Sarah Montgomery Interiors Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in partnering with Sarah Montgomery Interiors. We collaborate with discerning clients to create spaces that honor a home’s history, reflect the present, and make room for new stories to unfold. Whether you're a design-build professional, trusted advisor, or simply someone who understands the value of intentional design, this FAQ was created with you in mind.

Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about how we work, who we serve, what sets us apart, and how to make a referral. At Sarah Montgomery Interiors, we believe that great design is rooted in storytelling and driven by both vision and process. We’re passionate about creating layered, personal spaces—and we’re always excited to work with partners who share that commitment. Read on to learn more about how we can collaborate.

• What types of clients are the best fit for Sarah Montgomery Interiors?

  We work best with clients who are thoughtful, design-curious, and value spaces that feel personal, layered, and intentional. Many are professionals with busy lives who appreciate the value of hiring a design expert to guide the process. They want their home to reflect their story, not just a trend—and they understand the time and trust it takes to do it right. Our clients value quality as well as smart and meaningful design that supports how they live and how they want to feel in their space.

• What services do you offer?

  We are a full-service interior design firm specializing in:

  • Historic home renovations and adaptive reuse

  • Space planning and interior architectural drawings

  • Full home finish selections

  • Full-service furnishings and decor

  • Construction project management

  We work on both historic and newer homes—bringing depth, character, and personality to each project.

• Where do you work?

  We’re based in Chicago, but available for projects nationwide. We love working with clients who value our approach and are open to collaboration, whether they're local or remote.

• What sets you apart from other designers?

  • Our team is equal parts creative vision and technical expertise with a highly detailed, process-driven approach. We've got bedside manor too and our clients genuinely like and trust us, the basis of long lasting partnerships.

  • Our work is rooted in storytelling and psychology—not trends.

  • We create spaces that feel collected, not decorated.

• What is your process like?

  We take time to truly get to know our clients—not just their aesthetic preferences, but how they live and what they value. Our role is to guide and inspire them throughout the process, bringing clarity and excitement to what can feel overwhelming. While we offer a strong design point of view, the client’s lifestyle, priorities, and even future aspirations shape the direction of each project.

  • Discovery call and in home consultation

  • Scope of work, concept development and space planning

  • Design presentation and approvals

  • Purchasing, project management, and installation

  We manage expectations with transparency and integrity, keeping the experience smooth and client-centered from start to finish. Read more about our full-service process here.

• How do I know if someone is ready for your services?

  • They’re overwhelmed with the idea of a home project and don’t know where to start.

  • They understand the value of working with a professional.

  • They’re ready to invest in their forever home.

  • They want a timeless, functional space that reflects who they are and how they want to live.

• Do you have a minimum budget?

  Yes. We help clients establish a realistic investment up front to avoid surprises. Here are some general starting points based on the type of work:

  For Home Renovations, costs vary by home and scope, but typical starting points are:

  Main Bath Refresh (same layout): $30k–$50k (materials + construction, not including design fees)

  Kitchen Refresh (same layout): $80k-$100k for new cabinets, appliances, countertops, plumbing, electric and tile (materials + construction, not including design fees)

  For Furnishings, while every project is unique, here are some ballpark numbers based on past projects (furnishings costs only):

  Living Rooms: $50k–$125k, with most landing in the $55k -$75k range

  Primary Bedrooms: $40k–$80k, with most landing in the $45k-$55k range

  Dining Rooms: $35k–$60k

  Kids & Guest Rooms: $20k–$30k

  We require a minimum $150k budget.

• How can I make a referral?

  You can connect us directly via email at sarah@sarah-montgomery.com or have them to fill out the form submission on our website https://www.sarah-montgomery.com/contact to set up a discovery call.

• Do you work with specific architects, builders, or trades?

  Yes—we regularly collaborate with architects, builders, and skilled tradespeople. We're happy to partner with professionals the client already has in place, or we can bring in trusted partners from our own network.

  Our role is to ensure the design vision is fully integrated from start to finish. Whether we're working with your team or ours, we lead with communication, coordination, and respect—making the process as smooth and cohesive as possible.

• When is the best time to bring in a designer?

  As early as possible—truly! Ideally, we’re brought in at the start of a project, even before an architect or contractor is hired. Early involvement allows us to understand and communicate design intent and establish ourselves as the client advocate. This save clients time and money when planning a renovation.

  We can help avoid costly changes later by thinking holistically from day one. That said, we’re happy to join midstream if a client is already working with other professionals—we’ll adapt and integrate seamlessly.