Interior Design Services: An Overview
Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a space to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment. Professional interior designers work with clients to create functional, beautiful spaces that reflect their personality and lifestyle. In Nashville, the interior design industry has flourished alongside the city’s growth, with firms specializing in everything from traditional Southern elegance to contemporary modern aesthetics.
Core Concepts of Interior Design
There are several primary approaches to interior design services:
Full-Service Design: Encompasses the entire design process from concept to completion, including space planning, material selection, furniture procurement, and project management.
Best for: New construction, complete home renovations, and clients seeking a turnkey experience.
Design Consultation: Offers professional guidance on specific design decisions such as color palettes, furniture arrangement, or material selection without full project management.
Best for: Homeowners who want professional input but prefer to handle implementation themselves.
E-Design/Virtual Design: Provides design services remotely through digital communication, mood boards, and shopping lists.
Best for: Budget-conscious clients, out-of-town homeowners, or those with simpler design needs.
Top 3 Interior Designers in Nashville, TN
1. Eric Ross Interiors
Best For: Traditional and classic luxury design with a timeless Southern aesthetic.
Philosophy: Your home should represent who you are on your best day. Creates full, multi-layered, classic interiors that are traditional yet grounded, with an interesting use of pattern and color.
Services:
Full-Service Design: Interior design consultation, design concept presentation, and complete room transformations.
New Construction: Renovation and remodeling consultation with finishing selections.
Furnishings: Custom furniture, window treatments, decorative lighting, wall coverings, and accessories.
Installation: Complete warehouse of all items until ready, then full room reveal in one day.
Location: 4011 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37204
Contact: (615) 472-8236 | ericrossinteriors.com
Pricing:
Retainer Fee: $1,500 (credited at delivery)
Starting Price for Completed Room: $25,000+
Remodeling/New Construction: Flat-fee based on project scope
Awards: Best of Houzz 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 for Outstanding Customer Service and Best of Design. Over 26 years of experience.
2. Murphy Maude Interiors
Best For: High-end residential projects with a focus on wellness, art-driven design, and transformative living experiences.
Philosophy: Creates harmonious spaces rooted in human connection to one another and to the earth. Believes interiors should be beautiful, meaningful, and deeply personal.
Services:
Full Custom Design: Complete interior architecture and design for discerning clients.
À La Carte Design Program: Access to design tools, trade resources, and guidance for a more hands-on approach.
Commercial Design: Boutique commercial environments and hospitality projects.
Custom Elements: Original textiles, wallcoverings, art creation, and custom cabinetry through sister companies.
Location: 1201 5th Ave N., Suite 203, Nashville, TN 37208 (By appointment only)
Contact: (615) 212-5273 | murphymaude.com
Pricing: Custom pricing based on project scope. Takes on only a select number of fully custom clients each year.
Recognition: Nationally and internationally published, woman-owned design firm founded in 2016 by Leslie Murphy.
3. Brad Ramsey Interiors
Best For: Award-winning design with an intuitive approach, celebrity clientele, and both residential and commercial projects.
Philosophy: Design work is instinctual, from concept to completion, driven by the pursuit of integrity, balance, and quality. Creates spaces that look curated and collected.
Services:
Full-Service Design: Complete interior design for residential and commercial spaces.
New Construction: Collaboration with architects, builders, and contractors.
Renovation: Bringing fresh approaches to preexisting environments.
High-Profile Projects: Experience with Grammy award-winning artists and celebrity clients.
Location: Nashville, TN (Serves Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Brentwood, Forest Hills, Franklin, and Oak Hill)
Contact: bradramseyinteriors.com
Pricing:
Minimum furnishings budget: $100,000
Projects typically 6-9 months out
Awards: Named to House Beautiful’s 2024 Next Wave Class. Featured on HGTV. 4.8 out of 5 rating on Houzz. Founded in 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does an interior designer cost in Nashville?
Interior designers in Nashville typically charge between $50 and $200 per hour. Some designers use a flat fee structure, while others charge a markup (typically 15-25%) on furniture and materials purchased. Full-service design projects in Nashville generally range from $3,900 to $11,000 or more, depending on the scope. High-end designers may have minimum project budgets of $25,000 to $100,000.
2. What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?
An interior designer typically has formal education, licensing, and can work on structural elements like floor plans, lighting design, and building codes. They often collaborate with architects and contractors. An interior decorator focuses primarily on aesthetics, including furniture, fabrics, colors, and accessories, without making structural changes.
3. How long does a typical interior design project take?
Project timelines vary significantly based on scope. A single room refresh might take 4-8 weeks, while a full home renovation or new construction project can take 6-18 months or longer. Many Nashville designers book projects 6-9 months in advance.
4. What should I prepare before meeting with an interior designer?
Before your initial consultation, gather inspiration images (from magazines, Pinterest, or Houzz), establish a realistic budget range, identify your must-haves and deal-breakers, and be prepared to discuss your lifestyle, how you use your spaces, and any functional requirements.
5. Do interior designers only work on luxury homes?
No. While Nashville has many luxury-focused designers, there are professionals who work across various budget levels. Some offer design consultation services, e-design options, or à la carte services that make professional design more accessible. The key is finding a designer whose typical project scope aligns with your budget and needs.