004 05 JAN '25
DIY Design vs. Professional Guidance:
Which Costs You More in the End?
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Studio JKL project, photographed by Anna Batchelor
Renovating or redecorating your home can be one of life’s most exciting milestones. But for time-poor professionals and families juggling careers, kids, and commitments, it can also become one of the most overwhelming—and expensive—experiences if you go it alone.
With endless inspiration online and tools that make it look easy to plan a layout or pick finishes, DIY design feels tempting. But somewhere between Pinterest boards, trades on site, and unexpected costs, reality sets in: what looks like a “saving” often turns into one of the most expensive lessons you’ll ever learn.
So, is DIY really cheaper than hiring a professional? Let’s break it down.
The Real Cost of Guesswork
When you manage a project yourself, you become the designer, project manager, and decision-maker—all while balancing your day job and family life. The challenge isn’t just choosing a paint colour; it’s understanding how each decision affects the next:
- An electrical plan impacts furniture placement
- Flooring choices affect thresholds and skirting
- A rushed bathroom layout can mean moving plumbing twice
These missteps add up fast—in time, money, and stress. Professional guidance pays for itself by spotting issues before they become expensive problems.
The Value of a Clear Plan
A well-thought-out design package doesn’t just make your home look beautiful—it gives your builder a clear roadmap. At Studio JKL, we prepare every technical drawing, lighting plan, and joinery detail before work begins. That means:
- Fewer on-site surprises
- Smoother timelines
- Less stress for you
Think of it this way: would you build a house without an architect? Then why risk designing without an interiors expert who understands how every space will work?
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Studio JKL project,
photographed by Anna Stathaki
Avoiding the Hidden Traps
Many homeowners underestimate the time it takes to coordinate trades, suppliers, and deliveries. Mistimed orders or missing details can delay projects by weeks.
When you work with Studio JKL, we manage this process for you—ordering materials, liaising with suppliers, and ensuring the right pieces arrive at the right time. Our job isn’t just to design—it’s to implement.
Spending Smart, Not Just Less
Design professionals don’t just choose beautiful things—we help you invest wisely. We know where to save (like off-the-shelf storage or standard tiles) and where to splurge (like lighting, layouts, or bespoke joinery that elevates everyday living).
For busy families and professionals, smart design decisions add real value—in comfort, functionality, and resale.
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Studio JKL project, photographed by Anna Stathaki
Real-Life Insight: Farnborough Park, London
Our clients at Farnborough Park came to us with a full-house renovation—music room, living room, dining room, four bathrooms, and five bedrooms. They had the budget, but not the time to manage the complexity. Studio JKL took the reins from concept to completion, coordinating builders, sourcing furniture, and designing every detail.
The result? A cohesive, elegant home that reflects their lifestyle and taste—without the stress, delays, or costly missteps that often come with DIY. As they put it: “Jo drove the project end to end… represented our preferences very well as the project progressed.”
The Bottom Line
DIY might seem cheaper at first glance, but design mistakes, wasted time, and rework often cost more than professional input ever would. Bringing in an interior designer early ensures your project runs smoothly, looks cohesive, and stands the test of time.
At Studio JKL, we believe great design isn’t about spending more—it’s about spending wisely. We help busy families and professionals create homes that work beautifully, without the stress or costly surprises.
Pinterest image: source unknown
Studio JKL project, photographed by Anna Batchelor
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