How to Hire an Interior Designer in Sacramento
Summary
Are you currently actively looking to hire an interior designer in the Sacramento Area? In this post we will share how to choose an interior designer, the cost and investment, when to hire, what to expect and evaluating fit.
How to choose a designer?
Let’s be real, not everyone has the same design aesthetic. If you are here that is a great start…
The Camino Heights River Mountain Garden Project
How to choose a designer?
Selecting an Interior Designer to work with can be scary. There are a lot of options out there, but a good place to start is aesthetic. Have you browsed their portfolio? If you see work that you like that is a great start. Do they deisgn one particular style? If yes, this may be more comfortable knowing what you are going to get. And if you plan to sell your home in 5 years you may want a design that appeals to the masses for resale value. Or, does the designer have a diverse range of project styles with individual creative twists? Maybe this is more appealing to you especially if you are in your forever home, and really want to make it your own with customization.
But, we also recommend looking at the amount and quality of projects they have completed. Do they just show bedrooms and living room projects vs kitchens and bathrooms that require construction. This would help to recognize the amount of experience they have with furnishing projects vs remodels and new construction. If you are wondering what the difference between a decorator and an interior designer is this exploring would help. Decorators can help select furnishings and style a home with art & accessories- focusing on aesthetics. Where as an Interior Designer changes the bones of a space. They will focus on function. Whether it’s space planning, drawing elevations of built-ins, drawing 3D renderings, creating design packages for construction, specifying all materials and fixtures, placing orders, managing the design details throughout construction, and coordinating final installs on site. Interior Designers may also offer furnishing services to complete the space.
Are they professionally trained or self taught? Highly complex projects like new builds and large remodels may be the best fit for a trained professional with multiple projects of that type and years of experience under their belt. Let’s be real- it is one thing to be extremely creative and come up with fresh ideas. The other half of our profession is making the design happen. Every project is different and may have its own challenges. Is the designer qualified to forsee these challenges before they come up onsite? And be ready with how to problem solve. Because time is money on a jobsite. Not only quick decision making, but communication with the team (architects & contractors) is key. This confidence all comes from experience. Are you looking for a trusted expert to guide you through the process?
Check reviews on google. This is always a great way to see what Clients have to say about their experience. But also look for reviews from Contractors & Architects. It takes a team to make a project happen. I would want to make sure the team is solid.
Does the designer have Architects, Contractors and Professional Trades to refer? This is a big one. If they have a great group of referrals for all types of projects- that is extremely helpful to the homeowner. How many projects have they worked on together? And for how many years? This says a lot about how the experience was throughout the project. Was it one and done or have they chosen to work on multiple projects together? You want to hear from the Client’s perspective, but also would these referrals recommend the designer back? What was their experience on the jobsite?
The East Sac Craftsman Mid Mod Project
Cost & INvestment
What is my project going to cost? This is the number one question we get from a prospective client. And there is not quick answer. Every project is different and has it’s own challenges.
There are three main things that affect a budget.
What's already there. What is staying and what is going? Are we keeping one wall or is it a complete tear down? What challenges can be seen by the eye vs opening up walls often reveals plumbing or electrical that needs updating to current code. This is something that would not be found until after demo has begun. This isn't anyone trying to upsell you, it's just reality once you can see what's behind the drywall.
The details you choose. That beautiful range hood you love might need custom ventilation. The freestanding tub requires moving plumbing lines. Tile larger than 12" x 12" needs a perfectly level subfloor. That is where an experienced Team comes in - a designer can help prioritize where premium materials and products will have the greatest impact, and where savings can be made strategically. Whereas the contractor can provide guidance on balancing quality, craftsmanship, and budget throughout execution.
Current labor market. It takes a team. An Architect will provide estimates for drawings, engineering and permit fees. An experienced Interior Designer will provide accurate estimates for design fees and materials + fixtures. And a Contractor will provide costs for building materials and labor based on the design. Skilled tradespeople cost more than they did five years ago, and they're booking out further in advance. This affects everyone in the industry. But in order to get a accurate cost and investment budget for your project you will need to first find your team. Unless you are building ground up construction, people tend to throw around square footage estimates. This may be a great place to start, and to have a conversation on what your willing to invest. But if you want an accurate cost you will need to hire your team and finalize a design before you can get an accurate estimate for your build/renovation costs.
We have put together an INVESTMENT GUIDE giving you actual suggested investment levels based on past projects and experience. If you would like a copy of our detailed MED Investment Guide please reach out to info@mollyerindesigns.com and state “INVESTMENT GUIDE” in the subject line.
The El Dorado Hills Texture Is Our Jam Project
When to hire?
Ideally you want to hire your team of an Architect, Interior Designer, and Contractor at the same time. Each expert will have great advise from the start that relates to cost & investment. An architect typically kicks off a new build with drawing floor plans. During these initial meeting are when a designer can provide expert opinions on function throughout the interior (moving a wall 12” to provide your ideal dining space). And a contractor can provide expert opinions on infrastructure costs (Roads, driveways, sidewalks, or retaining walls). All of these notes are revised in the floor plan before detailed elevations are drawn. Saving money in the long run on revisions for permits and onsite.
On smaller interior remodels where an Architect is not needed, we are going to be real with you. This is controversial. If a designer and contractor are hired at the same time and the contractor is asked to bid the job without a design, it has been our experience that the numbers come in way too low. This in turn suffocates a designer from getting creative and producing the best design for your lifestyle. A designer is now expected to design to an average budget rather than function and lifestyle goals of their client. Once a design is complete the contractor has to then redo their bid to be more accurate to include all of the design details, actual materials and fixtures selected, etc. (it’s a lot of work). We have found most contractors want a plan/design before biding.
On smaller interior remodels when a designer is hired first and prepares a final design package- now you have a full design package with all the construction details called out ready to walk the job with contractor/ trades and get accurate quotes. If the contractors costs come in higher than Clients desired investment then the team can value engineer how to save costs in order to get to the project within budget.
The El Dorado Hills Texture Is Our Jam Project
What to expect?
If you are looking for a trusted expert in the interior design field you should expect a designer who understands both the process and client concerns. A designer who communicates clearly.
Molly Erin Designs has perfected our process over the last 16 years and is constantly evaluating how we can make the client experience better. What you can expect from us? We have created a clear step by step visual of our process expanding on all the stages of full service interior design:
conceptual design
design development
purchasing
construction/installation
If you would like a copy of our detailed MED process visual please reach out to info@mollyerindesigns.com and state “PROCESS” in the subject line.
The Sierra Foothills Wine Country Retreat Project
Evaluating fit?
Are we a good fit?
Our design approach: Designing high end, while keeping it down to earth
At MED we are designs are deeply rooted in craftsmanship with a bit of refined funk.
We believe in doing things well and doing them with intention. By sourcing enduring materials and working alongside talented makers and tradespeople, we create interiors grounded in quality.
Layering quality materials, custom details, and thoughtful color palettes is at the heart of our work. Each space is designed to feel collected, considered, and deeply lived in.
We honor the story within every home, embracing its character — a true reflection of the people who live within it.
Listening is the foundation of our process. Through open dialogue and close collaboration, we shape interiors that reflect our clients’ lifestyles, perspectives, and aspirations — ensuring each space feels authentic and entirely their own.
If you are looking to work with us please fill out our questionnaire here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Our full service design fees for new construction and remodels are based on scale and complexity of the project. But for reference we charge by the hour.
Full Service Design fees typically begin between $29,000-$55,000.
Furnishings Only design fees are determined by the number of rooms and room type. Typical design fees start between $5,950-$9,800, with furnishings purchased separately through us.
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Because we'd be guessing, and you deserve better than that. Every project has a different scope, timeline, and complexity. A 2,000 square foot new construction is totally different from a 4,000 square foot renovation with structural work. We create a custom package based on exactly what you need—not a one-size-fits-all price that doesn't actually fit anyone. We'll talk through your project on our discovery call to understand what you're working with. If we're a good fit and you move forward with a consultation, that's where we really dig in and put together a proposal that makes sense for your specific situation.
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Both. Some clients need full-home design. Others just want help with a primary suite or living room. We work with whatever makes sense for you. The discovery call helps us figure out what level of involvement will actually move your project forward.
