Everything you need to know about furniture selection with an Interior Designer

Furnishing your home is one of the most exciting parts of creating a beautiful and functional space, but with so many styles, materials and suppliers to choose from, it can quickly become overwhelming. That is where an interior designer makes all the difference. Working with a professional takes the guesswork out of the process and ensures your home feels cohesive, comfortable and distinctly yours.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about furniture selection with an interior designer, from how the process works to budgeting and common questions clients often ask.

Why Furniture Selection with an Interior Designer Makes a Difference

The benefit of furniture selection with an interior designer goes far beyond simply choosing attractive pieces. It is about creating a space that functions well and reflects your lifestyle. A designer begins by understanding your vision and how you live in your home. They assess your rooms, measure each space carefully and determine the correct scale of furniture to maintain good flow and balance.

Once the layout feels right, the designer selects furniture that aligns with your personal taste while introducing fresh ideas and combinations you might not have considered. Every selection combines beauty with purpose, whether that is a custom sofa designed for comfort, a dining table that fits the family perfectly, or a sideboard that anchors the space with character.

If you would like professional guidance tailored to your home, booking an interior design consultation is a great place to start.

Living room with a selection of Art, rug, bespoke cushions, coffee table and accessories by Silvia Rajek Interiors

How Interior Designers Choose Furniture

When selecting furniture, I start by drawing each space to scale. This helps me see exactly how different pieces will fit and how people will move around them. Once I am satisfied with the layout, I start sourcing options based on the client’s brief and preferences. I also like to bring in ideas they may not have thought of, sometimes a bolder colour or a more sculptural shape that makes the room come alive.

The client always has input throughout the process, especially when it comes to sofas and chairs. These are personal, long-term investments, and comfort is essential. I source furniture from a wide network of Sydney suppliers and trusted trade partners, always keeping the client’s style, comfort and budget in mind. When the selections are ready, I create a detailed moodboard so the client can envision how everything will come together. If any changes are requested, that is considered a revision, ensuring the final result feels just right.

Moodboard showcasing a selection of furniture and accessories for a living area by Silvia Rajek Interiors

Understanding the Cost of Furniture Selection and Interior Design

Many people wonder about furniture selection interior design cost and whether hiring a designer is worth it. The truth is that working with a designer often saves money and time in the long run. Every space and budget is different, but an experienced designer will know where to invest and where to economise.

For example, it is worth spending more on a quality sofa that lasts years, while decorative side tables or occasional pieces can be more affordable. I always guide clients through this process and offer options, one that might be higher-end and another that achieves a similar look for less. It is all about achieving a balanced result that feels beautiful without overspending.

As part of my service, I share a portion of my trade discounts with clients. The difference between the retail and trade price is split 50/50, so my clients benefit from exclusive savings. These discounts apply to furniture sourced through my trusted suppliers, however, custom furniture and accessories are priced differently as they are quoted individually. My firm manages all procurement, ordering and payments, and we can also coordinate deliveries and installation for a seamless experience.

Custom made bedhead, bespoke cushions and side tables by Silvia Rajek Interiors

Example: Minimum Cost to Furnish a Bedroom with an Interior Designer

To give you an idea of what to expect, furnishing a standard bedroom through furniture selection with an interior designer usually begins with an initial consultation. During this visit, I assess the home, understand the client’s vision, budget and timeline, and take measurements of the space.

For a bedroom that includes wallpaper, a bed or bedhead that is not custom made, bedside tables, lamps, a rug and artwork, the minimum design fee starts at around $1,700. This covers design time, furniture selections, layouts and sourcing but does not include the installation stage or the cost of furniture and décor items.

If the project requires a higher level of design—such as a custom-made bed or bedhead, bespoke bedside tables, cushions, rugs or wall lighting—it becomes a more detailed process. This involves additional time spent selecting fabrics and materials, visiting fabric showrooms, and consulting with upholsterers or cabinet makers to create bespoke pieces.

There are also other design elements that may be required, such as designing custom cabinetry or wardrobes. These are often tailored to suit the client’s storage needs and style preferences and will add to the overall cost due to the extra design time, materials and craftsmanship involved.

For clients seeking a more affordable option, I also offer e-design services. This online design option includes a furniture layout based on the measurements provided, along with a curated moodboard that visually captures the style and direction of the room. I select furniture and accessories available through online stores and provide a shopping list so clients can purchase the pieces directly. While e-design is a convenient and cost-effective solution, it’s important to note that colour accuracy cannot be guaranteed, as tones can vary between screens and manufacturers. It’s best suited to clients who feel confident shopping online but would still like professional guidance and a clear, cohesive vision for their space.

A full, end-to-end service where I manage every step, including arranging trades such as wallpaper installers, painters and art hangers, and completing the space with accessories for a picture-perfect finish, is naturally more involved and therefore more expensive. The exact cost will depend on the level of customisation, materials selected and the scope of work.

To explore options for bespoke pieces, visit my custom furnishings page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Furniture Selection with an Interior Designer

Do interior designers pick out furniture?

Yes. A key part of furniture selection with an interior designer is having a professional curate pieces that suit your space, lifestyle and aesthetic. Designers also ensure correct scale, comfort and flow, details often missed when shopping alone.

Can interior designers work with existing furniture that clients already have?

Yes, in many cases we can. I always assess existing pieces to see how they can fit into the overall design. Sometimes clients have quality furniture with sentimental or practical value, and re-using these pieces can be both cost-effective and sustainable.

Incorporating existing furniture can, however, present design challenges. The colour, style and proportions of the furniture need to blend well with the new design direction. This is where a designer’s eye makes a difference. We often think creatively about how to reimagine what you already own so it feels fresh and cohesive in the space.

For example, in a recent project, I worked with a modular sofa that had a chaise. The feather cushions had lost their shape and looked flat, so I collaborated with an upholsterer to create new, firmer inserts. The result was a refreshed, modern-looking sofa that felt brand new and suited another living area in the client’s home.

This kind of thinking outside the box is what interior designers are known for. We find smart ways to repurpose, reupholster or reposition existing furniture to make it work beautifully within a new design concept.

Do interior designers mark up furniture?

Some do, but my approach is transparent. I share my trade discounts with clients, splitting the difference between retail and trade prices equally. This ensures clients benefit from my access to exclusive suppliers while covering the time and coordination involved in ordering and managing the process.

What are the five responsibilities of an interior designer?

Typically, they include understanding the client brief, developing design concepts, planning layouts, selecting finishes and furnishings, and overseeing implementation. In furniture selection, all these responsibilities come together to achieve a cohesive and comfortable result.

Does interior design involve furniture?

Yes. Furniture is one of the most significant elements in interior design. It defines how you use a space, influences comfort and flow, and contributes to the overall look and feel of your home.

What is a realistic budget for interior design?

Budgets vary depending on size, style and goals. A single living room might range from $10,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on whether custom pieces are included. The key is knowing where to invest and where to save, something your designer can expertly guide you through.

What does furniture selection cost in interior design?

Costs depend on the project size and the level of service required. At Silvia Rajek Interiors, I work within each client’s preferred range while ensuring every dollar contributes to creating a home that feels beautiful, personal and functional.

Final Thoughts

Working with an interior designer for your furniture selection turns what could be an overwhelming process into an enjoyable and inspiring experience. From space planning and sourcing to moodboards and installation, every detail is handled with care and intention.

When done right, your home will not only look cohesive but feel like an authentic reflection of you. If you are ready to start your furniture selection journey, I would love to help you create a space that is timeless, comfortable and uniquely yours.

Book your design consultation today to begin transforming your home with Silvia Rajek Interiors, where function meets beauty in every detail.