The person you hire shapes how your home feels every day, so the choice deserves more than a quick search. Rather than ranking studios, this guide gives you the questions worth asking before you hire anyone for your Santa Clara home.
Decorator or designer?
Start by deciding which one you need.
A decorator works with what's already there: finishes, furniture and styling.
A designer also works on the bones of the home: layout, built-ins, and coordinating a remodel or new build with your architect and contractor.
My studio does whole-home design for new builds and full or major remodels. Furniture and styling are part of that work, planned together with the layout and finishes. For a closer look at the difference, read interior designer vs. interior decorator.
Five checks before you choose
1. Look at finished rooms, not just mood boards
Ask to see real photos of completed spaces, and ask what the designer or decorator was responsible for in each one.
2. Ask how a project moves from idea to install
A clear process covers the first meeting, concepts, sourcing, ordering and final install. Ask who handles each step.
3. Understand how fees work before you begin
Designers and decorators may charge hourly, a flat design fee, or both. Interior designers typically charge $75–350 an hour depending on experience. Ask for every fee in writing.
4. Check how they work with your contractor
Ask if they coordinate with trades you already have, or can suggest local contacts.
5. Make sure the conversation feels easy
You'll make many decisions together. Choose someone who listens to how you live, not someone who pushes a signature look.
For more to ask on a first call, see questions to ask before hiring an interior designer.
How we work in Santa Clara
We take whole-home projects in Santa Clara and nearby cities. See interior design for Santa Clara ranch homes, or our San Jose interior design services if you're just across the line.
A short discovery call is the easiest way to see if we're a good fit for your home. Start a conversation
