What's the difference between interior design and interior decorating?

These two terms get used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Interior decorating is about the finished space — making it beautiful, comfortable, and complete once construction is done. Interior design encompasses all of that, and goes much further.

Interior design begins before the first wall goes up. It is woven into the architectural and construction process itself — ensuring your vision is understood and protected at every phase. The right designer asks the questions others will not think to ask, spots the creative opportunities hiding in the plans, and keeps the bigger picture in focus all the way through.

Why work with a designer?

A renovation or construction project involves thousands of decisions, many of them urgent, many consequential, most happening all at once. It can be a lot.

A good designer turns that chaos into momentum. Part of that job is making sure you always know what’s possible, understand your options, and have everything you need to make informed decisions — so the choices you make are truly yours, not defaults you stumbled into.

Sarah leads the creative vision and then tracks the details so nothing falls through the cracks. The result is a home that actually exceeds your expectations.

What does working with Changemaker Designs look like?

When you work with Changemaker Designs, you work directly with Principal Designer Sarah Gough — from the first conversation to the final walkthrough. She will help you get clear on what you want, push your thinking in the best possible ways, and make sure that the final result is something you will love for years. Here’s what that includes:

· Original design concepts developed through mood boards, material samples, and as many conversations as it takes until you feel genuinely excited.

· Project management of the full interior design scope.

· Sourcing of items not within the GC’s purview.

· Regular communication with the construction team and vendors to keep implementation on track.

· Site visits throughout the project.

How do you charge?

Our goal is to make great design accessible. Fees are structured to be transparent and fair — and we pass our full designer trade discount, typically 20–25% off retail, directly to clients. That savings often offsets a meaningful portion of the design fee.

Major Renovations + New Construction

A flat fee based on our estimate of time and effort and the anticipated increase in property value. If scope grows, we agree on any additional fee before proceeding. Beyond the flat fee, we are reimbursed only for travel expenses. Clients pay all materials, labor, and services directly. 3D renderings are available upon request and for an additional charge.

Modest Remodels, Decorating + Homestyling

A sliding-scale fixed fee based on the scope and the time required to develop and execute the design. Trade discounts apply here too.

Is there anything you don't do?

We are a small, focused firm — and that focus is what makes our work good. That said, a few things fall outside our scope:

· Receiving, storing, returning, or transporting finishes, furnishings, or construction materials.

· Physical labor — moving, unpacking, hanging.

· Managing the construction budget or GC’s scope of work.

· Obtaining planning, building, or other permits or approvals.

· Paying directly for anything beyond our reimbursable travel expenses.

How do I get started?

The first step is a paid 90-minute design consultation during which Sarah will walk through your space, talk through what is and is not working, and start imagining what could be. By the end, Sarah will leave with a clear sense of your vision, your priorities, and your style.

Following the visit, you will receive a follow-up email summarizing the initial design direction with some vendor and product recommendations as a tangible starting point you can refer back to, whether or not you choose to move forward with a full engagement.