THE BLOG

If you’ve ever fallen in love with a kitchen on Pinterest or swooned over a bathroom in a design magazine, you’re not alone. But as an interior designer, I’ve had countless conversations with clients who are surprised when the finishes they dream of don’t align with the budget they had in mind. This blog is here to shed some light on the true cost of finishes—and why realistic budgeting (and hiring the right designer!) is the most powerful tool in making your dream space a reality.

Pinterest-Worthy Finishes Come with a Price Tag

It’s easy to pin a $300 faucet without realizing the tile, hardware, and lighting in the same image add up to tens of thousands. What you see in inspiration photos is often the best of the best—custom cabinetry, natural stone, artisan tile, high-end appliances—and those prices add up quickly. 

That “simple and clean” kitchen might actually cost $100,000+ when you break down cabinetry, counters, flooring, and installation.

Finishes Can Eat Up 30–50% of Your Budget

A common misconception is that most of your money goes toward construction or labor. But in reality, high-end finishes—tile, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring, lighting, and cabinetry—often account for a significant portion of your overall project cost. 

Always build in cushion for shipping, taxes, and installation costs—not just the item itself.

Budget Ranges by Room 

When clients ask, “What exactly do you mean by finishes?”—this is where we break it down. Finishes are all the selections you see and touch in a space, and they can vary dramatically depending on the quality, brand, and complexity of installation.

Kitchen finishes often range from $45,000 to $120,000 or more and include cabinetry (custom or semi-custom), countertops (quartz, marble, soapstone, etc.), backsplash tile, hardware, plumbing fixtures like sinks and faucets, lighting (pendants, under-cabinet, recessed), appliances, and flooring. For example, a kitchen with custom inset cabinetry, quartzite counters, handmade tile backsplash, and Thermador appliances will fall on the higher end of this range.

Primary bathroom finishes typically range from $35,000 to $75,000. This includes floor and wall tile (for showers, floors, and feature walls), a vanity (custom or prefabricated), countertop, sinks and faucets, shower systems, glass enclosures, lighting, and hardware like towel bars and toilet paper holders. A bathroom with marble tile, a floating vanity, custom lighting, and a rain shower system can easily reach the top end of that budget.

Living and common spaces generally fall in the $18,000 to $40,000+ range, depending on the scope. These budgets include flooring (engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or tile), built-ins like fireplace surrounds or shelving, lighting, accent walls (paneling, wallpaper, or unique paint details), and architectural trim or ceiling details. A family room with wide-plank white oak floors, a custom plaster fireplace, and architectural millwork will significantly elevate the space—and the price.

The Value of a Designer: Save Time, Money & Mistakes

Hiring an interior designer is an investment—but it’s one that can pay for itself many times over. 

• A designer helps you avoid costly mistakes by selecting the right finishes the first time, preventing errors, returns, or mismatched materials. 
• We also often receive trade discounts and pass those savings on to clients. 
• Better project flow means fewer delays and costly changes. 
• We know where it makes sense to invest and where to pull back. 
• And perhaps most importantly, we help you plan from the beginning with an understanding of what finishes really cost—before you fall in love with something out of budget.

The more open you are about what you want to invest, the more strategic your designer can be. We can tailor finish selections, plan ahead for lead times, and create design schemes that are both stunning and attainable.

Ask for a Finish Schedule, Early in the Process

 One of the smartest moves you can make is asking your designer or builder to walk you through a finish schedule. This outlines every material selection and price range, helping you visualize where your money is going—and where adjustments might need to be made.

You don’t need an unlimited budget to create a home you love—but you do need a realistic one. When you combine honest conversations, clear priorities, and a designer who knows how to guide the process, you get something even better than your inspiration board: a space that works beautifully for you.

We’re based out of Austin, TX, but proudly offer our interior design and construction services to clients all across the country. We offer both residential and commercial design-build services, managing everything from architectural finishes to final styling—all under one roof. With both design and construction in-house, we simplify the process and create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.

We’d love to chat with you about your home or business and provide a realistic cost for your upcoming project. In fact, we can customize a Design Package based on your needs, timeline, and goals. You can schedule a call here to start the conversation. We make the process feel approachable, thoughtful—and even fun.

Here are the Design Services we offer:

• Full Service Interior Design – For clients looking to fully furnish and style a space—whether it’s one room or the whole home. This service focuses on furniture layouts, sourcing, window treatments, rugs, lighting, art, and the final styling details. We manage every part of the design process, from concept to installation, so you get a fully finished space you love, without the overwhelm. Walk in to your own personalized reveal day—warm, layered, and beautifully livable.
• New Build & Renovation Design-Build – We offer something truly rare: both design and construction under one roof. For clients building new or renovating a home, we manage the entire process—design, planning, permitting, project management, and construction—through our in-house construction company. You get a cohesive vision, fewer decision points, and clear communication from start to finish. Whether it’s a gut renovation or ground-up build, we create layered, thoughtfully designed homes that feel deeply personal and stand the test of time.
• Design Only for Renovation & New Build – If you’re already working with a builder or architect but want our creative direction, we’ll step in as your design partner. We’ll collaborate with your team to develop finish selections, layout guidance, and design specifications that ensure your home feels cohesive and beautifully considered. You handle the construction—we handle the vision.
• Styling & Accessorizing – Sometimes the bones are there, but the space still doesn’t feel finished. That’s where we come in. Through thoughtful styling and curated layering, we elevate your existing furniture with the right mix of textiles, decor, art, and lighting. We’ll bring in the final touches that make your home feel warm, lived-in, and completely you. Perfect for photoshoots, holidays, or simply falling in love with your space again.
• Virtual Design (E-Design) – Designed for those outside our service area or who prefer a more hands-on role, our virtual design packages deliver a personalized design plan that you can implement at your own pace. You’ll receive a complete concept with furniture layouts, mood boards, shopping links, and styling notes—all tailored to your space, style, and budget. It’s a designer’s eye, made accessible, wherever you are.
• 1:1 Design Consultation (One Hour) – Need a little expert direction before diving into a project? Our 1:1 consultation is the perfect place to start. In this focused hour, we’ll walk through your design dilemmas, ideas, or in-progress plans and offer professional feedback and actionable tips. Whether you’re choosing paint colors, planning a renovation, or just need a second opinion, you’ll leave with clarity and confidence.

Or, if you’re looking for a completely curated space with links to exact products, check out our Design Sourcebooks!

If you’d like to reach out directly, please email us at team@cottageandkey.com — we’ll get back to you within 2 business days.