Get Quotes from Top Interior Designers in Nashville, TN

Are You Registered or Certified to Practice as an Interior Designer in Nashville?

Per the provisions of section 62-2-903 of the Tennessee Code, interior designers in Nashville may not use "registered interior designer" unless they have been duly registered by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) through the Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners (BAEE). Individuals who use the title "registered interior designer" without being registered with the board will be in violation of the BAEE rules, which attract a fine of up to $1,000.

Interior designers who wish to be registered with the BAEE must check the following educational and experience requirements:

• Possesses a National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) certificate or an equivalent certificate as specified by the board.
• Graduated from a five-year interior design program with at least one year of diversified interior design experience.
• Graduated from a four-year interior design program with at least two years of diversified interior design experience.
• Graduated from a three-year interior design program with three years of diversified interior design experience.
• Graduated from a two-year interior design program with four years of diversified interior design experience.

An applicant must also satisfy the board that they are:

• At least twenty-one (21) years of age;
• Have not been convicted of an offense that affects their credibility as a registered interior designer
• Competent to meet any other requirements established by the board.​

Interior designers who meet all these requirements can apply for registration online via TDCI's CORE platform and pay the stipulated fee. New users must register an account to access this portal, while existing users can sign on with their login details.

Upon successful registration, the applicant can bid for work in Nashville as a "registered interior designer." You can direct your queries regarding the registration process and requirements of interior designers in Nashville to BAEE at (615) 741-2241 or via email.

If your intended Nashville interior designer claims to be registered with the BAEE, you can confirm that they are by using the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance's License Search and Verification platform.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Interior Designers in Nashville?

Nashville-based interior designers typically calculate their charges and rates using various methods, including:

• Hourly Rates: This method involves the designer charging a fee for the amount of time they spend on a project. Usually, the client will be required to pay a retainer fee upfront.
• Percentage Rates: This method usually involves the designer charging a portion of the project's total cost. This percentage is typically agreed upon by both the client and the designer before the work begins. It can be as high as 25 percent or even more, depending on the scope of the design project you are planning.
• Fixed Rates: This method requires the designer to charge a flat fee, usually to provide a specified service or all of the work they are required to perform.

The exact amount that you will eventually have to pay for the services of an interior designer is usually determined by various factors, such as:

• The types of furnishings and accessories to be used for the job
• Your location
• The size and scope of the job
• The interior designer's reputation

Getting and comparing estimates and quotes from multiple interior designers in the city is an important step you must take. Doing so will give you a better idea of the current market rate for the services you need. It can also help you avoid getting ripped off by overcharging some unscrupulous designers. Avoid hiring a designer with the lowest rate and who cannot reasonably explain their low charges.

Interior designers in Nashville earn an average annual wage of $49,400. The list below provides the average hourly wages of these professionals compared with the average hourly wages of interior designers across the rest of Tennessee as well as several other locations in the United States:

What Kind of Interior Design Services Do You Offer?

When starting a home renovation project, it is essential to understand the difference between the services offered by interior designers and those offered by interior decorators. While both terms are often used interchangeably, an interior designer focuses on understanding a client's unique characteristics, preferences, and needs to develop an aesthetic and functional space for them.

In contrast, an interior decorator mainly furnishes and decorates that space to get a certain style or aesthetic. An interior designer can also provide decorative services. Meanwhile, a professional interior decorator is not qualified to carry out interior design services.

Before hiring an interior designer in Nashville, you should confirm the scope and type of services they offer. Nashville interior designers typically provide a wide range of services. These include, but are not limited to:

• Space planning
• Paint consultations
• Interior floral, light, and sound design and decoration
• Design consultations
• Furnishings and accessories layout and selection
• Custom furniture design

Cost estimates for interior design services in Nashville are based on different fee structures as listed below:

Residential interior design services cost estimates

Commercial interior design services cost estimates

What is Your Favorite Interior Design Style?

Many Nashville residents prefer the French Country interior design style for home remodeling projects. There are also various other popular styles that can be utilized, including:

• Transitional
• Scandinavian
• Art Deco
• Rustic
• Eclectic
• Farmhouse
• Bohemian Chic
• Minimalist
• Traditional

When planning a design project, you may have your mind set on a particular design style or aesthetic. This is why it is essential that you confirm that your preferred interior designer has the necessary skills and tools to implement this style.

If you plan on hiring a well-known interior designer, ensure that their aesthetic and style coincide with your project ideas. Doing so will allow you to create a living space that is both functional and beautiful. You can also ask the interior designer for their portfolio to see if their work aligns with your vision.

Your interior designer can help you design a unique aesthetic that complements your personality and age when you are unsure which style will work best for your home. There are a variety of styles that can be utilized by different age groups in Nashville when it comes to designing a home, including:

• Generation X/Baby Boomers – Traditional, Rustic, Bohemian Chic
• Generation Y/Millennials – Traditional, Farmhouse, Minimalist
• Generation Z – Rustic, Eclectic, Contemporary

Can You Provide References from People You Have Served in Nashville?

When searching for an interior designer in Nashville, you may get referrals from trusted sources like friends, relatives, and neighbors. In addition, you can use online resources provided by organizations like the American Society of Interior Designers, the Designer Society of America, and the Tennessee Chapter of the International Interior Design Association for recommendations.

However, before you start working with these professional interior designers, it is important that you have references from past clients to confirm their quality of work. Having references can help you determine their work ethic and if they are competent and can provide satisfactory services.

Be wary of any interior designer who seems hesitant to provide references. This could indicate that they are fraudulent or provide shoddy services, and it is best not to hire such professionals.

Another way to check the legitimacy of an interior designer is by looking through their online reviews and testimonials. These are typically posted on third-party websites such as Google Review, Better Business Bureau, and Yelp.

How Do You Structure Your Interior Design Projects?

An interior designer's time management skills can be assessed by how they structure projects. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from them and how they will handle your work. It can also help prepare you for various events tied to the project, such as weddings and family visits.

Most interior designers in Nashville will typically structure their projects as follows:

• Discovery: The first phase of a project is usually gathering information about the client's preferences and style. This process involves the designer gathering inspirational images and discussing the project's direction.
• Inspiration: After gathering information about the client's tastes and style, the designer comes up with a set of concept statements that will guide the project's overall direction.
• Design: The designer presents the finished concept statements to the client for review and further revision. Once a final design is selected, the client can proceed with the project.
• Procurement: The designer purchases the necessary materials and furnishings for the project. These items include the necessary accessories and fixtures.
• Installation: This stage usually involves the designer and their team putting the necessary materials and furnishings at the appropriate locations. It usually takes around a day to five or more, depending on the scope and size of the project.
• The Big Reveal: The final phase of a project. The finished product is then unveiled to the client.

What Builders, Architects, or Contractors Do You Work With?

When hiring an interior designer in Nashville, it is vital to confirm if they will work with other contractors and building professionals for the project. Usually, interior designers work with professionals like architects, general contractors, and subcontractors like floorers and painters when providing their services. Confirming these individuals' insurance and licensing status can help minimize potential liability issues from property damage and bodily injuries.

In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 58,000 non-fatal injuries among construction-related and interior designers in the country, including in Nashville. This makes it very important to hire an interior designer with an adequate general liability insurance policy to handle your design project.

As such, before starting a project, ensure you request proof of insurance from your interior designer and any other building professional they will be working with. You can verify any proof provided by contacting the issuing insurance provider.

Also, per state law, any interior designer with five or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Ensure that your interior designers and other building professionals also follow this requirement. Likewise, ensure their policies have the necessary limits to cover property damage and third-party injuries.

Finally, always confirm your interior designer is carrying professional liability insurance to cover their negligence and mistakes while carrying out the project.

For more information regarding the state-mandated workers' compensation insurance for Nashville interior designers, contact the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development at (615) 532-4812 or (800) 332-2667.