Interior Designer, or Should You Decorate Your Apartment Yourself? When Is It Worth It to Hire a Designer?
Many people can furnish a smaller apartment on their own, with care and time, without altering the floor plan. Hiring an interior designer is worth it when you’re planning a renovation, changing the floor plan, want custom furniture, or are making an investment where mistakes can be costly. In this article, we’ll give an honest comparison of both approaches—including situations where we’ll tell you that you don’t need an interior designer.
When Can You Furnish Your Apartment on Your Own?
Let’s be honest—not every interior needs an architect. If you have a clear vision, a feel for space, and the time to focus on the details, you can handle a lot on your own. Especially in smaller apartments where the layout remains unchanged, doing the interior design yourself can make perfect sense.
The advantage of working with an architect lies not only in their professionalism and experience, but also in the fact that they have established relationships with tradespeople and contractors and are able to secure more favorable prices for the equipment supplied.
Where DIY apartment renovations hit a wall
Problems usually don't start with choosing a wall color, but rather when a professional decision is needed:
- Layout changes —demolition of interior walls, relocation of the kitchen, and improvements to lighting and traffic flow.
- Harmony of the whole —individual pieces may be beautiful, but they may not work well together.
- Custom-made furniture —non-standard dimensions, storage solutions, and features you won't find in a catalog.
- Time-consuming —coordinating tradespeople and contractors can take months.
What an interior designer can actually do for you
An architect isn't a luxury reserved for a select few—it's a way to avoid costly mistakes and create a space that will serve you for years and increase the value of your property.
I’ve had an experience where a client came to me with a relatively newly furnished investment apartment that needed a complete renovation after the first tenant moved out. Even with a small investment apartment—say, a 30 m² unit with a kitchen provided by the developer—it’s worth thinking about how tenants will use the space and choosing durable, high-quality materials that can withstand even rough treatment.
It’s also important to use multifunctional furniture, which will make it possible for multiple residents to live comfortably in a small apartment. An experienced architect can help with all of this, allowing you to avoid unpleasant mistakes and unnecessary follow-up expenses a few years down the road.
How to Tell When It's Time to Hire an Interior Designer
Consider seeking professional help if:
- Are you planning a renovation that will change the floor plan,
- This involves a larger space or a larger investment, where a mistake can end up costing a lot,
- Do you want a timeless result that will increase the value of your property,
- You don't have the time or inclination to spend months coordinating with vendors.
Even if you have no experience with interior design, it’s best to leave this work to the experts. We have completed hundreds of interior design projects, have positive reviews, experience working with suppliers, and in-depth knowledge of the quality of specific products.
Related Articles
Are you curious about the difference between catalog furniture and custom-designed solutions? Read a comparison of the two options. Next on the website: layout ideas for small apartments and the most common mistakes when furnishing a small apartment.
Tempus Design Studio
Not sure if hiring an interior designer is worth it?
That's exactly why we offer a no-obligation consultation. We'll tell you straight up whether your project needs an architect or if you can handle it on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring an interior designer for a small apartment?
Even a small apartment can benefit from good design—especially in small spaces, where every centimeter counts, as do the smart placement of furnishings and well-chosen storage solutions. Investment apartments for rent are a separate matter altogether, where it’s best to choose furnishings that are both efficient and highly durable. You’ll also benefit from an architect’s expertise when it comes to multifunctional and foldable elements that save space.
How much does an interior designer cost?
The cost of an interior design project depends on the property’s price and the client’s requirements. For smaller and investment apartments, it is typically about 10 percent of the property’s price, while for larger ones, the furnishings account for 15 to 20 percent. For premium properties, it can exceed 20 percent of the property’s price.
Can I contact an architect even though I've already bought some of the furnishings?
Yes. A good design works with what you have and fills in the rest so that the whole thing works.
How long does it take to design an apartment?
For apartments, we can complete a design within 4 to 6 weeks of the initial consultation. For more complex designs of single-family homes or villas, you can expect to receive an initial study within a similar timeframe; we typically complete the detailed documentation—including architectural and technical drawings—within 3 to 4 months.