Get matched with top interior designers and decorators in Rutherford, NJ

Professional holiday decorating services cost between $300 and $2,500 or more, with an average cost of about $1,500. The total price depends on the size of your home, the extent of the work, your location, and whether materials are included. Simple interior decoration may cost around $300, while a combination of interior and exterior work often totals around $800. For large or extensive design services, you could pay $2,500 or more. Common service costs can include: exterior holiday light installation ($400), Christmas tree decoration ($200–$600), interior holiday design ($50–$200 per hour), and holiday landscaping ($50–$100 per hour). Note that some prices may only include labor, not the cost of the decorations themselves.

Whether hiring an interior designer is worth the cost depends on your budget, the scope of the project, and your own design and project management skills. For larger projects or those beyond your DIY skills, an interior designer is often a worthwhile investment. The benefits include realizing the best layout, functionality, and decor for your lifestyle and taste; managing the project to keep it on track and within budget; serving as a point of contact for contractors; accessing discounts from suppliers; and assisting with home staging for a sale.

Professionals often use extra materials that aren’t included in traditional tree decorations, like pins and more expensive wired ribbon that can be carefully shaped. But even without these elements, you can improve your decorating by taking a few professional cues.

Always start by picking an overall theme, including colors, types of ornaments, and the overall feeling or message you want to create. Fluff your tree to its fullest potential, and include a generous amount of garlands, lights, ornaments, and bows to complete the look. Professional trees tend to be very “full” and well-balanced, with only a couple of ornament types to help the decorations flow.

It is usually worth it to hire an interior decorator, especially if you want your home to have cohesiveness and look like it belongs in a catalog. Interior decorators can be quite expensive, but decorating isn’t an ongoing cost, so you can expect to pay once for the service rather than on an ongoing basis. Interior decorating can be especially worthwhile if you’re selling your home, as house staging can make your property feel more welcoming and help buyers envision themselves living in the space.