Interior Designer FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners considering an interior designer.
Getting Started —
When Should I hire an interior designer?
Earlier than you think.
For a renovation or new build, bringing a designer in before construction begins allows us to coordinate the design, selections, documentation, and budget before decisions become expensive—or impossible—to change.
In fact, we recommend having your design direction and budget well established before selecting a general contractor whenever possible. It gives everyone a clearer roadmap and helps reduce surprises, delays, and costly changes later.
What should I prepare before contacting an interior designer?
Not much! You don't need a perfectly curated Pinterest board, a finalized floor plan, or every detail figured out. That's what we're here for.
It helps to have a general idea of your project scope, location, timeline, and investment range, along with any architectural plans, photos, or inspiration you already have. Most importantly, think about how you live: what's working, what's driving you crazy, and what you wish your home could do better.
Because “I just want my house to feel less chaotic” is actually very useful information.
How do I get started with House of Huck?
Start by filling out our project inquiry form. We'll learn more about your home, project, goals, timeline, and investment, then determine whether we're the right fit and which service makes the most sense.
From there, we'll guide you through the next steps. No 17-page questionnaire. No need to have your entire project figured out before our call.
Just start the conversation.
Working with House of Huck —
How does your interior design process work?
Our process is structured, strategic, and designed to make your life easier — not give you another project to manage. We start by getting to know how you live, what you need, your project scope, timeline, and investment. From there, we develop the design, document the details, collaborate with your architect and builder, manage selections and procurement, and oversee the final installation. In other words: we handle the thousands of decisions behind the scenes so you can enjoy the fun parts without living at the job site.
Related Reading: What it’s Like to Work with House of Huck
What does full-service interior design include?
Full-service design means we handle the details from concept to completion. Depending on your project, that can include space planning, finishes, furnishings, lighting, documentation, sourcing, procurement, contractor collaboration, site visits, delivery, installation, and styling.
In short: we manage the design and the details behind it, so you don’t have to.
Do you offer interior design for renovations and new construction?
Yes. We work on both residential renovations and custom new construction, from thoughtfully reworking an existing home to designing a home from the ground up.
For renovations and new builds, we strongly recommend bringing your designer into the process early. The earlier we can establish the design direction, selections, documentation, and budget, the fewer expensive surprises tend to show up later. Nobody likes a change order — especially an expensive one.
Related Reading: What to Expect with Home Renovations & Why You Need a Budget Before a General Contractor
Absolutely. While full-service design is our specialty, it isn't the only way to work with House of Huck. Depending on what you need, we offer furnishings-focused design and 1:1 design consultations for more focused projects or specific design challenges. Already have the renovation behind you and just need help pulling the room together? We can help with that too.
Related Reading: Ways to Collaborate with a Designer
Can I hire you for just one room?
Do you work with existing architects and builders?
Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with architects, builders, contractors, and trusted trades—and we actually prefer it that way.
A successful project works best when everyone is working from the same playbook. We provide detailed design documentation, coordinate with your project team, answer design questions, and help keep the vision moving from drawing board to finished home. Your builder gets to focus on building, and you don't have to referee the group chat.
Related Reading: Why Every Contractor Needs a Designer
Do I get to come shopping with you?
No, but we don’t go shopping either! We handle all the sourcing, sampling, and vendor research so you can skip the overwhelming showroom rabbit holes. Instead, you walk into a curated presentation where everything is already pulled together and cohesive. One big, confident "yes" and we take it from there. It's genuinely a better experience.
Wonderful — bring them along. We collaborate with existing contractor relationships all the time. We provide a specifications book so your builder has everything they need to bid and build accurately. The more organized the information, the smoother the project. They win, you win, we win. Sounds like a Dream Team to us!
What if I already have a contractor?
How can an interior designer make a renovation less stressful?
A good interior designer doesn't just make the house pretty. We help manage the complexity behind the pretty.
From coordinating selections and documentation to communicating with builders, tracking orders, managing deliveries, and resolving the inevitable “well, that's not what we expected” moments, our job is to anticipate problems and keep the project moving. For busy families, that means fewer decisions to manage, fewer details to chase, and a home that ultimately works better for the way you live.
Related Reading: Designing for High-Function, Low-Touch Living
Investment & Services —
How much does an interior designer cost? Do you bill hourly or a flat fee?
Flat fee — always. We scope the project upfront so you know exactly what you're investing before we begin. Predictable costs make for a way more enjoyable process, and we think you deserve to enjoy this.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer — and anyone who gives you one without knowing anything about your project (or home, or lifestyle) is probably guessing.
For a deeper dive into what full-service design can look like financially, we've written about it here.
What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?
Great question! An interior decorator typically focuses on the aesthetic elements of a space — furnishings, color, accessories, and styling. An interior designer can be involved much earlier and more comprehensively, including space planning, layouts, architectural details, materials, cabinetry, lighting, construction documentation, and collaboration with architects and builders.
At House of Huck, we believe the best homes balance beauty and function (bringing the calm into the chaos). We design around how you actually live — from where the backpacks land to how your family moves through the kitchen — so your home feels elevated without becoming precious.
Related Reading: How to Create a Stress-Free, Calm Home
That depends on the service and scope of your project, but our full-service design typically encompasses much more than selecting family-friendly couch fabric.
We can handle everything from space planning, design concepts, materials and finishes, and detailed documentation to sourcing, procurement, contractor collaboration, site visits, delivery coordination, installation, and styling. The goal is to take the design — and the logistical mountain that comes with it — off your plate.
What does your design fee include?
Yes — and this is a big part of what makes full-service design, well, full service.
We source furnishings, textiles, lighting, rugs, accessories, and other pieces that complete the design, then manage the ordering and logistics behind the scenes. That includes vendor communication, tracking, receiving, inspecting, storage, delivery, and installation.
You get to enjoy the “Look what arrived!” moment without having to wonder where the missing box went.
Do you handle furniture sourcing and procurement?
How do you handle furniture storage, delivery, and installation?
Everything comes through our temperature-controlled warehouse first — received, inspected, repackaged and held until your install day is perfectly timed. We take care of all damages (they do happen) and reorder while you are enjoying your life. Then we arrive, place everything, style every room and hand you a finished space. It's the best part of the whole process, honestly.
Location & Projects —
Do you work outside of Connecticut?
We go wherever kind clients find us. We're based on the Connecticut Shoreline and regularly work throughout New England — Nantucket, Newport, Martha's Vineyard, and beyond. Second homes deserve to feel just as intentional as your primary, and we're here for it.
Where does House of Huck provide interior design services?
House of Huck is based in Coastal Connecticut and works throughout Connecticut and New England, with a particular focus on coastal communities and second-home destinations including Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Newport. We also work on select projects outside of these areas. If you're not sure whether your project falls within our service area, reach out. We’re happy to chat about it!
Do you work on vacation homes and second homes?
You betcha — and we love them.
We design turnkey second homes for busy families who want their vacation home to feel like a retreat, not another project on their already-full to-do list. From sourcing and selections to procurement, installation, and the final details, we handle the process so you can arrive, open the door, and exhale.
We work with second-home clients throughout Coastal Connecticut and destinations including Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Newport.
Related Reading: Why Your Vacation Home Deserves a Designer
Do you work on coastal and waterfront homes?
Yes. Coastal living is a big part of the House of Huck world.
Our approach isn't about turning every home into a literal beach house. Instead, we draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape through natural materials, thoughtful textures, relaxing palettes, and sophistication.
The goal? A home that feels connected to where it is without looking like it was decorated entirely from the “Coastal” aisle.
Related Reading: What is Organic Modern Interior Design?