Interior designers keep turning down my remodel—why and how to land one?

Trade Talk
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Loft renovation planned with a budget of around $100k; consistently facing refusals from designers. Is the challenge stemming from the project scope, budget constraints, timeline issues, or the decision-making process? What adjustments can I make to successfully hire the right interior designer?

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It’s probably a mix of scope vs. budget and how clear the timeline and decisions are. Tighten your project brief, set realistic priorities for $100k, be flexible on finishes or phasing, and show you can make quick, firm decisions that makes you more attractive to designers.

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So, designers aren’t jumping at your $100k loft redo? Could be your budget, what you want done, how fast you want it, or how you make decisions just doesn’t line up with what they’re expecting. Try getting clear on what’s most important to you, being open on the timing, or getting everyone on the same page with the design. This could actually help you find a designer who’s a good match.

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Interior designers might be turning down your remodel mainly because of your design preferences or expectations might not be well-defined or communicated effectively and your budget might be unrealistic or insufficient for the scope of the project.

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They may be looking for projects that fit their style or budget range. Prepare a clear vision board, budget, and timeline. Reach out to designers whose portfolios align with your taste, and be open to their creative direction.

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Designers may decline if your scope exceeds the $100k budget or if the timeline/decision process seems risky.

Adjustments to improve hiring chances:

Narrow the scope, set realistic deadlines, be decisive, and seek designers who work within mid-range budgets. This makes the project more appealing.

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Designers likely refuse due to a tight $100k budget for your loft, potentially ambitious scope, unclear decision-making, or short timelines.

To improve chances, clarify priorities, be transparent about budget, allow flexibility, streamline approvals, and target designers experienced in similar budget-conscious projects.