That’s a smart and practical question 👍 — because many clients in Delhi NCR already have some furniture, or want the freedom to buy décor themselves (from Kirti Nagar, Banjara Market, IKEA, Pepperfry, Good Earth, Jaipur Rugs, etc.). The way your designer answers this tells you whether they’re flexible or trying to lock you into their sourcing for margins.

✅ How Designers Usually Handle This

Table of Contents

🔹 Design-Only Service (Flexible Designers)

They provide layouts, mood boards, 3D renders, BOQ.
You can buy furniture/décor separately (online or local markets).
Some even recommend vendors/links for you to source.
👉 Pro: Full flexibility, saves cost.
👉 Con: You handle coordination, delivery, and quality checks.

🔹 Full Turnkey (End-to-End Firms)

They prefer to handle design + sourcing + execution.
Reason: Better quality control & they earn margins from vendors.
Some may allow you to buy small décor pieces, but not major furniture.
👉 Pro: Hassle-free for you.
👉 Con: Less flexibility, higher cost.

🔹 Hybrid Approach (Best for Luxury Projects)

Designer handles fixed carpentry & key furniture (so proportions & finishes are consistent).
You handle loose décor & accessories (mirrors, rugs, cushions, small art).
👉 Pro: Balance between personalization & designer control.

💡 What You Should Ask Your Designer

If I only take design service, will you still give detailed BOQ & vendor list?
Can I source furniture/décor myself (IKEA, Pepperfry, local markets)?
Will you charge a markup if I ask you to help with sourcing?
Do you provide styling guidelines if I buy décor separately?
Can I hire you for styling-only service after I buy furniture?

⚠️ Red Flags

Designer refuses design-only 🚩 → wants to lock you into turnkey for profit.
No clarity on what’s included if you opt out of sourcing.
Charges high markups without transparency.

✅ Pro Tip

If budget is tight → take design-only service (₹50–₹150/sq.ft.) and shop furniture yourself.
If luxury project → let designer do fixed furniture + 1–2 statement pieces, you handle styling.
Always insist on scale drawings so your market-bought furniture fits proportions.

👉 Do you want me to prepare a Design-Only vs Turnkey vs Hybrid Comparison Sheet (cost, pros/cons, best use-case) so you can decide which model works best for your home?

Can I buy furniture/décor separately and only take your design service?