Thinking about refreshing your Brooklyn home? You’re not alone. More homeowners across Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, and Carroll Gardens are investing in interior decorating to make their spaces feel more personal and functional.
The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to transform your home. With the right approach and professional guidance, you can create a space that truly reflects your style without breaking the bank.
At MAM Contracting, we’ve helped dozens of Brooklyn families turn their houses into homes they love. Whether you’re working with a cozy apartment or a spacious brownstone, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about interior decorating in Brooklyn in 2026.
What Does Interior Decorating Really Mean?
Let’s clear up a common confusion right away. Interior decorating is different from interior design, though many people use the terms interchangeably.
When you hire a Brooklyn home decorator, you’re getting help with the visual and aesthetic elements of your space. This includes choosing paint colors, selecting furniture that fits your style and space, coordinating fabrics and textiles, picking out lighting fixtures, arranging your furniture for better flow, and adding those finishing touches like artwork and accessories.
Interior design goes deeper. It involves structural changes, space planning, working with architects, and dealing with building codes. For most Brooklyn homeowners, especially those in apartments or rental properties, interior decorating gives you the transformation you want without the complexity and expense of full renovations.
How Much Does Interior Decorating Cost in Brooklyn?
Money matters, so let’s talk numbers. In 2026, interior decorating costs in Brooklyn vary based on several factors, but here’s what you can generally expect.
Most Brooklyn home decorators charge between $85 and $200 per hour. If you’re in high-demand neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights or downtown Brooklyn, you’ll likely see rates on the higher end. For project-based pricing, which many homeowners prefer because it’s more predictable, a single bedroom or home office typically runs $1,800 to $4,500. Your living room or kitchen might cost $3,000 to $7,000. A full apartment makeover can range from $6,000 to $18,000 depending on size and your choices.
What affects these prices? Room size plays a big role. A studio apartment in Williamsburg will cost less than a three-bedroom brownstone in Carroll Gardens. Your furniture and material choices matter too. You can go budget-friendly with pieces from local shops and online retailers, or invest in custom furniture and high-end materials. The timeline also impacts cost. If you need everything done quickly, expect to pay a premium. A flexible schedule often means better deals.
Smart Ways to Save on Interior Decorating in Brooklyn Heights and Beyond
Want professional results without the professional price tag? Here are some approaches that actually work.
Start with a consultation. Many decorators, including our team at MAM Contracting, offer focused consultation sessions where we give you a complete plan, color schemes, furniture recommendations, and a shopping list. You can then implement the plan yourself, which saves significantly on labor costs.
Focus on high-impact changes first. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room for a few hundred dollars. Updating your light fixtures makes a bigger difference than most people realize. One statement piece, like a beautiful area rug or an eye-catching piece of artwork, can anchor an entire room’s design.
Consider a phased approach. Tackle one room at a time. Start with the space you use most, maybe your living room or bedroom. This spreads out the cost and lets you refine your vision as you go.
Mix high and low investments wisely. Splurge on your sofa since you’ll use it every day for years. Save on accessories and seasonal items that you’ll change more often anyway.
Brooklyn Interior Decorating Styles That Work
Every Brooklyn neighborhood has its own personality, and your home should reflect where you live and who you are.
In Williamsburg and Red Hook, industrial modern remains popular. Exposed brick walls, metal fixtures, leather furniture paired with reclaimed wood, and Edison bulb lighting celebrate Brooklyn’s manufacturing heritage while feeling current and stylish.
Brooklyn Heights and Carroll Gardens homeowners often prefer a classic brownstone aesthetic. Rich, warm colors, traditional furniture with subtle modern updates, and statement lighting honor the historic architecture while keeping things fresh.
Downtown Brooklyn and Prospect Heights lean toward minimalist contemporary design. Clean lines, neutral palettes with strategic color pops, and functional furniture that doesn’t crowd the space create calm, sophisticated environments.
The bohemian eclectic style you’ll find in Bushwick and Crown Heights mixes patterns, textures, and global influences. This approach lets your personality shine through collected pieces, houseplants, and layered textiles.
Across all neighborhoods, Scandinavian-inspired design remains strong. Light colors, natural wood, cozy textiles, and functional furniture create those comfortable spaces Brooklynites crave, especially during our long winters.
Room-Specific Tips for Brooklyn Homes
Let’s get practical. Different rooms need different approaches, especially in Brooklyn where space is often at a premium.
Your living room should be multifunctional. In smaller apartments, choose furniture that serves multiple purposes. A storage ottoman can hold blankets while providing extra seating. Nesting tables expand when you need them and tuck away when you don’t. Layer your lighting with overhead fixtures, reading lamps, and accent lights to create the right mood for any activity.
Bedrooms in Brooklyn need to maximize every inch. Wall-mounted nightstands save floor space. Under-bed storage is your friend. If you’re on a ground floor or facing another building, invest in quality window treatments for privacy and light control. Stick with calming colors that help you actually relax and sleep well.
Even if you’re not renovating your kitchen, decorating updates make a difference. New cabinet hardware costs under $100 and looks like a million bucks. Open shelving displays your pretty dishes while making the space feel larger. Better lighting, especially under your cabinets, makes cooking more enjoyable.
Small bathrooms, common in Brooklyn apartments, benefit from clever decorating. A large mirror visually expands the space. Vertical storage keeps necessities accessible without cluttering counters. Don’t underestimate the power of fluffy towels, a nice shower curtain, and a plant or two.
Working with MAM Contracting
We’ve been serving Brooklyn homeowners for years, and we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of decorating homes in this borough.
Our process starts with really listening to you. During our initial consultation, we want to understand not just what you like aesthetically, but how you actually live in your space. Do you work from home? Love to entertain? Have kids or pets? These details matter.
Then we create a plan that works for your budget and timeline. We’re transparent about costs and realistic about what’s achievable. We source materials through our established relationships with local suppliers, which often means better prices for you. And we handle all the coordination, from scheduling painters to arranging furniture delivery.
What sets us apart? We’re based right here in Brooklyn. We know these neighborhoods, we understand the buildings, and we have the local relationships that make projects run smoothly. Plus, we’re a full-service contractor, so if your decorating project reveals other needs like painting or minor repairs, we handle that too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my interior decorating project take?
It depends on the scope. A single room can be done in two to three weeks. A full apartment typically takes six to eight weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly furniture can be delivered, whether any painting or prep work is needed, and your availability for consultations and approvals.
I’m renting my apartment. Can I still hire an interior decorator?
Absolutely. Most decorating doesn’t require permanent changes. You can achieve a complete transformation with furniture, removable solutions, area rugs, and accessories. We’re experienced in working within lease restrictions and can create beautiful spaces that don’t jeopardize your security deposit.
Do I have to buy all new furniture?
Not at all. We love working with pieces you already own. Often, just rearranging what you have, adding new throw pillows and accessories, or bringing in one or two key pieces creates a dramatic change. We’ll be honest about what’s worth keeping and what might be time to replace.
What should I prepare before our first meeting?
Start collecting inspiration photos. Save images from Instagram or Pinterest that catch your eye, even if you’re not sure why. Make a list of what frustrates you about your current space. Measure your rooms and take photos. And think about your budget range so we can plan accordingly.
How do I know if I need interior decorating or interior design?
If you want to change how your space looks and feels, that’s decorating. If you want to change the actual layout, knock down walls, or do major renovations, that’s design. Still not sure? We can talk through your goals and help you figure out the right approach.
Ready to Transform Your Brooklyn Home?
You spend so much time in your home. It should be a place that makes you feel happy, relaxed, and proud. Whether you’re looking for affordable interior decorating in Brooklyn Heights, or you want to completely reimagine your Williamsburg apartment, we’re here to help.
Start your project today with MAM Contracting:
📞 Call us: 347-513-4174 📧 Email: mumcon11218@gmail.com 📍 Visit us: 1320 44th St APT 06, Brooklyn, NY 11219
We serve Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Williamsburg, Red Hook, Downtown Brooklyn, and extending throughout Brooklyn and into Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.
Let’s schedule your free consultation and discuss your vision. Call 347-513-4174 today and let’s create a space you’ll truly love living in.
MAM Contracting specializes in interior decorating, exterior decorating, and general contracting services throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan. Licensed, insured, and committed to bringing your vision to life.