What Decorist Does
Decorist is an online interior design service that pairs you with a professional designer who creates a customized design plan for your space. You don't meet the designer in person — the entire process happens through their website and app. You answer questions about your room, share photos and measurements, set a budget, and a designer creates a mood board and shopping list tailored to your space and style preferences.
The service costs a flat fee per room, which varies depending on the size of the space and the level of detail you want. Decorist handles the design work; you handle purchasing and installing the items on the shopping list. The designer doesn't buy anything for you or manage contractors — they create the plan, and you execute it.
Key Takeaways
- Decorist charges a one-time flat fee per room, with pricing based on room size and design package level.
- You provide room measurements, photos, and style preferences through their online platform, and a designer creates a customized mood board and shopping list.
- The designer communicates with you through the Decorist app or website, not through in-person meetings or phone calls.
- You are responsible for purchasing items from the shopping list and arranging installation; Decorist does not handle ordering or contractor management.
- The design process typically takes one to two weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you provide feedback.
How to Start a Decorist Project
Begin by visiting the Decorist website and selecting the room you want designed. You'll answer a questionnaire about the space — dimensions, natural light, current furniture, color preferences, and style inspiration. Upload photos of the room from multiple angles and note any items you want to keep.
Set your budget for the project. This is the total amount you're willing to spend on new items for that room. Decorist uses this to guide the designer's recommendations. You'll also choose your design package level, which determines how many revisions and design options you receive.
Once you submit your information, Decorist assigns a designer to your project. The designer reviews everything you've provided and creates an initial design concept, usually within a few days.
What You Receive From Your Designer
Your designer creates a mood board — a visual collection of colors, textures, and design elements that show the overall aesthetic direction for your room. This is not a photo-realistic rendering of your actual space; it's a reference showing style, color palette, and how different elements work together.
You also receive a shopping list with specific product recommendations. Each item includes a photo, description, price, and a link to where you can purchase it. Items come from retailers like West Elm, Wayfair, Amazon, Target, and other mainstream home goods stores — not exclusive or hard-to-find sources.
The designer may also provide a layout plan showing how to arrange furniture in the room, depending on your package level. Some packages include a floor plan with measurements; others are more conceptual.
The Revision and Feedback Process
After you receive the initial design, you have a set number of revision rounds included in your package. You communicate feedback through the Decorist app or website — you might say "I'd prefer warmer tones" or "Can you suggest a different sofa?" The designer then adjusts the mood board and shopping list based on your input.
Each package includes a different number of revision rounds. A basic package might include two rounds; a premium package might include unlimited revisions. Once you've used your included revisions, additional rounds cost extra.
The back-and-forth typically takes one to two weeks, depending on how quickly you respond and how many changes you request. There's no phone support — all communication happens through the platform.
Purchasing and Installing Your Design
Once you approve the final design, you're responsible for purchasing the items on the shopping list. Decorist provides direct links to each product, but you place the orders yourself through the retailers' websites. You pay the retailers directly; Decorist doesn't handle transactions or take a commission on purchases.
Delivery times depend on each retailer and item. Some things arrive in days; others take weeks. You'll need to coordinate delivery schedules so items arrive when you're ready to install them.
Installation is also your responsibility. If the design includes built-in shelving, wallpaper, or painting, you'll need to hire contractors or do the work yourself. Decorist does not provide contractor referrals or manage installation services.
Pricing and What It Covers
Decorist charges a flat fee per room. The exact price depends on room size (small, medium, or large) and which design package you choose. Prices vary, so check the Decorist website for current rates. This fee covers the designer's time to create the mood board, shopping list, and included revision rounds.
The flat fee does not include the cost of the items on the shopping list. You pay for furniture, decor, and materials separately when you purchase them from retailers. It also does not include installation labor, contractor fees, or shipping costs.
Some retailers offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount, which can help offset costs. Decorist occasionally runs promotions on design fees, so it's worth checking their website for current offers.
When Decorist Works Well and When It Doesn't
Decorist works best if you're comfortable shopping online, have a clear budget in mind, and don't need in-person design consultation. It's useful for single rooms, rental spaces where you can't make permanent changes, or if you want a second opinion on style before committing to expensive purchases.
Decorist is less suitable if you need help with structural changes like moving walls, installing custom cabinetry, or managing a full home renovation. It's also not ideal if you prefer working face-to-face with a designer or need ongoing support after the design is delivered. If your project requires contractor coordination or professional installation, you'll need to hire those services separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Decorist for multiple rooms?
Yes. Each room is a separate project with its own flat fee. You can start one room at a time or work on multiple rooms simultaneously. Some customers design their whole home this way, paying the per-room fee for each space.
What if I don't like the initial design?
You have a set number of revision rounds included in your package. Use those to request changes. If you've exhausted your included revisions and still aren't satisfied, you can pay for additional revision rounds, or you can end the project and not purchase the items.
Do I have to buy everything on the shopping list?
No. The shopping list is a recommendation. You can purchase some items, skip others, or substitute similar products from different retailers. The designer creates the list as a cohesive whole, so removing or replacing items may affect how the final room looks.
How long does the whole process take?
From start to approved design is typically one to two weeks, depending on how quickly you provide feedback. Purchasing and delivery can take several more weeks depending on retailer shipping times. Installation happens on your timeline.
Can the designer help me if I run into problems during installation?
Decorist's support is limited to the design phase. Once the design is approved, the designer's involvement ends. If you have questions about how to arrange items or need installation help, you'll need to contact the retailers or hire professionals separately.