Everything you need to know about luxury interior design in Hertfordshire


Whether you're considering your first interior design project or planning a full home transformation, we've compiled answers to the questions we hear most from Hertfordshire families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing & Investment

  • How much does luxury interior design cost in Hertfordshire?

    Luxury interior design investment varies significantly based on scope, room size, and level of service. Our design fees start from £500+VAT for Essential Design consultation, £1,375+VAT for comprehensive Signature Design packages, with full-service luxury projects quoted individually.


    For context, typical Hertfordshire luxury renovation budgets range from £15,000-30,000 per room for living spaces, £35,000-60,000+ for luxury kitchens, and £250,000+ for full home extensions. Our design fees typically represent 10-15% of your total project investment.


    We serve clients across all budget ranges - from single-room refreshes to multi-million pound renovations across properties in Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, and Harpenden.

  • What's included in your luxury interior design fees?

    Our tiered service structure ensures transparency:

    • Essential Design (£500+VAT): Layout options, lighting plans, basic concept development
    • Signature Design (£1,375+VAT): Everything above plus 3D visuals, technical drawings, shopping lists, sample box
    • Luxury Full-Service: Complete design, procurement, project management, and installation oversight

    All packages include our signature attention to detail and post-project support.

  • Do you offer payment plans for luxury interior design projects?

    We structure payments across project phases to align with cash flow. 


    For design-only projects, design fees are typically split:

    • 50% at contract signing, 
    • 50% at design completion. 

    For full-service projects, we arrange staged payments tied to procurement and installation milestones as follows:

    • 25% deposit - upon contract signing
    • 35% progress payment - upon design approval & before procurement begins
    • 30% progress payment - when 75% of items delivered/installation begins
    • 10% final payment - upon project completion & handover

Services & Process

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

    Interior design encompasses space planning, structural modifications, lighting design, and technical specifications - essentially how a space functions. Interior decorating focuses on finishes, furniture, and styling - how a space looks.


    As qualified interior designers, we handle both aspects: optimizing your space's functionality through thoughtful planning, then layering in the luxury finishes and furnishings that create your desired aesthetic. Our 20+ years of project management experience ensures both elements work seamlessly together.

  • How long does a full home renovation take in Hertfordshire?

    Timeline depends on scope and complexity:

    • Single room refresh: 6-12 weeks
    • Kitchen renovation: 12-16 weeks
    • Full home renovation: 6-18 months
    • Extension with interior design: 12-24 months

    Hertfordshire's planning requirements, particularly in conservation areas like parts of St Albans and Harpenden, can extend timelines. We factor local authority processes into all project schedules and maintain relationships with planning consultants when needed.

  • Do you work with listed buildings and period properties?

    Absolutely. Hertfordshire's rich architectural heritage includes many Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian properties requiring specialist knowledge. We understand conservation area restrictions, listed building consent requirements, and how to blend period character with modern luxury.


    Recent projects include Georgian townhouses in St Albans and Victorian family homes in Welwyn Garden City, where we've successfully integrated contemporary luxury while respecting historical integrity.

  • What's your 15-step design process?

    Our proven process ensures clarity and confidence from initial consultation through final styling:


    Phase 1: Discovery & Planning

    • Initial consultation and brief development
    • Site survey and technical assessment
    • Design proposal and agreement

    Phase 2: Design Development

    • Detailed design and material selection
    • Technical drawings and specifications
    • 3D visualisation and client approval
    • Procurement planning and sourcing
    • Project timeline and coordination

    Phase 3: Implementation 

    • Order placement and delivery coordination
    • Installation supervision and quality control
    • Styling and finishing touches
    • Final walkthrough and handover
    • Aftercare and ongoing support

Location & Logistics

  • Which areas of Hertfordshire do you serve?

    We're based in Welwyn Garden City and serve clients throughout Hertfordshire and North London, including:

    • Welwyn Garden City and surrounding villages
    • St Albans and the historic city center
    • Harpenden and surrounding areas
    • Watford and North Watford
    • Hertford and the Hertford Heath area
    • Selected North London locations

    We understand local architectural styles, planning requirements, and have established relationships with trusted trades across these areas.


  • Do you work on commercial projects in Hertfordshire?

    Yes, we provide luxury interior design for commercial clients including offices, hospitality venues, and retail spaces. Recent commercial projects include golf clubhouses in Arkley and Mill Green, plus executive office spaces.


    Our corporate project management background ensures we understand commercial requirements including health & safety compliance, accessibility standards, and business operational needs.

  • Can you work remotely for clients outside Hertfordshire?

    While we prefer hands-on involvement for full-service projects, we offer remote design consultations and Signature Design packages for clients throughout the UK. Our digital design tools and video consultation capabilities allow us to serve clients effectively regardless of location.

Working Together

  • How do you handle project management and trades coordination?

    Our 20+ years of corporate project management experience sets us apart. We coordinate all trades, manage timelines, handle quality control, and provide regular progress updates. You'll have a single point of contact (Audrey) throughout your project.


    We work with a trusted network of Hertfordshire-based trades including builders, electricians, plumbers, and specialist craftspeople - all vetted for quality and reliability.

  • What happens if we need to make changes during the project?

    Flexibility is built into our process. Minor adjustments are typically accommodated within the original scope. Significant changes are discussed, priced transparently, and approved before implementation. Our project management experience helps anticipate potential issues before they become problems.

  • Do you provide aftercare once the project is complete?

    Yes, every client receives comprehensive handover documentation including care instructions, supplier contacts, and warranty information. We remain available for follow-up questions, styling adjustments, and future project planning.


    Many clients return for additional rooms or recommend us to friends - testament to our ongoing relationship approach.

Getting Started

  • What's the best way to start working with Elisa Design?

    Begin with a free 15-minute Discovery Call to discuss your project and determine the best service level. From there, we can schedule either:

    • Design Consultation (£375+VAT) for focused advice
    • Full design proposal for comprehensive projects

    Book your Discovery Call at https://calendly.com/audreywiggs/discovery-call

  • What should I prepare before our first meeting?

    Gather any inspiration images, existing floor plans, and a rough budget range. Think about your lifestyle needs, must-haves, and any specific challenges with your current space. Don't worry about having everything figured out - that's what we're here for!

  • How far in advance should I book your services?

    We recommend booking 4-8 weeks in advance for consultations, 8-12 weeks for design projects. Full-service luxury projects often have 3-6 month lead times due to bespoke elements and procurement requirements.


    Popular times (pre-Christmas, spring renovation season) book earliest, so early planning is always beneficial.

Specialised Questions

  • Do you work with sustainable and eco-friendly materials?

    Yes, we source sustainable options when requested and can advise on eco-friendly choices that align with luxury aesthetics. This includes reclaimed materials, low-VOC finishes, and sustainably sourced furnishings.

  • Can you help with planning permission and building regulations?

    While we don't submit applications directly, we work closely with architects, structural engineers, and planning consultants throughout Hertfordshire. We can recommend trusted professionals and ensure design proposals align with planning requirements.


  • What if I already have an architect or builder?

    We collaborate excellently with existing project teams. Our technical drawings and specifications integrate seamlessly with architectural plans, and we're experienced in working alongside builders to ensure design intent is maintained throughout construction.


    To ensure successful partnership and smooth collaboration, we'll need you to brief your trades that we'll be conducting regular site visits and have your mandate to make design-related decisions on your behalf. This clear communication upfront prevents delays and ensures everyone works toward the same vision.


Still have questions? Contact us directly at info@elisadesign.co.uk or book a free Discovery Call to discuss your specific project needs.