A note on transparency, education, & business.

At Linnea Interiors, I believe good design starts with transparency and education. Renovating, furnishing, or building a home is a major investment, and understanding realistic budgets, timelines, and expectations helps create a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

One of the most common misconceptions in the design industry is that beautiful homes happen quickly or inexpensively. In reality, thoughtful design requires planning, collaboration, quality craftsmanship, and intentional selections that are meant to last.

My goal is to help clients make informed decisions while creating homes that feel personal, timeless, and functional for the way they live. This page is designed to provide realistic guidance based on average pricing and processes commonly seen in the Midwest.

Every project is different, but these ranges can help you begin planning with clarity and confidence.

FURNISHINGS | A realistic budget in the Midwest

Furniture budgets can vary dramatically depending on the size of the room, level of customization, quality of materials, and how complete the design scope is.

  • A common rule of thumb for furnishing a new build is budgeting approximately:

    10-20% of the home's value for furnishings, window treatments, lighting, rugs, and styling.

    Examples:

    • $500,000 home → approximately $50,000–$100,000 furnishing budget

    • $1M home → approximately $100,000–$200,000 furnishing budget

    This varies based on:

    • How many rooms are being completed

    • Desired quality level

    • Custom vs retail furnishings

    • Existing pieces being reused

    • Window treatment scope

    • Styling expectations

    Many clients are surprised that fully furnishing a home often costs more than expected. Quality furniture, custom upholstery, rugs, drapery, and lighting add up quickly, especially when designing an entire home cohesively.

  • Typical investment: $15,000–$35,000+

    This may include:

    • Sofa or sectional

    • Accent chairs

    • Coffee table

    • Side tables

    • Rug

    • Lighting

    • Window treatments

    • Styling accessories

    • Art

  • Typical investment: $10,000–$25,000+

    This may include:

    • Bed frame

    • Mattress

    • Nightstands

    • Dresser

    • Rug

    • Bedding

    • Lighting

    • Window treatments

    • Seating

  • Typical investment: $6,000–$18,000+

    This may include:

    • Dining table

    • Dining chairs

    • Rug

    • Lighting

    • Storage or buffet

    • Styling

  • Typical investment: $4,000–$12,000+

    This may include:

    • Desk

    • Desk Chair

    • Bookshelves

    • Storage Cabinet

    • Chairs or Sofa

  • Typical investment: $5,000–$25,000+

    Quality outdoor furniture is often one of the most underestimated investments in a home.

REMODELS | A realistic budget in the Midwest

Construction costs continue to fluctuate based on labor, material pricing, and project complexity, but below are realistic averages commonly seen in the Midwest.

  • Typical investment: $75,000–$140,000+

    Factors that impact pricing:

    • Layout changes

    • Appliance selections

    • Cabinet customization

    • Countertop material

    • Flooring

    • Plumbing/electrical updates

    • Range hood details

    • Tile selections

    A cosmetic kitchen update may cost less, while fully custom kitchens with structural changes can exceed these ranges.

  • Typical investment: $30,000–$70,000+

    This may include:

    • Tile

    • Vanity

    • Stone countertops

    • Plumbing fixtures

    • Shower glass

    • Lighting

    • Heated flooring

    • Custom cabinetry

  • Typical investment: $12,000–$35,000+

    Pricing depends heavily on:

    • Cabinetry size

    • Stone or plaster surround

    • Electrical/fireplace insert work

    • Wood detailing

    • Custom finishes

  • Typical investment: $8,000–$30,000+

    Wet bars often include:

    • Cabinetry

    • Countertops

    • Tile backsplash

    • Beverage refrigerator

    • Plumbing

    • Lighting

DESIGN FEE EXPECTIONS

Design fees vary based on project size, scope, and level of involvement.

    • Space planning

    • Finish selections

    • Cabinetry design

    • Furniture sourcing

    • Construction drawings

    • Procurement

    • Project management

    • Styling and installation

  • Design Discovery: Hourly

    Concept Design: Flat Fee

    Design Development: Flat Fee

    Ordering & Procurement: Percentage Based

    Design Execution (Project Management, Construction Documents, On-site meetings, Styling & Installation: Hourly

Our Process

  • Discover

    We begin with an in-home consultation to understand your lifestyle, needs, and vision. This step is about listening—how you live, what’s not working, and what you want your home to feel like.

  • Design

    We develop a thoughtful design plan that balances beauty and function. This includes space planning, finish selections, custom details, and curated furnishings—every decision made with intention and longevity in mind.

  • Execute

    Once the design is approved, we manage the details. From ordering and coordinating with vendors to tracking deliveries and overseeing installation, we handle the logistics so the process feels seamless.

  • Reveal

    We complete the project with final styling and a cohesive reveal. The result is a home that feels personal, functional, and beautifully considered—designed to support the way you live.

Things to think about before starting.

Before beginning a project, it is helpful to consider:

  • What spaces impact your daily life the most?

  • How long do you plan to stay in the home?

  • What is your realistic investment range?

  • Are you prioritizing aesthetics, function, resale, or all three?

  • Are there existing items you want to keep?

  • What frustrations are you hoping to solve?

  • What level of construction disruption are you comfortable with?

  • What is your ideal timeline?

The most successful projects begin with clarity and realistic expectations.

Work With Us

What’s important to you?

Every client values different things.

Some prioritize:

  • Timeless design

  • Natural materials

  • Family functionality

  • Low maintenance

  • Entertaining

  • Storage

  • Architectural character

  • Quality craftsmanship

  • Investment pieces

  • A calm and cohesive home

Understanding your priorities helps guide every design decision throughout the process.

Work With Us

FAQs

  • Full-service interior design is a comprehensive process where we manage all aspects of your project, from initial concept to final installation. This includes space planning, material selection, custom furniture, styling, and coordination with contractors and vendors.

    • Initial consultation to discuss your needs, preferences, and budget.

    • Concept development, including mood boards, floor plans, and design ideas.

    • Presentation of design concepts, with feedback for revisions.

    • Design development to refine all design details including 3D renderings

    • Ordering products and overlooking design execution.

    • Final installation and styling and reveal.

  • We take care of most of the work, but you’ll be involved in key decisions. Regular communication ensures the project reflects your vision and needs.

  • To ensure the quality, aesthetic alignment, and cost management, we prefer that any furniture and decor needed be purchased through us. We carefully curate each piece to fit the needs of our clients. In addition, we take care of any claims on product that is purchased through us.

  • Yes. It’s helpful to discuss this during the initial consultation so we can plan around those items.

  • Yes. If you do not already have a contractor, we have a network of trusted professionals that we can recommend.

  • Changes are often possible but could affect the timeline and budget after designs have been approved. Discussing changes as early as possible is crucial to minimize disruption.

  • On installation day, we will deliver and install furniture, decor, lighting, and any other final elements. The space is styled, artwork is hung, and final adjustments are made to ensure everything aligns with the design plan.

  • We spend time during the concept development phase to understanding your preferences and lifestyle. We'll create mood boards and visual concepts to ensure the design matches your vision. All the design and products will need to be approved by you before items will be purchased.