If you’re thinking about re-decorating your home or decorating a new home you’ve just purchased, one of the first things you should do is establish your planned investment (aka your decorating budget).

While it might be easy to create a budget based on the cost of furnishings alone, there are a few other costs that are important to consider when making a decorating budget. I find it’s easiest to break these into four categories: Furnishings & Decor, Shipping & Delivery, Trades & Skilled Installers, and Professional Design Fees

Furnishings & Decor

Furnishings and decor will account for the largest amount of your decorating and are usually the most straightforward to estimate. It includes everything from furniture, window coverings, lighting, rugs, accessories, and wallpaper. A simple way to create your decorating budget is to write down absolutely everything you think you’ll need to decorate your space and then assign each a value. You can use an average cost by looking at retailer websites or download our free furnishings investment guide for some averages.

Shipping & Delivery

In addition to the actual item’s cost, you also need to consider the costs associated with getting the item to your home. When ordering online or through a store, you will usually be paying for shipping & delivery only and will be required to assemble your purchases yourself (or hire someone to do the assembly for you). Some retailers may offer “white glove delivery,” which usually includes the assembly/setup of your items and the disposal of any packaging material. I find estimating 10% of the furnishings & decor total is more than enough to cover this.

Trades & Skilled Installers

Even with decorating projects, items may still require skilled individuals to help with installation. These might include an electrician, handyperson, window treatment installer, painters, and/or wallpaper installers. These costs can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of your project. I recommend obtaining three quotes from each required trade once you have a general idea of what you want to do so you can keep these costs in mind while creating your decorating budget. 

Professional Design Fees

If you decide that you would like to work with a designer to decorate your home, it’s essential to consider their fees as well. One of the first questions we ask potential clients is if they have a planned investment for their project and what they’re including in that number. Here at Kathleen Casey Design, we bill a flat-rate design fee that covers your entire decorating project from start to finish. While our fees depend on the project’s size and complexity, our fees usually end up being around 10-20% of the total investment.

Oh, and let’s not forget about taxes…

What’s the saying? Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. It’s so true. Remember to add a line item for tax in your budget, and if you plan to work with a designer, let them know if the investment you have in mind includes taxes. Here in Ontario, that 13% can make a big difference!

I love window treatments –  they are usually my favourite thing to design. In addition to being beautiful and functional, window coverings are an essential part of making a space feel complete. Without them, I always think a space feels like it’s missing something. 

One of the biggest challenges I find homeowners have when selecting window coverings is understanding all the available options, especially when brands use different names for similar products. I wanted to put together this overview of the various types of treatments so you are comfortable with the terminology and have all the information you need to make the best window covering decisions for your home.

Shades or Blinds? Does it matter?

First thing first: shades vs. blinds, drapes vs. curtains – does it really matter what we call them? Honestly? It really doesn’t matter to me. I find that the terms “shades” and “blinds” are used interchangeably, and while there is technically a difference, it’s more important to understand the different styles than to name them correctly. Generally, I use “blinds” when referring to coverings made from solid material (like wood or vinyl) and “shades” when referring to fabric options.

Now, I have heard people argue passionately about the difference between “curtains” and “drapes” and with so many definitions and regional differences, even I can’t give you a definitive answer. You will usually hear me use “drapery” just because it’s the term I prefer.

Window Treatments & Light Control

The opacity of a window treatment determines how much light the treatment lets through into your room. The most common options are sheer, light filtering, room darkening and blackout. For more details, check out this blog post from one of my favourite manufacturers. 

What are the Different Types of Window Coverings?

Now that we’ve gotten that taken care of, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the different window treatment options.

Horizontal Blinds | Vertical Blinds | Roller & Solar Shades | Zebra Shades | Sheer Shades| Roman & Natural Shades | Draperies

Horizontal Blinds

This treatment was made with slats of wood, vinyl or metal of varying widths tied together with cords. They could be raised, lowered or tilted to control light and privacy. I say “was” because, with the introduction of new Canadian window treatment cord regulations in 2022, horizontal blinds are harder to find.

New versions that comply with the cord safety requirements are being released, so we may see the rise in their popularity again. 

Vertical Blinds

The vertical blind was a long-term favourite for patio doors. Similar to horizontal blinds, they have long panels of vinyl or stiff fabric that hang vertically from a header across your window or door. Vertical blinds have decreased in popularity in recent years.

If you love the functionality of vertical blinds, but want a more contemporary look, check out the sheer shades section – these also come in a vertical option!

Roller Shades

Roller shades are a single panel of fabric that is, you guessed it, on a roll. These are usually installed within the window frame and may or may not have a small decorative valance for a more finished look. Remember those old vinyl shades that you would tug down, and they would snap up to the top of the window? Yeah, they’re much better now – trust me! 

Fabric options for roller shades include various colours, patterns and materials as well as multiple options for light control. 

Solar Shades

Solar shades are a special name for roller shades with a specialty fabric. Solar shades block out the sun without blocking out your view. They help with energy efficiency and offer protection from UV rays.

Cellular Shades

Sometimes called honeycomb or accordion shades, cellular shades’ unique construction creates a cell (or pocket) that helps make them incredibly energy efficient. They have a pleated look and come in a variety of fabrics, colours and opacities. 

Zebra Shades

Zebra shades are a unique fabric window treatment with alternating bands of sheer and opaque or blackout fabrics. Sometimes called banded shades, the stripes can be raised or lowered to control the amount of light allowed through.

Sheer Shades

Sheer shades (also known as Silhouette shades) operate in a similar fashion to horizontal blinds but are made entirely of fabric. Instead of rigid slats, fabrics of different opacities created the horizontal panels. Instead of strings, they are held together by sheer panels, allowing the fabric panels to tilt open or closed to adjust light.

There is also a variation of the sheer shade in a vertical format that has the functionality of a vertical blind but the elegance of drapery.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are fabric treatments that can be raised or lowered, creating decorative pleats or folds in the shade. Usually custom-made, they can be created in almost any fabric to match and coordinate with your decor. Due to their custom nature you also have the option to add trims, decorative pulls or even multiple fabrics on one shade.

Natural Shades

Similar to roman shades in construction and look, natural shades (or “bamboo” shades) are made with natural materials like wood, grass and bamboo instead of fabric. These come in a variety of colours and materials and can be lined or unlined based on your light control needs.

Draperies/Curtains

Probably the most well-known window treatments, draperies or curtains have probably been around since we started weaving fabrics. They are excellent for creating privacy and sound absorption. Draperies add softness to your space and can be completely customizable with fabrics, trims and decorative sewing. In addition, drapery hardware (the rod, brackets and end caps/finials) has even more customization options and can be both practical and decorative.

Now that we’ve covered all the basics of what treatments are available stay tuned for part two, where I’ll go through how to pick the best window coverings for your home. 

Styling is an essential step in completing your interior decorating project. While furnishings provide function to a space (in addition to comfort and beauty), accessories and decorative items add visual interest and texture, and are the finishing touches that add personality. 

What are Some Commonly Used Styling Elements?

Styling items are usually selected based on the purpose and functionality of the room. This can include adding comfort and texture with pillows and blankets or functionality with decorative storage boxes and baskets.  Some styling elements are simply added for their beauty or ability to start a conversation, like wall art, sculptures and small decorative objects. We often include personal items of our clients, like family photos, memorabilia, and travel souvenirs. 

I always love incorporating natural elements into my designs, including potted plants and floral arrangements, to bring the beauty of the outdoors in. While they’re not just beautiful, plants help to improve air quality, and both real and fake plants have been shown to reduce stress levels, promoting overall health and well-being.

How Much Should I Budget for Accessories?

Styling and accessorizing your home does not need to be expensive. When working on a decorating project, I usually assume 5-15% of the overall room investment will be used for styling. Some rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms, require fewer accessories, while others, like living rooms, may require more. If my clients already have accessories they would like to incorporate in their design, the styling budget can be reduced.

The Kathleen Casey Design Styling Process

We always present and finalize all of the major elements of your design in advance for your approval. However, smaller styling items often need to be seen in the finished space to know whether or not they genuinely work. 

When creating your design, if there are any styling elements I believe are essential, I include them in your presentation to ensure you also love them before purchasing. For any remaining small accessories, I include a “Styling & Accessories Retainer” in your quote for each room. This is an agreed-upon budget that I will use to purchase what I believe are the best accessories and finishing touches for your space.

Styling Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire Kathleen Casey Design for styling on it’s own?

Of course! We are happy to help with projects of all sizes, including styling your already furnished spaces. Please fill out the form on our Contact Page, and we will reach out to discuss this further.

Do I get to approve all styling elements in advance?

While I try to include all significant styling elements in your design so they can be approved in advance, you will not approve all elements used in your final styling beforehand. I’ve found this process allows more flexibility to see how things look in the finished space and more time to curate the perfect pieces for you while we wait for your furnishings to arrive. If you are uncomfortable with small surprises, just let me know, and we can discuss alternative options.

Where do you purchase Styling Items?

I usually find these from my small styling inventory or local retail stores. When appropriate for the design, I also find unique accessories at antique markets and fairs.

Do I need to keep everything? What if I don’t love something you selected?

While I select everything with you in mind if I do include something in the styling that you do not love, you always have the flexibility to reject it and receive a refund. I will always obtain your approval before purchasing anything that cannot be returned or added to my internal inventory.

What if I have accessories I love already? Can these be incorporated?

Of course! I love incorporating personal items in your complete space. If you already have accessories you would like me to use in your styling, just let me know in advance so I know what I’m working with. I can supplement these with items purchased with your styling retainer.

Can I choose to skip styling altogether?

Absolutely. While I genuinely believe that styling helps bring your completed design together, it is not a requirement. Please note that if we photograph your project, I will still bring accessories in for the photoshoot day. 

AKA…why two sofas that look almost identical can be priced so differently

If you’ve been furniture shopping recently or are trying to determine a budget for an interior decorating project, you’ve likely discovered the vast range of price points for furnishings. For example, I just searched for a 98” sofa and found options for $1,000, $4,000, and $9,000. There really is an option for every price point, but what makes one sofa $1,000 and another $9,000?

There are a lot of things that can impact the price of a piece of furniture, but let’s simplify things for the sake of this conversation. In my experience, three significant factors contribute the most to the price of an item: where it’s made, what it’s made of, and how it’s made.

Where it’s Made – The Manufacturing Location

The manufacturing location of a piece of furniture is one of the biggest factors in how high (or low) the final price of a piece of furniture will be. Location will determine factors like as building and labour costs as well as the cost to ship the item to retailers. Furniture made in a country with a high cost of living and wages will likely cost more.

What it’s Made of – The Quality of the Materials

Is the piece made from MDF or wood? Plastic or metal? Polyester or wool? As you can imagine, the more expensive the materials used, the more expensive the furniture.

How it’s Made – The Manufacturing Process

To keep this simple let’s look at the three most commonly found types of furniture to discuss how they’re made: stock, custom, and semi-custom.

Stock Furniture

Sometimes also referred to as “mass-produced” or “factory,” mass-produced furniture is entirely predetermined by the manufacturer, allowing it to be made in large quantities at a time.

These items are often manufactured on assembly lines and can (but not always) use a less skilled workforce. Because mass-produced items are produced in bulk and come in pre-determined materials and finishes, they are usually more readily available. 

Custom Furniture

Custom furniture is the opposite of stock furniture. Custom pieces are made-to-order for each client, allowing them to specify almost every aspect, including the shape, size, colour, and material. Because the options are practically limitless, custom furniture is more labour-intensive and requires a highly skilled artisan. The more custom the piece, the more expensive it will be and likely the longer it will take to produce.

Semi-Custom Furniture

Semi-custom furniture lives in the middle of stock and custom. When an item is semi-custom it often means that the foundation of the piece can be mass-produced with aspects left unfinished and ready to be customized when purchased. This might be the stain or paint colour of a nightstand or the fabric on a sofa. 

So, what’s the Difference between a $1,000 sofa, a $4,000 sofa, and a $9,000 sofa?

Let’s go back to those three 98” sofas, shall we?

The $1,000 sofa is a stock item that cannot be customized. It was made in china with a plywood frame. The cushions are polyurethane foam and the piece is upholstered in vinyl (faux leather) fabric, which cannot be changed. It arrives flat-packed and will require assembly. While this sofa may last longer, the frame alone has a one-year warranty.

The $4,000 sofa is a semi-custom item. The frame is pre-fabricated in north American hardwood overseas and then shipped in bulk to Canada. Once purchased, the frame is upholstered and finished with selected fabrics and trims. The cushions can also be customized for soft, medium or firm feel. This is a quality sofa is built to last, the frame has a 20-year warranty and the cushions have a five-year warranty.

The $9,000 sofa is entirely custom. The entire piece is handmade from start to finish in Toronto workroom using Canadian hardwoods and Canadian foam. The size and shape, fabric and wood finish can all be customized as well as the cushion fill and firmness. Like the semi-custom item this is a high-quality item with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a five-year warranty on the cushions.

While where it’s made, what its made of and how it’s made will play a big part in how much a piece of furniture will cost, there are always other factors that will contribute, like the brand name it’s sold under, the designer of the piece, the skill of the maker and even if the piece requires assembly. 

If you’re hoping for some hard and fast rules I’m sad to say there are none (that I know of) – sometimes items made of MDF are more expensive than similar items made of hardwood, and a stock sofa can be more costly than a semi-custom sofa.

Not interested in figuring this out? You don’t need to when you work with Kathleen Casey Design. We create beautiful spaces, selecting the best pieces to suit your needs. We recommend which pieces to invest in and which you can save on – all within your desired investment rage.