5 Furniture Brands That Offer Free Interior Design Services
As a shopping editor at a design publication, there is nothing I’d like more than to hire an interior designer whose style I’ve coveted for years. However, enlisting a professional—even for a small space—is outside my budget. (Something as simple as a consultation can cost as much as $5,000.) So, when I moved into my current New York City apartment, I challenged myself to find a loophole: Could I use an interior designer for free? My first step was to look into the design consultation programs offered by brands.
Along with their taste and sensibility, what a professional interior designer can offer their clients is access to hundreds of brands and products that, for the most part, are trade-only. But we non-designers generally decorate our homes using the brands we all know and love, including West Elm, Pottery Barn, and more. Luckily, quite a few of these direct-to-consumer brands have realized that they can play a role in connecting their customers to professional interior design services. This was a great place for me to start when I was decorating my apartment.
Like anyone embarking on a big and personal project, I hoped for the best but braced for the worst. After doing some research, though, I felt genuine enthusiasm at the prospect of working with a professional without costs and fees. Below is my honest assessment of five brands that offer free (that’s right, free) interior design services to anyone looking for a home refresh—no matter how big or small the project.
Aesthetic: Traditional
I had an incredible experience with Crate & Barrel. I visited the store in Washington, DC (where I’m from) over Memorial Day weekend because I needed help finding a sofa and a media console. As for the sofa, I knew I wanted a navy sectional, but I had no idea how big it should be or what the best materials are. I was much more open-minded about the media console, but even though I had a floorpan of my apartment, I wasn’t sure about the ideal dimensions.
All I had to do was walk in, go upstairs where the design services are, and ask for some help. About 90 minutes later, I left with a pretty reasonable sales receipt and a report on what I and my designer, Charles, had accomplished. After telling him what I needed, he printed out my floor plan and informed me that I could go as big as 100 inches wide, a piece of knowledge I definitely wouldn’t have been able to glean from simply looking at my own floor plan. We narrowed the sofa down to four options I liked online, two of which happened to be on the floor, which meant I got to sit on them. He walked me through the benefits and drawbacks of each and showed me all of the fabrics they’re available in. I landed on a 99-inch chaise sectional in a navy chenille, and I have zero regrets. As for the media console, he suggested going for something quite wide so it would fit the proportions of my long and narrow living room. He was right. Anything smaller would have looked off.
Verdict: The experience was definitely a success and felt very professional and easy. It made me feel like we’d found a solution for my specific space, which is what I imagine it’s like to work with a designer or firm.
Avondale Wood Leg 3-Seat Lounger
Blake Blake Storage Media Console
Aesthetic: Midcentury Modern
As anyone who shops at West Elm knows, the brand specializes in a midcentury feel. While I can appreciate that aesthetic in small doses, I didn’t want my apartment to look like a Mad Men set. I wanted just a fun few pieces scattered throughout. What those pieces would be, I didn’t know, which is why I turned to West Elm’s design service. Rather than visit the store, this time I asked for help online.
All you have to do is go to the website and click “free design services” on the overhead menu. There are a few options, including in-person appointments and at-home consultations, but because I wanted more accessories than furniture, I opted for the chat function. (Click the chat button on the bottom right-hand side of the screen. A menu will pop up with various options, including “design advice.”)
From there, you’ll be connected with a real person (who, I learned, has exceptional taste) who will help you with anything you need. If your needs are relatively small scale, you can do the whole thing right there on the chat. Otherwise, they may encourage you to make an appointment. I ended up buying a bed, table lamps, and a picture frame—all of which feel a bit Space Age. The designer helped me land on a palette that worked together: grays, pale blues, and muted metallics.
Verdict: An excellent resource for the midcentury modern enthusiast; the designers offer excellent advice, whether you need the complete look or just a few accent pieces.
Roar & Rabbit Ripple Table Lamp
Signature TENCEL Linen Sheet Set
Aesthetic: Americana
I was so obsessed with the woman who helped me at Pottery Barn that I’ve actually kept in touch with her! Not only did she find us great deals, but she told us exactly what fabrics to upholster our pieces in so that we could get the best price and the fastest shipping with our purchases. The only items on my list when I went in was a pair of counter-height stools, but I ended up getting a floor lamp and nightstands as well. She even showed us how to style the nightstands (with a lamp, picture frame, and a fun accessory, which, for me, is my Hatch 2 Restore, and for my boyfriend, is a tissue box holder). She also made sure that everything we bought would be delivered together and with a certificate of insurance, a detail our rental building requires.
Verdict: A extensive selection and knowledgeable designers means you’ll get exactly what you need, delivered safely when you need it.
Aesthetic: Quiet Luxury
Sadly, I learned about Perigold’s free interior design services only after I had already moved in, but if I could go back and incorporate a few things from this site, it would definitely be the lighting. For anyone who may now know about Perigold, it’s a Wayfair-owned brand whose mission is to bring previously trade-only designers and companies to the masses. Everything is highly luxurious (and often comes with a matching price tag), but having access to such quality pieces is always a great resource. The Perigold service matches you with an interior designer whose sense of style you vibe with, then you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time with them to help realize your vision, from the initial brainstorming mood board to the final touches on the space itself.
Perigold sells everything. I mean everything. There’s furniture, appliances, accessories, lighting, dinnerware, and more, so if you’re starting from scratch and want heirloom-quality pieces to fill your space (and keep forever), you’d be remiss to avoid Perigold.
Verdict: A free design service for someone with expensive tastes. Lighting design is crucial to a beautiful space and Pergola has an A+ selection.
Four Hands Maxx Swivel Armchair
Currey & Company Kallista Writing Desk
Now 12% Off
Currey & Company Menefee 6 Chandelier
Now 12% Off
Aesthetic: Bohemian
If you’ve ever walked into an Anthropologie, you probably think of it as a clothing store. You’re not wrong. Of course, there are scented candles and small accessories to decorate your countertops and mantles, but there’s usually not a whole lot else. However, if you pay a visit to Anthropologie’s website and click on “AnthroLiving Home,” you will instantly understand that this is a home brand too. There is as much furniture and decor on here as there is on any other home-specific site. What’s more, most of it is customizable with a pretty extensive fabric library.
If you want to utilize the design services, you have two options: a free virtual appointment or an in-person consultation at one of the design centers. If you opt for the latter option, be sure to confirm online that there’s a design center near you because not all Anthropologie stores are equipped with a design center. The in-person option may be a bit more in-depth (and suited to more ambitious projects); if you’re simply refreshing your living room, stay online. In either case, you will be paired with an interior designer who knows the Anthropologie collection better than anyone and can tailor their services to match your needs and your own personal style.
Verdict: An ideal option for someone who needs help choosing custom fabrics and making choices about this site’s extensive home selection.
Moroccan Inlay Six-Drawer Dresser
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