Service
Interior Design in Houston, TX
Most Houston interior design firms only design — they hand the build to someone else. We do both. Debbie McKelvey trained in interior design at the University of Houston and Southwest Texas State, then spent 33+ years building what she designed. The result: a design that actually works once it's built, on a real schedule, with the contractor and the designer on the same team. Full design-build remodels, selections-only consulting, and per-room design packages — we'll match scope to what you actually need.
Our process
- Discovery & vision session — Walk the space, understand how you live, see existing inspiration.
- Design & selections — Layout, finishes, materials, fixtures, furniture — presented for review and revision.
- Source & coordinate — Order, schedule deliveries, manage installations. You're not chasing vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does interior design cost in Houston? +
Houston interior design typically runs $150–$300 per hour for consultation-only work, or $5,000–$25,000+ for full-room design packages including selections, sourcing, and project management. When interior design is bundled with a kitchen, bath, or whole-home remodel from McKelvey Designs, design is included in the quote — no separate fee.
Do you do interior design without remodeling? +
Yes. We offer selections-only consulting (paint colors, finishes, furniture, art placement) and per-room design packages for clients who don't need construction work. Hourly or flat-fee depending on scope.
What's the difference between an interior designer and a decorator? +
Interior designers (like Debbie) have formal training in space planning, building codes, and construction — they work on permanent changes to the home. Decorators focus on furniture, fabric, and styling within an existing space. McKelvey Designs is a design-build firm: we handle both the permanent structural work and the styling that finishes the room.
What design styles do you work in? +
Traditional, transitional, modern, farmhouse, coastal, and Texas hill-country styles. We're known for warm, livable spaces that work for Houston families — not Pinterest sets that fall apart at the first sticky-handprint.
Can you work with our existing furniture and finishes? +
Absolutely. Most of our design work blends new selections with pieces clients already own. We'll tell you honestly what works, what should be retired, and what's worth investing in.
How does design fit into a remodel project? +
Design is the first phase. Before any demo or construction, Debbie walks the space, listens to how you live, and develops a design that solves what you actually need (not just what looks good in a magazine). Selections, layouts, and lighting plans are locked in before we order materials.