Higher-Income Consumers Seek Value in Designer Services

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A new Consumer Insights Now report sponsored by Bread Financial found that higher-income consumers earning $150,000 or more are highly interested in designer-specific financing, including 0% APR, 36-month lines of credit up to $100,000. The research also shows these affluent shoppers want to be highly involved in the design process and seek transparency on quality and pricing from designers.

Why it matters

This data provides valuable insights for furniture brands, retailers, and designers on how to best serve higher-income consumers who are discerning about how they spend their money on home design projects. Understanding their financing preferences and desire for involvement in the process can help businesses tailor their offerings to meet the needs of this lucrative market segment.

The details

The research found that 62% of higher-income consumers planning to use a designer this year said they were interested in designer-specific financing options, compared to 24% who said maybe and 14% who said no. These affluent shoppers also said they would increase their design budgets by an average of 20% if such financing was available. The most popular financing options were 12-month and 24-month 0% deferred interest plans. While 70% of higher-income consumers want to be highly involved in the design process, 91% see designers as style experts and 82% view them as furniture experts. However, many also feel designers can be too expensive, with 67% saying they are costly, though 73% feel they are worth the money.

• The Consumer Insights Now research was conducted in March and April 2026.

What’s next

The article mentions that additional Consumer Insights Now research is scheduled to be released in the coming weeks covering topics like furniture stores, home design, and second homes.