Raj - What you say is true that a lot of interior design's margin is in furniture. I will not sugar coat it. And many designers may seem to be more interested in that when you bring them in. But I have had several clients call me over the years saying they are building a new home and would like to consult primarily on layout. When you speak to someone is tell them you are not ready to order furnishings or window treatments, but that you would like a contract that focuses on layout, planning, and interior detailing (i.e. doors, trims, floors) - i.e. the bones of the house. What I would suggest is when you call for a designer, you be prepared to pay a good consultation fee. A good rule of thumb is that you can expect to pay between $3-$10 per square foot of your home depending on the area of your country and the expertise/experience of the designer. If you are not averse to paying this type of fee, and communicate to the designer that your interest is in getting the best solutions, not in purchasing furniture at this time, I'm sure you will be able to get the level of service you desire. If someone you talk to doesn't seem thrilled to provide this kind of service, move on to the next person. Don't rely on "fame" or how well known someone is. They may be well known for doing show houses or just because they've been in the field the longest in your area. Not because they're the right fit for you. You could also check the Houzz directory for good designers in your area. The difficulty is that there are often decorators whose expertise and focus is really just on furnishings not so much on construction - and they serve a purpose for their clients. But there are other designers who provide more of a wholistic approach and have more familiarity with building a new home. These are the people you should seek out. Houzz is a fantastic community - and as I said you may get good advice here but there's really no replacement for someone to work with you in person. Sorry for the super long post but I feel passionately about this and I think this advice will best suit your needs.

Hello Monika, I must say that concrete wall is fantastic! I see a large planter with a large leaved plant there.. I like Jonathan's idea, off white or shades of cream for the remaining walls and ceiling or even a subtle stone colour.. Then we need to talk textures! I think the sofa could work if you move it out a bit from the wall and layer it up with throws and add a couple of lovely cushions.. Warm woods would be nice too to balance the room.. Have you considered adding concrete to other areas of the home? There are some fantastic concrete chairs available both as a chair and bar stool.. Could be fabulous to compliment this room.. Cox and Cox did some pendant lights that were concrete with a warm edge detail.. You could create your own arrangement with a 5 wire ceiling rose and hooks.. A glass topped coffee table could be nice too.. Have a look at eBay or vintage shops.. Oh and one more thing... You can if you like the concrete wall find wallpaper for another room say that resembles what you have in the living room or even marble! It's fabulous and a feature you want to make the most out of! :))

they kinda have no choice ladies, they have to have an architect in miami! i just kinda figured they were trying to figure out what they wanted in the home? to me, even if i had a home built? i would have houzz people on board from the beginning. there are too many things thrown at you, and yet too many choices assumed without any input. like all master bathes must have 2 sinks right? well not mine, and i might want the space and $ spent somewhere else?

Hi psamrat145, What is the problem with that layout? Let us know if we can help in any way! We offer a very affordable online interior design service, so we could work with you if you are interested. We would discuss your ideas with you and put a scheme together that brings the best out of them. By sending you a moodboard with all the elements we can help you to visualise the space. You will also get a shopping list with options to fit your budget. We are not linked to any suppliers so our recommendations would be tailored to you. Let us know if you are interested. We could design your lounge for 60$. www.lucianasanchez.com