Most designers don’t publish their rates or pricing structure. Instead, they ask potential clients to call and discuss their project. While I agree that conversations are helpful for understanding a client’s vision and explaining the design process, I also believe in transparency. Publishing a standard rate gives potential clients a clear idea of what to expect.
Many designers only work with clients who have significant budgets—sometimes requiring a minimum of $30,000 per room. I work differently. In fact, one of the reasons I entered this profession was to provide accessible design services for homeowners with both big and small projects.
It’s common for homeowners to need help with just a few decisions, yet many feel like they have nowhere to turn. Traditionally, the design marketplace has been “all or nothing”: either the designer controlled the entire project, or the homeowner had to tackle everything on their own. I aim to change that. Inspired by IKEA’s motto, “Design for All,” I provide flexible services for every need.
Whether you require assistance with a single design decision or need help decorating an entire house, I’m here for you. My rate is $150 per hour, and I provide an estimate of the total hours needed based on the project’s scope. Together, we’ll monitor both the product and design budget to ensure we stay on track.
When clients need to purchase furnishings or materials, I offer half of my trade discount to them, while retaining the other half as commission. This arrangement benefits everyone and helps offset my hourly fees for tasks like 3D floor planning, research, and consultations.
Recent Projects
Here are some ways I’ve helped families recently:
Designing a basement for grandkids’ visits, complete with a gaming center and pool table.
Furniture layout and selection for a challenging entryway shape.
Kitchen renovations: assisting with decisions on cabinets, hardware, countertops, backsplash, lighting, faucets, and stools.
Paint selection for a colonial home’s first floor before a young family moved in. I also suggested removing outdated built-ins in their den and dining room for a more modern look.
Refreshing a foyer: replacing wallpaper, researching overhead lighting, and sourcing a new mirror and console table for a repeat client.
Redecorating a living room using a high-low approach to balance the budget—splurging on art from England while scoring affordable chairs from Houzz.
Virtual lake house design: collaborating with a Chester family to redesign their upstate New York lake house entirely through FaceTime, photos, and measurements.
Downsizing assistance for an empty-nester couple moving to a 55+ community. I helped them decide what to keep, what to donate, and brought their vision to life before they moved in.
Reconfiguring spaces: transforming a living room into a dining room and a dining room into an office.
Hanging art and mirrors: I love wearing a tool belt and ensuring every detail is just right!
Now you know: my design fees aren’t a secret, I tackle projects of all sizes, and I’m here to help YOU!
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About Molly HigginsMolly Higgins is a graduate of the New York Institute of Art and Design and holds a BS from Villanova University. A four-time winner of "Best of HOUZZ," Molly is a client-focused designer whose mission is to help families enjoy beauty, comfort, and organization in their homes. An entrepreneur for over 10 years, Molly loves working in Chester and raising her three daughters with her husband, Patrick.