" That last example really happened to us on a previous project and there are more like it. We answer these questions based on the overall design vision so you're not scrambling to make decisions you're not equipped to make.
Problem Solving Things go wrong during construction. It's not if, it's when. Materials get discontinued. Measurements are off. Something doesn't fit the way we expected or arrives broken. We solve these problems in real-time, finding solutions that maintain the design integrity while trying to stay within the budget and timeline.
Change Order Management If changes need to be made, we help you understand the implications (cost, time, impact on other elements) before you commit. We also make sure change orders are properly documented and reasonable. This is a major reason to front-load most of the design work before walls are taken down. It helps save money, time, and everyone’s sanity.
Installation and Styling: Bringing It All Together
The exciting part where your home finally comes together. The construction phase always seems to go on forever but once the cabinets and tiles go up, move in day feels closer than ever.
Coordinating Deliveries We schedule all furniture and decor deliveries and ensure everything arrives in the right order and at the right time for installation. We're on-site or managing the process so things go where they're supposed to go.
Installation Day On install day, we’re there for furniture placement, managing the process, and make sure everything is arranged exactly right. After all, how will the movers to know exactly where to place an entire home's worth of furniture? That sofa needs to be three inches to the left? We got it. The statement art piece needs to be centered on the wall at the perfect height? We’re on it.
Styling and Finishing Touches Once the big pieces are in place, we partner with a stylist to add the finishing touches to your home. Together we arrange accessories, place books and objects, adjust pillows, hang artwork, and make sure every detail contributes to the overall look. This is where a good design becomes a great one.
Final Walk-Through At the end of this lengthy process, we do a complete walk-through with you, address any concerns, explain how things work, and make final adjustments as needed. We also provide you with care instructions and documentation of everything we've specified.
Ongoing Support: We Don't Disappear
Should you need us after you move in, we’re still there for you.
If something needs adjusting, or you want to add something later, we can help. We’re available to answer any questions you have about care and maintenance. Good design relationships don't end at installation but evolve as your needs change and you settle into your new home.
What Full-Service Design Doesn't Include
To be clear about boundaries, here's what we typically don't do:
We're not general contractors, so we don't do the actual construction work. We're not architects, so major structural engineering or building design isn't in our scope (though we work closely with architects when needed). We're not movers, so we don't pack and transport your belongings. And we're not professional organizers, though we can certainly recommend them if needed.
We handle everything on the design side and help coordinate construction while trades handle their specialties. Together, it all comes together.
How Is This Different From Other Design Services?
Here is how full-service design compares to other design services:
Design Consultation typically involves one or a few meetings where we provide advice, recommendations, and a plan. It's the most cost effective but requires you to do the sourcing, ordering, coordinating, and managing.
E-Design or Virtual Design is done entirely online. We provide you with design boards, a shopping list, and layout options, but there is no in-person involvement and no hands-on management.
Design-Only Services means we create all the plans and specifications but you handle contractor coordination, purchasing, and installation. It's a middle ground for people who want professional design but want to manage execution themselves.
Full-Service Design is the most comprehensive. We're with you from start to finish, managing every aspect. It costs more because you're paying for our time, expertise, and the significant project management involved. But for many people especially those doing major renovations, it's worth every penny.
Who Is Full-Service Design For?
Full-service design makes the most sense if you:
Are doing a major renovation. When you're gutting a kitchen, adding a bathroom, or doing a full-gut remodel, having a designer manage the process is invaluable. The complexity alone justifies the support.
Don't have time to manage a project. If you work full-time, travel for work, have young kids, or just don't want to spend your evenings and weekends researching tile options and coordinating contractors, full-service takes that burden off your plate.
Want everything to be cohesive. When someone is managing all aspects of the design, the result is more polished and intentional. Everything works together because it was planned together.
Value expertise and access. You're paying for years of experience, design knowledge, problem-solving ability, and access to resources you wouldn’t normal have. That expertise prevents costly mistakes and creates better results tailored for you.
Want to enjoy the process. Renovations are stressful. Hiring a designer to manage it means you get to enjoy watching your vision come to life without the headaches of managing every detail.
Full-service design isn't for everyone. If you're on a very tight budget, love the DIY process, have plenty of time, and feel confident making design decisions and managing contractors, you might not need it. But if you want professional guidance and hands-off management, it's the right choice.
What Does Full-Service Design Cost?
This is the question everyone wants answered, and unfortunately, there's no simple answer because every project’s needs are different.
Designers charge in different ways. Some work on a flat fee based on the scope of work and others charge hourly. Some charge a percentage of the total project cost, and many use a combination of methods.
For a full-service residential project in the Boston area, you might see:
Flat fees ranging from $25,000 to $100,000+ depending on scope
Hourly rates from $150 to $500+ per hour
Percentage of project (typically 15% to 30%)
The cost reflects the significant time and expertise involved. A full-service project might require a 500-1000 hours of work from concept through installation. You're paying for design talent, project management, vendor relationships, problem solving, and peace of mind.
We recommend finding a designer whose fee structure fits your project, and whose services align with what you actually need. A good designer will be transparent about costs and help you understand the value you're receiving.
Is It Worth It?
Think about the value of your time, the cost of mistakes, and the stress of managing everything yourself. Now think about the difference between a space that's "pretty good" and one that's truly great.
Full-service design costs money upfront, but it often saves money in the long run through better decisions and avoided mistakes. It definitely saves time and stress, and it almost always results in a better final product.
Your home is one of your biggest investments and plus, you also live there. If you're already spending significant money on a renovation or furnishings, spend a bit more to have someone manage the process and ensure it's done right.
Beyond the financial argument, there's also the quality of life factor. Do you want to spend the next 6-12 months consumed by your renovation, or do you want a professional to handle it while you maintain some semblance of normal life?
For most people doing major projects, full-service design isn't an indulgence but a necessity.
Ready to Talk About Your Project?
If you're looking to completely transform your home, we'd love to talk about how full-service design could work for your project.
At Nubuor Designs, we offer comprehensive design services throughout Greater Boston and beyond. From historic brownstones, suburban colonials, to downtown penthouses, we create thoughtfully designed homes tailored to how you live.
Contact us to schedule a consultation. Let's discuss your vision and whether full-service design is the right fit for you.
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