So many people think they can't afford a decorator/designer because they think it's too expensive! I wanted to explain how this is simply not true! When a client hires me - I pass along my designer discounts to them. These discounts can range anywhere from 10% to 40% depending upon the products and services being provided.
As an example - a client needs an area rug, color consultation, window treatments and accessories for their room. All of these services fall within my basic $600 per room plan. Let's say for example - the area rug would cost $1000 retail for a 12 x 12 rug. If my designer price is 40% off - the client can purchase the rug for $600. Then - lets say they need accessories - and we decide on two lamps, three prints and a sculpture totaling $500 and my designer discount is 30% - the client can purchase for $350. As you can see - the client's savings in this scenario is $450 - my designer fee is $600. So - for $150 the client received approximately 10 hours of services - as well as getting professional assistance from an individual who was trained in interior design.
Now - just to clarify - all designers do NOT handle their fees the same way - be sure to do your research before hiring them!
Hope this clears up any misconceptions you may have had about interior design fees.
Happy Decorating!
Knikkolette
I've found as an artist it's one thing to paint what I love - and a completely different thing to paint what will appeal to others. I love painting abstracts - conveying my feelings with paints, colors, and textures of mixed medias. I've have experienced however, my art that sells, which may still be abstract in nature, is representative of a person or people, places, or something identifiable. Does that make me a sell-out? Some may say yes... I say I'm a realist. Not being independently wealthy and able to live without the need of selling my paintings I've made adjustments, painting commissioned pieces and other subjects that will appeal to the public. I still enjoy painting, I am for the most part happy 
with the outcome. What I've also done is try to narrow the focus to music or sports related art in addition to my abstracts. Do you find you've had to make concessions to sell your paintings?