The best time to decide between hiring an interior designer and tackling a project yourself is right now, before you commit to a budget or timeline. Most homeowners can DIY cosmetic updates like paint, furniture arrangement, and decor swaps, but structural changes, complex layouts, and whole-home renovations typically justify the cost of professional help.
The decision hinges on three factors: project scope, your skill level, and whether mistakes will be expensive to fix. Painting an accent wall costs you an afternoon and maybe $50 in supplies if you hate it. Knocking down the wrong wall or installing custom cabinetry that blocks a …