How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?

Last Updated on May 19, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Hiring an interior designer can take your home decor and renovation projects to the next level. But how much should you expect to pay for their services?

Interior designer fees vary based on numerous factors, but generally fall within a range of $50-$200 per hour. Understanding the typical costs and pricing structures of interior designers can help you budget properly and get the most out of working with a pro.

Interior designers offer valuable expertise in spatial planning, aesthetics, project management, and product selection. Their vision and skill set can transform the look and functionality of your home.

But many homeowners wonder if the cost is worthwhile. Knowing what goes into interior design services and pricing can help you decide.

How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?

On average, expect to pay $75-$150 per hour for interior design services. Most designers will quote total project fees between 5-20% of the total renovation or furnishings budget. For example, a $10,000 decorating budget could incur design fees of $500-$2,000.

For new construction and renovations, fees typically range from 15-40% of the total project budget.

Here are some typical price ranges based on different factors:

• Room or small project: $2,000-$6,000
• Whole house: $8,000-$30,000
• New build: $15,000-$40,000+

The cost varies significantly based on the:

• Project scope: Refreshing a living room will cost far less than designing an entire custom estate.
• Location: Designers in major metro areas like New York and Los Angeles may charge higher rates.
• Designer’s experience level: Top designers can command fees of $200 per hour or more. New designers may charge $50 per hour.
• Level of personalization: Stock or catalogue furnishings will be less expensive than curated, custom options.

According to Fixr.com, for example, the average cost to hire an interior designer is about $5,500 for full-scale services for one room in the home.

The national average cost ranges from $2,000 to $12,000, with the low end at $900 and the high end at $30,000.

Tallboxdesign.com states that hiring an interior designer for a beach villa or vacation home can cost from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the size, level of finishes, and extent of the project. Designers charge 5-20% of the total project cost, which ranges from $5,000 to $100,000+.

Decorilla.com reports that a typical interior designer will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000 on average, excluding furniture. Hourly rates can range from $50 to $500 or more. Online interior design service costs range from $79 to $1,849.

HomeGuide.com mentions that hiring an interior designer costs $1,900 to $11,200 on average. Hourly rates range from $50 to $450, with an average range of $80 to $200. Up-front design fees or retainers can range from $500 to $1,200.

Franklin Report says that most interior designers will charge an up-front, non-reimbursable design fee or retainer of about $500 to $1,200.

With the square footage of the average room being around 130 and the per room price sitting at around $5,500, the cost per square foot is around $460.

Interior Designer Fees

Usually, interior designers charge in one of three ways:

• By the hour: Hourly fees range from $50-$250 per hour.
• Flat project rate: A single fee for the entire project, typically ranging from $2,000-$20,000+.
• Cost plus: The designer’s fee is a percentage of the total cost, usually 10-20%, of furniture and construction costs.

The fee structure reflects the scope and timeline of the project. Per-hour billing works for small projects, while flat rates and percentages suit longer redesigns or new builds.

Make sure you understand how your designer charges before starting. Many bill an initial design fee upfront, then bill additional hours after the estimate is approved.

Factors Influencing Interior Design Cost

Many variables affect the cost of hiring an interior designer. Factors include:

Size and Scope

Larger homes with multiple rooms or objectives cost more for the additional time required. Refreshing a living room will run far less than remodeling three bedrooms, two baths, and a kitchen. Be clear with the designer about your priorities.

Custom vs Catalogue Pieces

Sourcing unique vintage items or designing custom furnishings and lighting is more time-intensive than selecting ready-made pieces. Focus on custom elements only where they make the biggest impact.

Project Complexity and Modifications

Simple cosmetic upgrades like paint and fixtures are simpler than knocking down walls or relocating plumbing and electric. Structural changes raise costs.

Geographic Location

Average hourly interior design rates range from $50-$250 across the country. Major metro areas like NYC and LA sit at the top end.

Designer’s Experience Level

Top designers with decades of expertise and recognition charge over $150 per hour. Recent graduates may charge $50-75 per hour.

Extra Services

Added costs come with space planning, 3D renderings, project management, and sourcing rare vintage pieces. Clarify what’s included upfront.

Benefits of Professional Interior Design

Hiring a qualified interior designer brings profound benefits that make the investment worthwhile:

• Maximized function and flow: Designers are experts at spatial planning and layouts. They can help arrange furnishings for optimal utility.
• Aesthetic cohesion: Designers unite colors, textures, lighting, and materials into a holistic theme. They know how to pull rooms together.
• Access to products: Designers have trade-only access to furniture lines and custom workrooms. Their connections expand your options.
• Problem-solving skills: Designers foresee and troubleshoot challenges around lighting, acoustics, and problem areas. They find creative solutions.
• Cost efficiency: Designers help avoid costly mistakes in finishes and furnishings that could exceed your budget. Their guidance protects your bottom line.
• Project management: Coordinating contractors, vendors, and purchases takes the weight off homeowners. Designers make it smooth and simple.

The value derived from a designer ultimately outweighs the cost for most clients aiming for beautiful, functional spaces.

You might also like our articles about the cost of basement remodeling, kitchen remodeling, or building a house.

Choosing the Right Interior Designer

Vet potential designers carefully to find one suited to your unique needs:

• Review their portfolio for projects in your preferred style – modern, traditional, etc.
• Look for evidence of spacing planning skills in their work.
• Ask about experience with projects of similar size and scope.
• Request referrals from past clients.
• Compare their hourly rates or project fees.
• Meet in person and agree on a fee structure before hiring.

A designer aligned in taste and experience to your project will help control costs and provide maximum satisfaction.

Cost-Saving Tips When Hiring an Interior Designer

Some ways to reduce interior design costs include:

• Prioritize rooms. Maybe start with one standout space, like a living room. Complete other areas later in phases.
• Reuse existing pieces you already own and love. No need to replace everything.
• Specify the budget up front. Be clear about what you can spend so the designer targets that range.
• Supply your own fixtures/materials found at bargain prices. Designer fees go down.
• Use stock pieces thoughtfully. Catalog items mixed with key custom pieces keep costs contained.
• Agree on the hourly cap. Set a limit on billed hours to finish within a set budget.
• Compare rates. Find a talented new designer charging less per hour.

Identify your must-haves versus nice-to-have elements. Focus investment only on pieces that make an impact.

The Design Process and Consultation

Working with a designer typically involves:

1. Initial consultation: Discuss project scope, timeline, budget, challenges, and your style preferences.
2. Contract: Sign agreement on project details and designer’s rate.
3. Space planning: Designer maps layouts for form and function.
4. Concept presentation: Initial rendering shows the decor theme and furniture plan.
5. Estimates: The designer prices out furnishings, materials, and labor.
6. Approvals: You review, adjust, and approve estimate details.
7. Implementation: The designer oversees purchasing, delivery, and installation.
8. Completion: The designer ensures project satisfaction and manages any final fixes.

Most offer free in-home consultations where you can get clear on costs before committing.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the designer’s fees, interior design projects accrue other charges that are helpful to anticipate:

• Furnishings and decor: Budget 15-30% of the total for new furnishings, lighting, art, and accessories.
• Architectural details: Items like custom cabinetry, flooring, and counter surfaces add cost.
• Labor and installation: Tradesmen like electricians and painters require payment for services.
• Workroom fees: Upholsterers or contractors involved in custom pieces may charge separately.
• Shipping/freight: Delivery and handling of large furniture items require a separate budget.
• Permits: Construction projects often need building permits and relevant fees.

Knowing these additional likely expenses will allow you to plan appropriately and avoid cost overruns.

How to Spend Less on an Interior Designer

If your budget is tight, here are some tips to reduce interior designer costs:

• Shop discount home furnishing stores like IKEA for pieces the designer can incorporate.
• Use a less experienced designer who charges lower hourly rates.
• Focus on just one or two rooms instead of the whole house.
• Reuse or refinish your existing quality furniture pieces.
• Provide your own lighting fixtures, art and accessories you’ve collected over time.
• Work with a designer virtually instead of in person to save on travel fees.
• Agree on a flat project rate upfront based on the scope and your budget constraints.
• Collaborate on doing some finish work like painting yourself.

Conclusion

Hiring a professional interior designer involves significant costs, but the investment pays off in beautiful, functional living spaces. Understanding designers’ fee structures and getting quotes upfront allows you to plan budgets wisely.

A talented designer’s expertise in spatial planning, product sourcing and project execution is well worth the price for homes that align perfectly with your aesthetic and lifestyle goals.

With good communication about your budget, priorities and style preferences, a skilled designer can work magic within your parameters. Do your homework to find the right pro for you, and the cost of their services will pay dividends in your satisfaction and enjoyment of perfectly designed spaces for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth paying for an interior designer?

Yes, hiring an interior designer is worth the investment for most homeowners undertaking significant decorating or renovation projects. A professional designer offers technical skills, aesthetic vision, product knowledge, and project management that the average homeowner lacks.

Their training transforms empty spaces into functional, stylish environments tailored specifically to your needs and taste. Although their fees add cost, a designer ultimately saves money by preventing costly mistakes and coordinating details seamlessly.

Their connections and trade access also open unique furnishings options unmatched by individual buyers. An experienced, talented designer delivers solutions you simply couldn’t achieve alone.

How do you estimate the cost of an interior designer?

When budgeting for interior design fees, expect to spend 10-20% of total furniture and construction costs for full-scope projects. Hourly rates range from $50-$250 nationwide, with higher rates in major metro areas.

For room refreshes, total fees often range from $2,000-$6,000. Full home projects run $8,000-$30,000 on average. Custom new construction often totals $15,000-$40,000+. Get quotes from several designers to compare.

Ask about their pricing structure – hourly, flat fee, or percentage-based. Clearly communicate your budget cap so the designer scopes the project accordingly.

What is the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?

An interior designer undergoes formal training in spatial planning, building codes, project management, and product specifications. They can recommend structural changes and handle major renovations.

Their services span from concept to completion. Interior decorators have less formal training and focus on stylistic elements like color schemes, fabrics, and furnishings. They execute the designer’s plan or perform minor refreshes.

Decorators cannot make structural changes in a space. While there is overlap, designers offer a wider range of services for comprehensive projects.