A Better Way to Think About “Budget”
You’re renovating your home and someone on the team—your designer or your contractor—asks the question:
“What’s your budget?”
And suddenly it feels like a trap. It’s not.
In fact, it’s one of the most important questions we can ask but we like to refer to it as your investment. We’re not trying to spend every dollar you have. That level of investment tell us how to design intelligently for you.
Think of it this way:
If you walk into a dealership and say, “I want a car,” the first question will be the same. Are we buying a Toyota or a Porsche? Both will get you where you’re going. But the experience, materials, performance, and longevity are entirely different. Homes are no different. When we understand your investment range early, we can help you prioritize the right decisions, allocate your resources wisely, and avoid the costly surprises that derail so many renovation projects.
What Does a Quality Renovation Actually Cost?
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is simply not knowing what projects really cost today. We work on projects nationwide and have studio locations in Nokomis, Florida and Tryon, North Carolina, and while every project is unique, these ranges are a good starting point for luxury renovations.
Renovation Investment Ranges
High-end renovations today typically fall between: $100 – $400+ per square foot
Where your project falls in that range depends on several factors:
- Structural changes vs. cosmetic updates
- Engineering updates (windows, doors, electrical, plumbing)
- Kitchens and bathrooms vs. living spaces
- Custom cabinetry and millwork
- Material selections (stone, tile, flooring, etc.)
- Age of the home and hidden infrastructure upgrades
Think of it like buying a car.
Furnishing Investment Ranges
For furnishing and finishing a home, we typically see clients investing: $50 – $100+ per square foot
This could include:
- Furniture
- Lighting
- Rugs
- Window treatments
- Art and accessories
- Custom upholstery and case goods
Furniture Investment Guide
Luxury homes often require larger scale pieces, custom sizes, and higher-quality materials, which is why furnishings can vary significantly depending on the level of customization.
Why Designers Ask About Your Investment Level Early
When we ask about your investment range, we’re not looking for a rigid number. We’re looking for context. Because good design isn’t just about making things beautiful—it’s about guiding decisions so your investment goes further.
With a clear investment range, we can help you:
- Decide where to splurge and where to simplify
- Avoid designing something that exceeds the construction budget
- Prioritize elements that will add lasting value to your home
- Create a plan that feels cohesive from start to finish
Without those parameters, projects can easily become a series of disconnected decisions that slowly spiral beyond expectations.
Design Fees: How They’re Structured
At our firm, design fees are based on the number of square feet being designed and the scope of work involved. This allows us to scale our services appropriately depending on whether we’re working on:
- A single-room renovation
- A full-home furnishing project
- A large-scale renovation
- Or a new construction home
“Our design fee is a one-time investment to ensure you will enjoy your home for many, many years.”
– Missi Youngblood
You can read more about our services and approach here. The design process includes the planning, documentation, selections, and coordination that allow your contractor and trades to execute the project correctly.
Simply put: Good design upfront prevents expensive mistakes later.
Think Investment, Not Budget
The word budget can feel limiting. We prefer to think about it differently. Your home is likely one of the largest investments you’ll ever make. The goal isn’t simply to spend less—it’s to spend wisely.
Great design ensures that:
- Your home functions better
- The materials and finishes last longer
- The result feels timeless rather than trendy
- And your investment holds its value
Not Sure Where to Start?
Many homeowners simply need help understanding what different investment levels actually look like. That’s exactly why we created our Good, Better, Best Furnishing Guide, which outlines how furnishing investments typically scale depending on the level of customization and quality. It’s a helpful starting point for understanding how your home can come together at different investment levels.
For larger renovation or custom build projects, our Feasibility Study becomes incredibly valuable. Before design begins, we take a deep dive into your home, your goals, and your investment range to determine what’s truly possible. We evaluate the scope of work, identify potential challenges, and align the vision with realistic construction and furnishing costs. The result is clarity—so when design begins, everyone involved is working from a plan that is thoughtful, achievable, and aligned with the level of investment you’re comfortable making. Because the truth is, the most successful projects don’t start with guesswork—they start with a well-informed plan.