Deqor AI vs. Hiring a Designer: Which Is Right For You?
We'll give you the honest truth: sometimes AI is better, sometimes a designer is better. Here's everything you need to make the right choice for YOUR project — whether it's a kitchen, living room, bedroom, or any space.
The Honest Truth About Both Options
Let's be real: AI and interior designers serve different purposes . Anyone who tells you one is universally better than the other is selling you something.
AI design tools like Deqor AI excel at rapid visualization, style exploration, and democratizing access to design concepts for any room in your home. They're perfect for early-stage planning, quick decisions, and budget-conscious homeowners.
Professional interior designers bring expertise in project management, construction knowledge, trade relationships, and deeply personalized solutions. They're invaluable for complex renovations and homeowners who want full-service support.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
An honest look at where each option excels
Where AI Design Wins
Results in Seconds, Not Weeks
While designers take 1-2 weeks just to deliver initial concepts, Deqor AI generates photorealistic renders in 30 seconds. See your vision for any room immediately.
50x More Affordable
Interior designers charge $150-$500 per hour for consultations and mockups. With Deqor AI, you can explore dozens of options for less than the cost of a coffee.
Unlimited Exploration
Try every style across every room without commitment. Modern living room not your thing? Instantly switch to Farmhouse. With designers, each change costs time and money.
Available 24/7
No scheduling, no waiting rooms, no "I'll get back to you." Design at 3 AM in your pajamas if you want. The AI is always ready.
No Awkward Conversations
Don't like a design? Just regenerate. No need to hurt feelings or navigate tricky client-designer dynamics.
Perfect for Early Planning
Explore ideas for any space before you're ready to commit. Figure out what you actually want without paying hourly rates for "discovery."
Where Designers Win
We're honest about our limitations
Deep Personalization
A good designer gets to know your lifestyle, habits, and preferences. They can recommend solutions you'd never think of.
Project Management
Designers can manage your entire renovation — from permits to contractor coordination to final punch list.
Trade Discounts
Many designers have access to trade-only showrooms and can pass along significant discounts on materials.
Construction Expertise
They understand building codes, structural limitations, and what's actually feasible in your space.
When to Use Each Option
Use Deqor AI When...
- You're in early planning stages and want to explore ideas for any room
- You need to visualize options quickly for decision-making
- Your budget for design services is limited
- You want to share concepts with contractors for quotes
- You're selling a home and need virtual staging for multiple rooms
- You want to try multiple styles before committing
Hire a Designer When...
- You're doing a complete gut renovation with structural changes
- You need permit assistance and project management
- Your budget allows for full-service design ($5K+)
- You want someone to handle material sourcing and installation
- You have complex requirements (accessibility, aging-in-place)
- You prefer a collaborative, hands-on experience
Pro tip: Use Deqor AI to explore options first, then bring your favorite designs to a designer for execution.
What People Are Saying
“I used Deqor AI to figure out what style I actually wanted for my living room and kitchen, then hired a designer to execute it. Saved me weeks of back-and-forth.”
“For rental properties, hiring a designer makes no sense. Deqor AI lets me show potential tenants exactly what the renovated space will look like — bedrooms, bathrooms, everything.”
“As a designer, I actually recommend Deqor AI to my clients for initial exploration. It saves us both time and helps them articulate what they want across every room.”
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Join 2,487+ happy users who have redesigned their homes with Deqor AI.