Designing a living room can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when it comes to budgeting. Whether you’re a contractor or a remodeling professional, understanding the costs involved in creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space is crucial.
In this article, we’ll explore the exact factors that influence the cost of designing a living room, break down the expenses based on different budget levels and give you practical tips for making the most of your client’s investment.
Ready to see how to maximize your clients’ budgets and create stunning living rooms? Read on to find out!
The Basics of Designing a Living Room
Designing a living room involves more than just picking out furniture and paint colors. It’s about creating a space that meets your client’s needs while reflecting their personal style.
Here are the key steps to get started:
Initial Considerations
- Assess the Space: Measure the room and note any architectural features. Consider the room’s layout, natural light and any focal points like fireplaces or large windows.
- Determine the Functionality: Will the living room be used for entertainment, relaxation or both? (See more on this later.) Understanding the primary use of the space will guide your design choices.
- Understand Your Client’s Style: Modern, traditional, minimalist or eclectic? Knowing your client’s style preferences will help you choose the right furnishings and decor.
Key Questions for Clients
To ensure the living room design aligns with your clients’ needs, it’s important to ask questions such as…
- What is the primary purpose of the living room?
- How many people will typically use this space?
- Do you have any specific style preferences or themes in mind?
- Are there any must-have furniture pieces or decor elements?
- What is your budget range for this project?
Design Elements to Consider
- Layout: Optimize the furniture arrangement for flow and functionality. Consider traffic patterns and how people will move through the space.
- Lighting: Combine natural and artificial lighting to create the right ambiance. Use a mix of overhead lights, floor lamps and task lighting.
- Color Scheme: Choose colors that reflect the desired mood and style. Lighter colors can make a space feel larger and more open. Darker hues add coziness and warmth.
- Furniture: Select pieces that fit the space and serve the intended function. Balance comfort with aesthetics to create a welcoming environment.
- Decor: Add personal touches with artwork, rugs and accessories. Consider the client’s personality and interests when choosing decor items.
Understanding these basics will help you start the design process on the right foot so you can make the best decisions that help you stick to your client’s budget.
How Much Does it Cost to Design, Furnish, & Decorate a Living Room
When it comes to budgeting for a living room design, costs can vary significantly based on the project’s scope and the client’s preferences. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different budget levels.
Budget-Friendly Designs
Average Cost: $2,000 – $5,000
Designing a living room on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or functionality. However, you do need to be more careful with planning and design choices so you can create a beautiful space without breaking the bank.
What You Get:
- Basic furniture set (budget-friendly sofa, coffee table and TV stands)
- Standard lighting fixtures
- Simple decor items (rugs, curtains, and throw pillows)
- DIY or budget-friendly artwork
- Basic paint or wallpaper
Moderate Budget Designs
Average Cost: $5,000 – $15,000
A moderate budget allows for more flexibility and higher quality items. This range is ideal for clients who want to balance affordability and style.
What You Get:
- Higher quality furniture with better durability and design
- Upgraded lighting solutions (dimmable fixtures and accent lighting)
- Custom or semi-custom decor items
- Professional artwork or wall decor
- Enhanced wall finishes like high-quality paint or accent walls
High-End Budget Design
Average Cost: $15,000 – $30,000+
For clients willing to invest more, a high-end budget offers the best materials, custom designs and luxury features. This is perfect for creating a unique and sophisticated living room.
What You Get:
- Premium furniture with custom upholstery
- Designer lighting fixtures and smart home integration
- High-end decor, including custom rugs and bespoke accessories
- Original artwork or commissioned pieces
- Luxurious wall treatments like textured wallpaper or real wood paneling
PRO TIP! – Do you sometimes struggle to communicate design ideas to your clients? Are you constantly dealing with change orders because the final product wasn’t what your clients envisioned?
That’s why we created Cedreo. It’s a powerful, yet easy-to-use home design software anyone can use to create professional 3D project visuals, even for living room designs. More residential housing pros are using its photorealistic renderings to land more clients and streamline communication.
Where to Invest in Design Elements
Prioritizing investments based on the client’s main activities can make a significant difference in the final design and help you make the best use of their budget.
Here are some common priorities and tips for allocating your budget for each:
For Media Entertainment
Invest More In:
- High-quality sound systems: Invest in surround sound or soundbars for an immersive experience.
- Comfortable seating (recliners, sectional sofas): Ensure seating is ergonomic and comfortable for long viewing sessions.
- Large, high-definition TVs or projectors: Opt for the latest technology to provide a superior viewing experience.
Spend Less On:
- Decorative accessories: Focus on functional decor that complements the media setup.
- Expensive artwork: Choose cost-effective wall art that enhances the room without detracting from the media center.
For Entertaining Guests
Invest More In:
- Versatile seating arrangements: Include a mix of seating options like sofas, chairs and ottomans to accommodate guests.
- Attractive yet functional coffee tables: Choose tables with storage or expandable surfaces for versatility.
- High-quality bar or serving stations: Equip the space with a well-stocked bar area for convenience.
Spend Less On:
- Specialty lighting: Focus on ambient and task lighting rather than elaborate fixtures.
- Excessive decorative items: Keep decor simple and elegant to maintain a welcoming atmosphere.
For a Kids Play Area
Invest More In:
- Durable and safe furniture: Select pieces that can withstand rough play and are child-safe.
- Storage solutions: Include plenty of bins, shelves and cabinets to keep toys organized and accessible.
- Soft flooring: Opt for carpeting or removable foam mats for a safer play surface.
Spend Less On:
- Expensive and fragile decor: Avoid breakable items and keep valuable decor to a minimum.
For a Multipurpose Space
Invest More In:
- Flexible furniture: Consider pieces that can serve multiple purposes, like sofa beds, fold-out desks and storage ottomans.
- Zoning: Use rugs, screens or furniture arrangements to define different areas for exercise, work, play and entertaining.
- Storage solutions: Ample storage is key to keeping a multipurpose space organized and functional.
Spend Less On:
- Specialized equipment: Choose versatile items over single-purpose ones.
- High-end decor: Focus on practicality and functionality over luxury.
Living Room Design Cost Breakdown
To give your clients a realistic expectation, here’s a breakdown of average costs for various design elements, including installation labor:
- Furniture: $2,000 – $10,000
- Sofa: $500 – $3,000
- Coffee table: $150 – $800
- TV stand/Entertainment center: $200 – $1,200
- Lighting: $1,000 – $4,500 (includes fixtures and installation labor)
- Overhead lights: $300 – $1,500
- Floor lamps: $100 – $400 each
- Task lighting: $50 – $200 each
- Decor: $300 – $2,000
- Rugs: $100 – $800
- Curtains: $50 – $400
- Throw pillows: $20 – $100 each
- Wall Treatments: $1,000 – $7,500 (includes materials and installation labor)
- Paint: $500 – $2,000
- Wallpaper: $1,000 – $5,000
- Accent walls: $500 – $2,500
- Flooring: $2,000 – $8,000 (includes materials and installation labor)
- Hardwood: $5 – $15 per sq ft
- Carpeting: $3 – $12 per sq ft
- Tile: $6 – $20 per sq ft
Tips for Estimating and Quoting
- Accurate Measurements: Always start with precise room dimensions.
- Detailed Proposals: Provide itemized quotes to avoid surprises. Include a breakdown of all costs and potential additional expenses.
- Client Communication: Regularly update clients on cost adjustments. Keep them informed about any changes in material prices or availability.
- Flexible Options: Offer different budget tiers to suit various financial plans. Present multiple design packages to cater to different needs and preferences.
PRO TIP! – For easier cost-estimating and the ability to easily upsell clients on higher-end options, go with a design software with an estimating software integration. More residential contractors are going with the Cedreo – CostCertified combo. With the integration, you can automatically get detailed estimates in CostCertified based on your Cedreo designs.
Start Designing Today!
Ready to create living room designs that impress your clients? Cedreo software makes it easier than ever to design stunning and functional living spaces.
With Cedreo, you can:
- Visualize Designs in 3D: Bring ideas to life with realistic renderings that allow clients to see the final look before the project begins.
- Streamline Workflow: Save time with user-friendly tools that simplify the design process.
- Enhance Client Presentations: Show clients exactly what to expect so they can make better and faster design decisions.
With a FREE version, you’ve got nothing to lose. Sign up for Cedreo today!
