How much does it cost to hire an interior designer?
You are ready to embark on a home renovation or decorating project and realize that you need professional design help to achieve the best results. Still, you are not sure what that will cost. It's natural to want to budget for the project with an understanding of the various associated costs.
Interior designers' rates vary based on several factors. Hiring an interior designer might be the right move if you’re considering elevating your home’s look and functionality. But how much should you budget for such a service in 2025? Let’s break down the costs and what you’re paying for when you hire a professional interior designer.
What does an interior designer do?
In order to better understand the cost of hiring a designer, it’s essential to understand the service you’ll be paying for. A professional interior designer takes the guesswork out of the perfect design by handling all aspects of the project from start to finish. Not only that, but an interior designer will also save you time, money, and energy in the long run.
An interior designer is a professional who plans and executes design solutions to create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. Their work often includes:
1. Space Planning: Assessing how to best utilize a space to meet the client’s needs and lifestyle.
Design Concept Development: Creating cohesive design themes, including color schemes, furniture selection, and decor.
Project Coordination: Managing timelines, budgets, and collaborations with contractors or other professionals.
Material Selection: Sourcing and recommending furniture, fixtures, and finishes that align with the design vision.
Problem-Solving: Addressing challenges such as awkward layouts, lighting issues, or storage needs.
The services that are included in your design services fee is paramount to anticipate costs.
Factors That Influence Interior Design Costs
The cost of hiring an interior designer can vary widely depending on several factors:
Scope of the Project: Are you redesigning a single room, an entire home, or just looking for consultation? Larger projects naturally cost more.
Experience and Reputation: Designers with a strong portfolio, years of experience, and a solid reputation may charge premium rates.
Design Services Provided: Full-service design, which includes everything from concept creation to final installation, will be more expensive than basic consultations or advice.
Location: Rates can differ based on where you live. For example, designers in urban areas or high-demand regions may charge more.
Project Timeline: Rush projects often come with higher fees.
We’ll discuss some of the baseline costs you can expect regarding an interior designer’s fee structure. Remember that these average interior design costs may not reflect every designer’s cost.
Interior Designer Rates
How an interior designer sets out their compensation and pricing may vary from person to person. We will discuss the most common compensation structures for interior designers.
Interior designers generally charge in one of the following ways:
Hourly Rates
Ranges from $100 to $500 per hour, depending on the designer’s expertise.
Best for clients who need limited advice or assistance.
Flat Fees
A fixed price based on the project’s scope, ranging from $2,000 to $30,000 or more.
Ideal for full-service projects where the scope is well-defined.
Percentage of Project Cost
Designers charge 10% to 30% of the total project budget.
Common in high-end projects with significant construction or custom furniture.
Cost Per Square Foot
Ranges from $10 to $30 per square foot.
Suitable for large-scale projects, offering predictability in pricing.
Additional Costs to Consider
Furnishings and Materials: The costs of furniture, decor, and materials are separate from design fees.
Markup & Trade Discount: In addition to the designer’s fees, clients can expect markup charges on finishes, furniture, lighting, and decor items procured through the design firm. This markup often varies. Most designers also receive a trade discount on some products, so they will pay less for it upfront and then charge you the retail cost, keeping that percentage to cover the time it takes to coordinate the purchase. In some cases, designers may charge a higher commission, marking items up 10% to 30% above retail or splitting the trade discount with the clients. Every firm does it slightly differently.
Contractor Fees: If construction or renovations are part of the project, you must budget for contractors.
Travel Expenses: If your designer travels to your location, travel costs may be added to the bill.
Online interior design services usually charge a flat rate based on the room type. Typically, they will do all their consulting remotely, and you will handle the purchasing and coordination yourself. Depending on the size, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000 per room. This is a great way to save money while getting your desired design help.
Why Hire an Interior Designer?
Hiring an interior designer has many advantages when designing your home. They have the experience and tools, but most importantly, they are trained in all interior style and design aspects. If you have ever tried to do any home decorating on your own, you know there is much more than just picking out colours or items to put in your house. To achieve the look you want, ensure that every space is perfect for your lifestyle, and avoid mistakes, it sometimes takes an experienced professional to help you through it.
A designer can manage your entire project, saving the headaches that often accompany renovations and construction. They can apply for Building Permits, ensuring your permits are approved quickly and construction can begin promptly. If a project hits a snag (as it often does), an interior designer can work with trades and other consultants to address the issue and ensure it doesn't delay the project more than necessary.
While the cost might seem high, hiring an interior designer offers several benefits:
Expertise: Designers bring professional insights and creative solutions to your space; it can actually save you money!
Time Savings: They handle sourcing, ordering, and coordinating, freeing you from these time-consuming tasks.
Custom Results: A designer tailors the space to your lifestyle, ensuring it’s both functional and beautiful.
Tips for Budgeting and Hiring
Define Your Budget: Be clear about what you want to invest before starting the process.
Be Transparent: Clearly communicate your needs, preferences, and budget constraints.
Plan for Contingencies: Always allocate an extra 10-20% of your budget for unexpected costs.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an interior designer in 2025 can range from a modest investment for a single consultation to a significant expenditure for a comprehensive home transformation. By understanding the pricing structures and planning your budget, you can find the right designer to bring your vision to life.
