Decorating & furnishing
Sometimes the room itself is right, but the pieces have never quite come together. Decorating connects furniture, colour, texture, lighting and the things you love into a space that feels settled.
Discuss your project
The useful starting point
Decorating usually focuses on furniture, finishes and the visual arrangement of an existing space. Start with the pieces you want to keep and the way the room is used. Renovations or technical changes may need a different design scope and additional professionals.
Keep what matters to you
A room does not need to start from an empty page. Photograph the furniture, artwork and meaningful objects you want to retain, and provide measurements. Their scale, colour and placement can give the room a direction that feels personal rather than assembled from one showroom.
Build a balanced furnishing plan
Start with the large pieces and circulation, then consider rugs, occasional seating, tables, lighting and textiles. Test dimensions against the actual room, including how people reach windows, doors and storage. A coherent plan can prevent a series of purchases that each look good but do not work together.
Agree on how purchasing works
Clarify whether the service includes shopping lists, sourcing, ordering, deliveries, installation or styling. Ask how trade pricing, markups, returns and damaged goods are handled. Check current stock and lead times before relying on a product for a fixed completion date.
What a scope can include
- Furniture layout and scale review
- Colour and material direction
- Furniture, lighting and textile selections
- A prioritized shopping plan
- Styling guidance within the agreed service
Bring these details to the conversation
- Photos and measurements of the room
- A list of furniture and art to retain
- Style references with notes about what you like
- A furnishing budget separate from design fees
These are examples of useful project information and deliverables. Your written agreement defines what is included for your property, the applicable fees and each professional’s responsibilities.
Before you begin.
What is the difference between a designer and a decorator?
The distinction is most useful when comparing the actual work. Decorating generally focuses on furnishings and appearance; interior design can extend into space planning, documentation and renovation coordination. Review each professional’s qualifications and proposed deliverables.
Can I purchase furniture myself?
Ask for a scope that clearly explains which selections you can purchase and which services the designer provides. Confirm responsibility for measurements, order accuracy, returns and delivery before buying.