Why we do not offer flat fees

One of the questions I get asked most often is, "Why don't you charge a flat fee?"

The answer is simple: no two clients,and no two projects, are ever the same.

Every project at Melissa Walsh Interiors begins with a two-hour consultation. This is where we take the time to understand not only your vision for your home, but also how you would like to work with us. Are you looking for guidance on a few key decisions? Will you be managing portions of the project yourself? Or would you prefer our team to oversee every detail, from design concepts and finish selections to coordinating trades, purchasing furnishings, managing deliveries, and styling your home for the final reveal?

Often, clients don't yet know the answer to these questions, and that's completely understandable. Many have never worked with a designer before. What initially feels like a straightforward renovation can quickly reveal itself to be hundreds of thoughtful decisions, moving parts, and details that need to come together seamlessly.

Committing to a large flat fee at the outset assumes everyone requires the same level of service. In reality, every client's needs evolve differently.

An hourly approach allows the process to unfold naturally. It gives you the opportunity to experience what it's like to work with us, while allowing us to understand how you make decisions and how much support you'll truly benefit from throughout the journey.

Some clients tell us they only want to see two carefully curated options. Yet once they begin the process, they discover they enjoy exploring every possibility and want to visit every tile showroom and review every fabric sample before making a decision. Others prefer to trust our recommendations and move quickly and efficiently.

Neither approach is right or wrong. They simply require different levels of time and involvement.

By billing transparently in 15-minute increments, our clients have a clear understanding of exactly where their investment is going. Those who make confident decisions often spend less. Those who wish to explore more options have the flexibility to do so. The choice is always theirs.

For us, this approach isn't about charging more. It's about creating a relationship built on trust, transparency, and flexibility. It ensures that every client receives the level of service they need—without paying for services they don't.

Because exceptional design isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither is the process behind it.

Follow along for more insights into how we strive to make the design experience approachable, collaborative, and tailored to the way you live.