Which Interior Design Service is Right for Me? Aesthetic Refresh vs. Curated vs. Custom
February 13th, 2026
6 min. read
If you’re browsing our Interior Design services, you’re probably thinking: “What do the packages actually mean?” and “Which one do I need?"
That’s a normal question, and honestly, it’s exactly why we created three options instead of forcing everyone into one process.
Instead of pushing you toward a one-size-fits-all solution, we offer three distinct interior design services:
because every project, timeline, and decision-making style is different.
This article will walk you through:
- What each package includes
- Who each option is best (and not best) for
- How involved you’ll need to be
- Pricing transparency
- How to confidently choose the right starting point
So you can choose the right fit based on your goals, timeline, and how involved you want to be.
Quick Comparison: Our Three Interior Design Services
|
Feature |
Aesthetic Refresh |
Curated Design |
Custom Design |
|
Best for |
Updating an existing space |
Streamlined guidance with fewer decisions |
Fully personalized, one-of-a-kind design |
|
Involvement |
Moderate |
Moderate |
High |
|
Timeline |
Shortest |
Moderate |
Longest |
|
Cost |
$9,995 |
$10,395* |
$14,295* |
*Prices shown when bundled with a blocking diagram and customized floor plan.
Here’s the part most people don’t realize: When layout and interior design are treated as separate or sequential, friction is inevitable.
Materials affect clearances. Cabinetry affects circulation. Lighting, ceilings, and acoustics shape both mechanical systems and day-to-day clinical comfort. When these decisions are made independently, conflicts emerge over time and ultimately lead to compromises.
That’s why we prefer an integrated approach, where floor plans and interiors are developed together. It typically means fewer revisions, clearer budgets, and a space that works as well as it looks, because performance and aesthetics aren’t competing goals when they’re designed in unison.
Separating the two is one of the biggest pitfalls we see when doctors are designing a new office. If you want to avoid the most common (and most expensive) missteps, check out the rest here.
Option 1: What is an Aesthetic Refresh interior design service?
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What is Aesthetic Refresh?
Aesthetic Refresh is a simple, stress-free way to update your office and give it a fresh, modern vibe, without a full renovation.
This service focuses on thoughtful upgrades like:
- Finishes and materials
- Design touches that elevate the space
- Creating a cohesive, updated look
Who is Aesthetic Refresh a good fit for?
Aesthetic Refresh is ideal if you:
- Want to modernize your space without major renovation
- Like your current layout and don’t need big changes
- You want professional design guidance without complexity
- Want noticeable impact through smart, strategic updates
Who is Aesthetic Refresh NOT a good fit for?
This is likely not the right service if you:
- Want a full redesign from scratch
- Need major renovations or layout changes
- Want to completely start over rather than update your current space
How involved do you need to be?
Moderate involvement.
You’ll share your preferences and provide feedback on design boards and selections, and we’ll manage the details.
Cost
$9,995
Aesthetic Refresh is all about updating and elevating your existing space, rather than starting from scratch.
Unlike Curated, which guides you through a pre-selected set of materials for a cohesive new look, or Custom, which is fully personalized from the ground up, Aesthetic Refresh focuses on small but impactful material updates, giving your office a fresh, modern vibe without a full renovation.
Option 2: What is Curated Interior Design?
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A Curated interior design service streamlines the design process by guiding you through a thoughtfully pre-selected set of materials, finishes, and options.
Instead of starting from scratch, we narrow choices to what aligns with your:
- Vision
- Budget
- Project needs
The result is a polished, cohesive design, without decision fatigue.
Who is Curated Design a good fit for?
Curated is ideal for:
- Dentists who value efficiency and clear direction
- Dentists working within a defined budget or timeline
- Dentists who want confident, designer-led decisions
Who is Curated Design NOT a good fit for?
Curated may not be right if you:
- Want a one-of-a-kind design with unlimited options
- Have a great amount of time and enjoy involvement in every design decision
- Prefer exploring endless alternatives
How involved do you need to be?
Moderate involvement.
Dentists can be very involved in this process but unlike full custom design, that's not a requirement. You’ll participate at key decision points, sharing goals, preferences, and timely feedback, while we handle the heavy lifting. There are hundreds of decisions that are made however, you are not required to make them all.
Cost
$10,395
(when bundled with a blocking diagram and customized floor plan)
Designing a dental office is more than just picking colors and furniture, it’s about creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects your brand, comfort, and the unique needs of your clients.
To make this easier, we’ve developed a quick Design Preferences Quiz. It only takes two minutes and can help you uncover your ideal style.
Option 3: What is Custom Interior Design?
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Custom interior design is a fully personalized service developed from the ground up to reflect your unique vision and needs.
This option offers:
- Full flexibility in materials and details
- Close collaboration throughout the process
- A truly one-of-a-kind result
Who is Custom Design a good fit for?
Custom is best for:
- Dentists seeking a one-of-a-kind space with specific functional, aesthetic, or branding requirements
- Those who want to be actively involved.
- Those who want maximum flexibility in materials and design details
Who is Custom Design NOT a good fit for?
Custom may not be the right fit if you:
- Want a simplified process with fewer decisions
- Want a quick turnaround with less collaboration
- Prefer being guided rather than deeply involved
How involved do you need to be?
High involvement.
You’ll collaborate closely throughout the review of concepts, layouts, materials, and details to ensure everything reflects your vision. Each decision builds upon the next (and might even involve homework!)
Cost
$14,295
(when bundled with a blocking diagram and customized floor plan)
What is the difference between Curated and Custom interior design? The Biggest Confusion Point
This is one of the most common questions we get. If you’re stuck between Curated and Custom, here’s the simplest explanation:
- Curated Design = designer-led direction + fewer choices
- Custom Design = fully flexible + built from scratch
Neither is better. The right one depends on how much flexibility you want, and how involved you want to be.
If you’re still unsure, give us a call and we’ll recommend the best starting point.
How do I know which interior design service is right for me?
If you want to self-sort quickly, ask yourself:
- Do I want to update what I already have or start from scratch?
- Do I want fewer decisions, or do I want full creative control?
- How fast do I need this done?
Your answers usually make the right package obvious.
“But I’m Focused on Price, What’s the Value Difference?”
That’s a fair question.
Each package delivers value differently:
-
Aesthetic Refresh creates noticeable impact through smart, targeted updates
-
Curated Design delivers clarity, confidence, and a cohesive look with fewer decisions
-
Custom Design provides a fully tailored, one-of-a-kind environment
How the Right Interior Design Prevents Costly Mistakes
Dental office interior design is as much a science as it is art, and with three decades of expertise in the Psychology of Spaciousness, we have mastered how every specific design choice impact patient comfort.
You’re not just paying for materials. You’re paying for clarity, guidance, and a process that fits how you work. Check out this article to understand the importance of interior design.
Medical facilities demand durable, safe, and compliant interior finishes. With our deep understanding of what works and what doesn’t, you’ll avoid costly mistakes that lead to subpar patient experiences and frequent repairs, ultimately compromising the functionality and longevity of your space.
What’s the Best Next Step?
Great interior design increases case acceptance, patient retention, and the comfort of you and your team. Discover your interior design preferences with this simple quiz!
Afterwards, the next best step is to schedule a free 30-minute call with an experienced Practice Advisor.
We’ll talk through your goals, timeline, and vision, and help confirm which package makes the most sense.
Our goal is simple: meet you where you are and guide you through a design process that feels clear, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable.
Whether you’re refreshing what you already love, looking for thoughtful guidance, or creating something entirely your own, we’re here to make the experience intentional, approachable, and aligned with how you want to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the biggest difference between Aesthetic Refresh, Curated, and Custom Design?
The biggest difference is how much change you want and how involved you want to be.
- Aesthetic Refresh updates your existing space.
- Curated Design offers designer-led decisions with fewer choices.
- Custom Design creates a fully personalized space from scratch.
Which service gives me the most flexibility?
Custom Design offers the most flexibility. Every material, finish, and layout detail is developed from the ground up based on your vision and needs.
I don’t know what I need yet… is that a problem?
Not at all. Many doctors start unsure. A free 30-minute consultation helps clarify your goals, timeline, and level of involvement so you can confidently choose the right service.
Is Curated Design still custom to my space?
Yes. Curated Design is tailored to your space and goals, but uses pre-selected options to reduce overwhelm and speed up decision-making.
What’s the best next step if I’m interested?
The best next step is to schedule a free 30-minute call with an experienced Practice Advisor. We’ll help you determine which service fits your goals best. No pressure.
Michelle is a member of the Interior Design Team at Design Ergonomics, bringing laughter, a sharp eye for aesthetics, and a standout love of color. She uses color and vibe to create spaces that calm patients, energize teams, and support dentists with a steady, solutions-first approach. Outside of work, you’ll usually find her chasing sunshine, most often on the golf course.