Why Interior Design & Build Costs More Than You Think — And Why It’s Worth Every Penny

You’re Not Over Budget — You Just Didn’t Budget for What You Truly Wanted

Let’s talk about a phrase we hear often: “We’re over budget.” It comes up mid-project, or when pricing is first revealed, or when a client falls in love with something they didn’t plan for. And while it may feel like the budget’s been blown — the reality is often this: You’re not over budget. You just didn’t budget for what you actually wanted.

In today’s economic climate — especially here in Ontario where labour, materials, and timelines are

shifting fast — it’s more important than ever to understand what things actually cost when done well, and

to plan accordingly from day one. Because when your vision and your budget align, that’s when the magic

(and the design integrity) truly happens.

1. The Myth of Sticker Shock

We all love the inspiration we find on Pinterest, HGTV, and Instagram — but it’s easy to forget that those stunning kitchen makeovers often come with big budgets and entire teams working behind the scenes to bring them to life. What you don’t see is just as important as what you do.

At Patti Wilson Design, we believe that great design is about more than just how a space looks—it’s about how it’s brought to life. We manage projects from start to finish, collaborating with experienced trades and overseeing every detail to ensure your vision is thoughtfully and beautifully executed. We’re transparent about the process because quality takes time—and the right investment makes all the difference.

2. Why Design & Build Costs What It Costs

A few things you may not realize go into your investment:

• Custom work = custom cost. From cabinetry built to fit your unique space, to tile layouts that need expert installation — personalization takes time, skill, and materials that mass-produced pieces just can’t compete with.

• Trades are in demand. Especially in Ontario, skilled labour is stretched thin. We work only with vetted professionals who show up, get it right the first time, and stand behind their work. That kind of reliability costs more — and is worth every dollar.

• Design isn’t just picking pretty things. It’s functional planning, sourcing, scheduling, procurement, quality control, problem-solving, and creating a cohesive look that works in real life. (And yes, that’s before we even hang the art.)

3. Budget vs. Wish List: A Conversation Worth Having Early

Great design starts with clarity—about what you love, how you want to live, and what you’re comfortable investing. At PWD, we build detailed, itemized budgets using up-to-date numbers from recent projects of similar size and scope. This helps us align early on and ensures the decisions we make together are informed, realistic, and rooted in your priorities.

• We walk through your vision in detail.

• We price realistically, not optimistically.

• We value-engineer where it matters and explain where not to cut corners.

• We manage the entire process, from demo day to the final styling, so nothing falls through the cracks (or incurs surprise costs later).

It’s never our job to push you over budget. It’s our job to show you what it takes to get the outcome you want and to help you make confident, informed decisions from day one.

So — What Should You Budget?

It’s a common question, and the truth is: probably more than you initially think. But with the right guidance, it becomes less overwhelming and far more intentional. Engaging an experienced designer early in the process can be one of the most valuable investments you make. We help you understand what’s possible within your space, where your money will have the greatest impact, and how to avoid costly missteps. The result? A budget rooted in reality, aligned with your goals, and designed to bring your vision to life—beautifully and efficiently.

The Patti Wilson Difference

At Patti Wilson Design, we’ve spent over 20 years refining a process that blends timeless design with thoughtful execution. We’re more than just a design firm — we’re a full-service design-build studio with deep roots in tradition, where beauty meets integrity and quality is never an afterthought. Our work is grounded in craftsmanship, guided by experience, and carried out with care — every step of the way.

We’re with you from concept to completion, managing every detail so you can enjoy the journey as much as the final result. And when you choose to work with us, you’re choosing a partner who values transparency, collaboration, and doing things the right way — not the rushed way. So, if you’ve found yourself thinking, “This is more expensive than I expected…” We invite you to ask instead: “Did I truly plan for the quality I want to live with every day?” Because in the end, a well-designed space — one that’s built to last — is never something you’ll regret.

If you’d like to know more about what your project might really cost — and what’s possible within your budget?

Let’s start the conversation.