The ROI of Interior Design: Nelson House
When people think about interior design, they often picture the fun parts: choosing paint colors, coordinating fabrics, and shopping for beautiful furnishings. And while aesthetics are undeniably part of the process, there’s another benefit that’s often overlooked:
Interior design can also be a powerful financial investment.
When done well, it has the potential to increase a home’s value far beyond the upfront costs. Our previous family home is a perfect example of how a collected, intentional approach to design can become both a personal sanctuary and a long-term investment.
We’re sharing the behind-the-scenes financial side of how we increased our price per square foot by $300, in a weaker housing market than we’ve seen in recent years.
The investment
Colorful and eclectic dining room
We bought an untouched 1929 Tudor in Seattle’s Laurelhurst neighborhood for $1.14M in 2019. Emphasis on the untouched. While the house had great bones, the 2,300 square foot interior left a lot to be desired for our young family of four, with two rambunctious kids under the age of five. The kitchen cabinets were falling off the hinges, there was no line of sight between the cooking area and living space, and closets didn’t exist.
But we had a vision.
We completely reimagined the home, while keeping its history and character fully intact. From changing the layout of the main floor to adding a primary bathroom upstairs, every inch of space was thoughtfully considered. We even added an extra 500 square feet by finishing out the attic, bringing the total square footage to 2,807. All in, the remodel cost $900,000* over the course of four years.
Despite the extensive renovations, we were able to blend old with new to create a home that felt like it had always been there, but functioned for a modern family. By layering textures, mixing vintage with contemporary, and thoughtfully designing each room to feel both elevated and inviting, we crafted a space that was as colorful as it was cozy. It had personality, soul, and a timeless English sensibility. And in a world where homes are stripped of their stories and painted white, our colorful and eclectic Tudor exuded warmth and depth.
The return
Sophisticated pink kid’s room
In May 2025, we decided to sell our beloved home to move up the street and make our mark on another Tudor in the neighborhood. Per our realtor’s recommendation, we listed for $2.395M, putting us at $853 per square foot. The median price per square foot for homes in Laurelhurst at that time was $711, so we were already priced above market.
Within a few days, we secured five competing offers all over the asking price. In fact, three of them were over $2.8M. The house sold for $2.93M.
At $1,044 per square foot, intentional interior design and space planning increased the value of our home by an additional $300 per square foot. For reference, the average residence in Laurelhurst appreciated by 63% between 2019 and 2025. Our sale price meant our home had increased in value by 157% during that same time period.
Interior design is an art
Our story isn’t unique. We’ve seen our clients’ homes sell well above market too. When thoughtful design, strategic investments, and high-quality execution come together, home buyers can feel the difference. The work we put into our home didn’t just make it more beautiful; it made it more livable, more functional, and ultimately more valuable to the next owners.
Hiring an interior designer is an investment, both in your daily experience and in your home’s future. Done thoughtfully, it offers a return you can feel and one you can measure.
*Assumed market rate including design fees, ff&e, and build cost
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