Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?
Our home-based studio is in Arlington, Va., but we do not meet clients in our studio. Instead, all appointments are held at the project location.

Do you come to my home or retail location?
Yes, this is an important part of our process. Visiting the home or retail location that we are going to be decorating allows us to select colors and textures in the comfort of your environment, with your lighting, space and lifestyle guiding our ultimate design and product decisions.

What are your service areas?
We typically serve these parts of the Greater Washington region: Northwest Washington, D.C.; Bethesda, MD; and the following locations in Northern Virginia: Arlington County, Fall Church City, as well as McLean, Vienna, Merrifield, Tysons Corner, Annandale and Fairfax City in Fairfax County. We can also travel further within the DMV area.

Do I have to take time off to work with you?
No, because we come to your home or retail location at a time convenient for you. While we offer flexible times, a daytime appointment is preferable to be able to observe the natural light in the space we’ll be decorating. We come to you with product samples, digital images and presentations to illustrate our vision. That means no lost weekends, and no running around to visit retailers!

How do I know you’re the right designer for my project?
The first step is to review the designer’s credentials and website and to establish contact. Then a brief phone call will take place and, should the client wish to proceed, we will make an appointment to meet at the project location. During this initial consultation, the designer will further describe how we work and will gather information about the client’s lifestyle and style preferences. The in-person contact, and the initial exchange of design ideas and expectations, will allow the client to decide if hiring this designer is a good fit.

What is the Decorating Den Interiors business model?
Decorating Den Interiors is a network of individually owned and operated interior design franchises throughout the U.S. and Canada. As part of this 50-plus-year-old franchise, with the collective purchasing power of about 300 affiliated businesses and nationally negotiated vendor accounts, we offer a true end-to-end decorating service. From the initial in-home consultation to the design plan, product selection, purchasing, receiving and final installation, we handle everything. We work directly with an extensive collection of quality home furnishing suppliers, which allows us to source anything needed to decorate a space beautifully.

We bring our product samples and design ideas to the comfort of our clients’ homes or offices, so they do not have to worry about shopping or searching for products. We work collaboratively with clients to create personalized spaces that reflect their lifestyle, taste and budget.

How can you offer design services without charging an hourly fee?
When your project includes purchasing products, we don’t charge an hourly design fee, unlike most interior designers and decorators. We purchase furniture and furnishings directly from manufacturers, and our compensation is derived from the difference between the suggested retail prices established by the manufacturer and the cost of their goods. By using this retail pricing method, we can provide expert design services without added hourly costs, thus saving you considerably.

For service-only projects that don’t involve product purchases—such as color consultations, styling with existing furniture, or onsite advice—we offer a fee-for-service at $150 per hour.

What happens on my first appointment?
Our first appointment in a client’s home or retail location lasts about two hours. It is always complimentary. We tour your home or office to assess lighting, color, lifestyle and design taste. We then discuss ideas and design solutions that will guide our ultimate design and product decisions. During this initial meeting, it is our hope that you gain confidence and trust in our ability. Besides getting to know you and your home, we have two main objectives. The first is to establish the scope of the project and the second is to agree upon a comfortable investment for the project. If you decide to work with us, we will take photographs and measurements.

How do I determine the investment level for my project?
Before we begin designing, we’ll work with you to define a clear, realistic budget. Drawing on our experience, access to a wide range of trusted vendors, and the types of products you need, we’ll suggest a range of price levels spanning from lifestyle to luxury—always aligned with your comfort level.

Our design expertise, combined with a large choice of quality products, allows us to maximize value at any price point. Our goal is to deliver the best possible results—creatively and efficiently—within your budget. With thoughtful planning, realistic budget, product knowledge and creative flexibility, we strategically allocate resources to deliver beautiful, satisfying results within your budget.

What does a typical project cost?
A fully designed and furnished standard-sized room typically starts between $15,000–$30,000. This includes the cost of products and all related shipping, delivery and installation services, as well as a flat design fee that covers space planning, product selection and purchasing, and full project management.

We focus on personalized, full-service design—offering value beyond what online retailers provide.

Is there a minimum or maximum project size?
No. You may want to start with updating your home with wallpaper and some new pillows and art. Or you may want to redecorate a complete room or an entire home. Whether you are looking to complement your existing furnishings with a few new pieces, or you are looking for a complete home makeover, no job is too big or too small, and we will work with you to come up with a realistic investment to accomplish it.

Will you be shopping for me?
Yes—but not by running from store to store. Think of us as your personal, curated design resource, offering access to over a hundred trusted suppliers across a wide range of styles and price points.

Instead of traditional retail shopping, we bring product samples directly to your home. This lets you see and feel options in your own space, making the process more convenient and personalized.

Once we’ve selected the right pieces, we handle everything—from ordering and delivery to furniture placement and window treatment installation. If any issues arise (and they sometimes do), we take care of them, so you don’t have to.

All you need to do is enjoy the finished result.

Will I be able to sit on the sofa before buying it?
No, but we ensure you’ll feel confident in your choice. Each year, we attend the High Point Furniture Market to test our vendors’ upholstery firsthand. We evaluate construction, comfort and customization options, so we can recommend pieces we truly trust.

In your home, we measure your current furniture and ask detailed questions about your comfort preferences, usage, cushion styles and maintenance habits. This helps us match you with pieces that suit your needs—whether custom or ready-made.

We begin the design with your main upholstery piece, carefully considering scale, fabric and functionality. The result is not mass-produced furniture, but a thoughtful, tailored piece that reflects your style and space.

Plus, remember that showroom models get softened by frequent use, so they may feel different than a brand-new sofa.

Will you work with my existing pieces/furnishings that are in the room?
Yes. During our initial consultation, we’ll review and measure the furnishings you’d like to keep and photograph them for reference. We’ll make sure any new pieces complement what you already own. Sometimes, we may recommend relocating existing items to better suit the new layout.

What’s the timeframe to get everything in?
It depends on the project. For projects with mostly in-stock items, delivery may take three to six weeks. Custom or back-ordered items can take 10–16 weeks or more.

We consolidate all items at our receiving location, where they’re inspected and stored, before scheduling a single delivery and installation—so the timeline may be extended if we’re waiting on final pieces to arrive.

What if I don’t like a product when it gets delivered?
Our detailed planning process is designed to prevent surprises—we ask the right questions and take the time upfront to ensure every selection fits your taste, space and lifestyle.

In rare cases when something doesn’t meet expectations, it’s usually a minor issue we can quickly adjust or resolve. Our goal is for you to love everything we place in your home, and we only recommend pieces we believe in. You can trust us to stand behind every choice we make together.

Are products returnable?
Custom items are non-returnable. Non-custom products may be eligible for exchange. If you’d like to exchange an item, an exchange fee will apply, along with costs for removal, repacking, shipping and any price differences. Requests must be submitted in writing within 30 days of delivery or installation.

Can I get a plan and shop retail?
When you hire a professional decorator, you’re gaining access to both design expertise and exclusive trade-only vendors. Some clients choose our hourly consultative services while also purchasing select items through us. This flexibility allows you to benefit from expert guidance and still shop selectively.

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