Question 1

What interior design style does The Design Source specialize in?

Accepted Answer

Every project we undertake is unique, and we don't limit ourselves to one particular style. Our approach centers on understanding your needs and preferences, then creating spaces that authentically reflect your personal style.

Question 2

Why would I hire a designer like The Design Source instead of going somewhere like Restoration Hardware or Ethan Allen who offers design services?

Accepted Answer

We handle all aspects of interior design, including remodeling, paint, furniture, lighting, and decorations. Unlike retailers tied to specific brands, we maintain over 150 vendor accounts, giving us the flexibility to source from a wide range of options to create your ideal look.

Question 3

Why should I hire an interior designer?

Accepted Answer

An interior designer does more than make a room look beautiful. They provide comprehensive guidance from start to finish, helping you save time, money, and stress. They consider the function of your space, traffic patterns, usability, proper lighting, finishes, safety, and other factors specific to your needs. They assist with prioritizing within your budget and have access to trade-only resources that often result in cost savings. Additionally, an interior designer handles the legwork for you, including visiting showrooms, specifying furniture and fixtures, creating mood boards for your selection, and managing procurement. This frees up your time to focus on other priorities.

Question 4

What areas do you provide interior design services?

Accepted Answer

We serve the greater Houston area and also travel to Brenham, College Station, and Galveston with an additional trip charge.

Question 5

How much does a design consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

$195 per hour, with initial consultations typically lasting two hours. Following our discovery call, we'll schedule a time to visit your home for up to two hours to review the project in person and provide practical design advice. For remodeling and new construction selection consultations, we charge $195 per hour, which includes making selections, customer meetings, contractor meetings, and extended phone or text conversations. Drawings and administrative work are billed at $105-155 per hour.

Question 6

What should I do to prepare for the design consultation?

Accepted Answer

Begin gathering images of designs you're drawn to, whether it's an overall aesthetic, a specific piece of furniture, a color palette, or other elements. It's equally helpful to identify what you don't like. You can organize these using a Pinterest board, Houzz idea book, or Instagram. Visual references are an excellent way to communicate your preferences and the style you'd like to achieve.

Question 7

What additional costs can I expect to pay?

Accepted Answer

We make every effort to provide a complete cost projection for each item, but you should anticipate additional expenses such as storage, shipping, white glove delivery, and art installation services. We estimate these costs when presenting your furnishings budget to ensure you have a clear understanding of the total investment. Generally, these additional costs represent 10-15% of your overall budget.

Question 8

What is the average cost to furnish a room?

Accepted Answer

This varies considerably based on the level of detail, square footage, and other considerations. While we don't have a strict minimum, we've found that the best results come from designing a room comprehensively from start to finish. A complete look, rather than individual pieces added over time, allows us to deliver a more impressive result. Realistically, furnishing an entire room starts around $10,000. This includes furniture, dcor, chandeliers, lamps, custom throw pillows, rugs, custom art, and custom drapery. Designer fees are separate from the furnishings budget. The Design Source is happy to provide guidance on estimating your investment based on your priorities.

Question 9

What if I can't afford to design my entire home at once?

Accepted Answer

We recognize that customers work within budgets and may need to complete projects one room at a time. This is an investment, and we frequently work with customers on a room-by-room basis. Partnering with us helps you save time finding pieces that fit your home properly and match the style, size, and scale of the room. We also believe in offering choices, and you're always welcome to let us know if you'd like to explore a different direction. We're happy to present additional options.

Question 10

How long does it normally take to complete a design project?

Accepted Answer

Most interior design projects take approximately 3-6 months, depending on the scope. Our design process typically takes about a week and a half, followed by 5-20 weeks for installation. Custom furniture is often made to order and can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to arrive, sometimes longer. For remodeling and new construction projects, timelines vary based on project size and your contractor or builder. We make every effort to complete installations as quickly as possible, and we'll discuss your timeline and source accordingly during the consultation.

The Design Source

Business Details

About

Location

Hours

Products & Services