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How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?

The average cost of an interior designer is $150 per hour. Unlike other professions in the home construction industry, interior designers vary greatly based on how they determine the cost of their work. Everything from the scope of the job, to where you live, to prestige, to just how the individual designer determines their fee structure will alter the price. Are you a professional wondering how to charge for interior decorating services? This guide could assist you as well.

 

 

Interior Design Fees Structure

How much do interior designers charge? There are many different types of interior design pricing structures. What determines how each designer decides on their fee structure is personal, however, typically more experienced designers will charge an upfront flat fee and then choose to markup as products are purchased. Some individuals will use a combination of methods for their pricing structure. It can be difficult to know how to calculate interior design fees, so be sure to ask your designer for proper information. Here is an interior design price list based on the kinds of fee structures typically used.

 

Method Cost
Per Hour $50 to $100
Per Square Foot $5 to $17
Per Room $1000-$5000
Commission Typically 20%

 

Interior Design Cost By the Hour

How much do interior designers charge per hour? The interior decorator's hourly rate is typically $50 to $100, for residential designers, not including shopping or materials. Commercial spaces of 5,000+ square feet will have a different rate. Like other options, the amount depends on the experience level of the designer. Top-tier designers may charge much, much more at up to $450. Interior design hourly rates tend to be determined based on designer prestige. The average hourly rate for interior designers is $150.

 

Hourly rates are usually reserved for smaller projects. In addition to the hourly rate, there may be consultation fees, travel, deposits, communications minutes, and purchase fees. Be sure to speak with your interior designer in order to fully understand the total cost of your project.

 

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Interior Design Cost Per Square Foot

An interior designer’s cost estimate can be dependent on the amount of space in a project. How much do interior designers charge per square foot? This fee structure is typically for bigger, commercial jobs, but it may also be used for large residential projects. Interior design fees per square foot are typically $5 to $17. If you are decorating an entire house, this cost may add up. The average home in the United States is 2,687, so for an average of $11, that comes out to $29,557. Commercial designers prefer this method, as commercial spaces tend to be 5,000 square feet and larger.

 

Interior Design Cost Per Room

Many interior designers’ prices are based around the number of, and the size of, the rooms being decorated. Many interior design cost estimating guides neglect this fee structure, but it is becoming more and more popular. Some designers may decide instead to charge per room rather than per square foot or per hour. Interior designer cost per room depends on a few factors, such as the size of the room, the use of the room, the complexity of the design, and the quality of the furniture. For example, living rooms go from $2,500 to $5,000, while bedrooms go from $1,000 to $2,000.

 

Fixed Interior Design Rates

Fixed, or flat rates, are typically determined by the size and complexity of the project itself. Some projects simply take longer to complete or have more difficult aspects. You will likely be able to negotiate this cost with the interior designer. The fee may also include a percentage fee to account for any additional unexpected expenses, which are likely to occur. This flat fee is typically determined by the number of rooms or per square foot. Some designers will require the cost to be paid upfront, while others will accept scheduled payment plans. Interior design charges may be less expensive if done with this format of fee structure, or it may be more expensive, so if choosing between two different interior designers based on cost, be sure to do the math.

 

Freelance

Freelance interior designers, meaning those who are not behind an agency, may charge differently than professional designers. A freelance designer may charge a simple 8-hour day rate, which may be from $632 to $2,512. A freelance interior designer rate may be less expensive than a professional, however, you do not have the assurity of high-quality work so be sure to choose carefully. Freelance interior designer rates will vary greatly depending on location, so be sure to ask around and get multiple quotes. A great benefit of hiring a freelance interior designer is that they tend to offer more flexibility as they are not restricted by working for a firm.

 

Other Interior Designer Fees

On top of the basic design fees, there are a few other things to consider which will add to the total cost. The cost to hire interior designers is more than just the basic design fees. Don’t go in blind, and follow our guide. Interior designing rates may not include these costs, but some of them have these costs built into the total price.

 

Consultation

Before the design process even begins, most interior designers will charge an interior design consulting fee, which is usually worth an hour of the designer’s time. The typical interior design consultant fee will be around $50 to $250. This time will include putting together the basic design plan, as well as just generally speaking with you about your design tastes and budget. Design consultation fees create a safety net for designers, so the time is not wasted if a client decides to go in another direction.

 

Here are what is generally discussed at a consultation meeting:

  • A general introduction to what you desire from the space
  • Getting to know your taste, likes and dislikes
  • Generally deciding if the interior designer is a good fit your specific project

 

Furniture/Decor Purchases

Your designer will need the funds to purchase the items used in the design. Luckily, designers can typically get furnishings at a discounted price, however, a markup percentage will be added to the cost which you will pay. Despite this markup, you will likely still get a good deal on the furniture if you have the interior designer purchase it directly rather than purchasing it yourself. The total price for this fee will depend on the type and quality of the furniture being purchased.

 

Management Fees

If an interior designer is working with a general contractor as major construction or remodeling is occurring, there may be a management fee added to the cost. This fee may be 25% extra. Interior design rates per hour may take this into consideration.

 

Retainer or Deposit

Most designers, if they are not requiring a full upfront payment, will require a nonrefundable retainer paid upfront. This deposit is typically about 10% of the total cost of the project.

 

Interior Design Cost Factors

Did the answer to “How much for an interior decorator?” surprise you? As we’ve stated, many things affect the total cost of interior design projects.

 

Scope of Work

This goes without saying for both cost determined by the number of rooms and cost determined by square footage, but even for a flat fee, the scope of work will greatly affect the total price. If the interior designer is required to work with carpentry, plumbing, or masonry professionals, the scope of work will be greater and thus will cost more. In short, more complex projects will have a higher cost. Your interior designer will be able to assist you in giving a clear estimate of the final cost.

 

This extends to the simple size of the project, as well as your design ambitions. It goes without saying, a whole house will cost more than a single room. The same goes for how advanced your design plans are. The more challenging your project, the more you will pay.

 

Image by khiem tran from Pixabay

 

Materials Quality and Quantity

Every item added to the design will raise the total cost of the project. As we’ve mentioned, you will likely be charged the cost for a product plus a markup fee.

 

Designer's Reputation and Prestige

An experienced designer will have a higher cost associated with their work. Less experienced designers will charge less, as they’ve had less time in the industry and less work in their portfolio. Everything from the interior design consultation cost to the actual work will be a bit more if the designer is well-known for their work. If a designer is trained in specific interior design software or technology, they may increase their rate as well. Research if your designer has won awards or has a long history of design work, as that is likely a sign that the cost will be higher.

 

Location

The price for an interior designer will depend on your location. If you live in a big, expensive city, then expect to pay more for local designers. You can also hire a designer from outside of your area, however, you will need to pay extra for travel expenses. Commercial interior design fees per square foot may also be more than a residential property. 

 

What is an interior designer?

An interior designer will transform a space using design and decor techniques, by following a client’s personal tastes and budget. 

 

What do interior designers do?

There are many things that an interior designer does as part of their everyday tasks. As such, if paying interior design fees per hour, do not expect only a couple of hours of work. 

  • Visit homes and measure rooms. Part of their special skills is their ability to keep a room functional with ample airflow on top of it being aesthetically pleasing. They measure rooms to make sure everything fits like a glove.  
  • Determine the perfect design based on a client’s tastes and budget. This is where interior designers really shine. Everyone has their own taste, but they may not be able to actualize their vision into reality. An interior designer can take your dreams and make them functional.
  • Present design ideas that may include major architectural changes. An interior designer will give you multiple design plans so you have room to choose and customize your home. Part of these plans may include architectural changes, which an interior designer will be able to assist you through.
  • Design a room based on both functionality and aesthetics. A room can be beautiful but completely unusable if designed improperly. An interior designer can handle both ends of a spectrum and create a room perfect for you.
  • Oversee the purchasing of furniture and decor, as well as oversee custom projects like painting, wallpapering, or carpentry. A large part of an interior designer’s job is shopping for the right piece. Luckily, most interior designers have the know-how to tell if a piece of furniture is worth the price or if a cheaper alternative would work just as well. They can assist in the sometimes stressful task of looking for pieces, from high-end boutiques to even thrift stores. An interior designer will also assist in overseeing custom projects and instruct professionals in other fields to create pieces that are perfect for you.
  • Arrange and install furnishing. Once the design is created, custom elements are created, and furniture is purchased, the interior designer will get down and dirty in your home and arrange and install your new pieces. You won’t have to worry about following furniture building instructions as long as you have an interior designer.

 

Is hiring an interior designer worth it?

If you have the budget for it, there are a few reasons for why hiring an interior designer is worthwhile.

  1. Your home is not decorated to its fullest potential, and you would like guidance. You may not need an entirely new home to create a new home feeling. An interior designer can help you to put together pieces purchased over the years to create a beautiful vision for your home that guests will be impressed by for years to come.
  2. You intend to stage your home before you sell it. Staging a home is one of the best things you can do to reel in potential buyers. Stylish home staging will allow potential buyers to see the vision of your home, and all that the space has to offer.
  3. You purchased a new home. It can be difficult and overwhelming to decorate a whole new space. Hire a professional interior designer to help make your brand new home the best it can be.
  4. You have remodeled your home. If you have changed the architecture of your home, your old styling may not work anymore. An interior designer will assist in changing the design of the new addition, and helping it fit in with the rest of your home.

 

How do they get paid?

We have covered the many different kinds of fee structures associated with interior designers. As we’ve said, the average interior design fee is $150 per hour, but due to the fact there are so many different types of pricing structures, this price may look a bit different. There will typically be a contract signed at the beginning of the design process. This contract will include everything from what tasks are expected when they will be paid, as well as how long the project will take. As we’ve mentioned, expect to pay a retainer at the beginning of the project. Typical interior design fees combine a couple of things into one cost. 

 

Are there interior design associations?

In order to determine if an interior designer is best for you and your project, it may take a few conversations and a peruse of their design portfolio. Many interior designers are accredited, allowing you to feel assured further that you will obtain great results. 

 

The three major interior design associations include:

  • The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
  • The National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
  • Certified Interior Designers (CID) & The California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC)

 

What is the difference between an interior designer or an interior decorator?

An interior decorator focuses exclusively on decor and furniture. An interior designer is certified or licensed in the development and planning of room design. Typically, interior designers take on larger, more complex projects and are capable of handling more issues. How do decorators charge? On average, decorators will charge less than designers as less experience and work is necessary. 

 

An interior decorator's cost per hour may be from $50 to $150. If giving them complete control over a room, they may give you a flat rate which will include decor plan, materials, installation, and commission. They will handle things like window treatments, paint, wallpaper, and accessories. Interior decorators will also have a consultation fee like an interior designer does, typically $100 to $300. There will also be a markup, of around 10% to 40%.

 

How to Prepare for an Interior Designer

Now that you have an interior designer picked out, you might find yourself wondering how to best prepare for working with them. There are a few great ways to prepare yourself for the initial meeting, and ensure you get the most out of your time with them.

  1. Write down any questions you have before you meet your designer. It can be easy to get sidetracked as the meeting is typically a two-way conversation. If you are paying by the hour, you don’t want to have the meeting go longer than necessary.
  2. Set a budget. Although it can be tempting to go all-in on your home decor project, be mindful of how your bank account actually sits. That being said, don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on certain statement pieces. This is your home, and you live there every day, so why not make it special?
  3. Put together a set of decor ideas. Scour social media sites like Pinterest or Instagram, and save posts that inspire you to share with your interior designer. We also recommend saving color combinations or specific furniture pieces.
  4. Decide if you have any personal specifications for kinds of products. For example, is sustainability an important feature for you? Be sure to note that so you can share that with your interior designer. Another thing to consider is if you need items that are child or pet-safe.
  5. Clear away clutter before they come to your home so they can get a sense of the big picture, not just your dirty clothes or old magazines.

 

There are also a few tips for ensuring the process goes smoothly once it is underway.

  1. Once you have a plan set, stick with it. Changing plans halfway through a project will quickly add up in terms of money. Make a personal resolution to be confident with your initial decision.
  2. Trust your interior designer. It can be easy to feel like you need to micromanage the design of your own home, but you hired them for a reason. That being said, feel free to speak up if you need to. 

 

What is the interior design process like?

Here’s what to expect during the interior design process. Every professional has their own unique way of handling a creative project, but typically the process is as follows:

 

Consultation

The first step is typically consultation. This is an initial meeting between you and your designer to figure out what needs to be done. This meeting should take place in the space being redesigned. At this meeting, you and the designer will work in collaboration to combine your tastes, budget, and space with the designer’s expert eye for style and design. At this meeting, you will also hammer out the contract in terms of fees, budget, and timeline. Expect to pay a small amount for this initial meeting.

 

Design Plans

Next, the designer will work with you to figure out a full design plan. The designer will use their unique skill set to create a plan that fits all criteria. The room will be created to be both functional and beautiful. This step typically includes many micro-projects, such as design boards, drawings, floor plans, shopping lists, and much more.

 

Construction and Redesign

Finally, the real work begins. This step depends on what was decided in the previous two stages of the interior design process. In this step, contractors will be contacted if necessary, furniture will be picked out, and installation of different items will be conducted. Once other professionals, like contractors, have finished their work, the interior designer will come in and do the finishing design touches.

 

Timeframe

The timeframe for an interior design project will depend on many things. There are quite a few events that may be outside of both you and your interior designer’s control, such as shipping delays or construction delays. Larger spaces will likely have longer timeframes. On average, projects usually take 2 to 3 months. 

 

How to Save Money When Hiring an Interior Designer

 

Ask about Discounts

Many interior design businesses offer discounts for specific situations. It never hurts to ask! Many retailers will also give discounts to interior designers, so be sure to go through your designer before purchasing items by yourself as you can save money. Interior designer rates per hour maybe less if you are part of a specific group, like military veterans or senior citizens. 

 

Purchase Affordable Furniture and Material

Your interior designer will be able to tell if a piece of furniture or material is worth the price, or if more affordable options are just as good. This is a fantastic thing to bring up at the consultation meeting. Make the interior designer consultation fee worth it, and don’t be afraid to set parameters. 

 

Ask Your Designer to Repurpose Items You Already Own

You may have some hidden treasure in your home already! Ask your interior designer to look through what you already have in your home to see if any of the items can be used in your redesign. 

 

Stick to the Plan

Once you have a design plan that fits your budget, stick with it. It can be easy to get sidetracked with new ideas, new furniture, and new design schemes, but it is best for you and your bank account to stick with the original plan.

 

What are the benefits of hiring a professional interior designer?

Many individuals do not see the benefit of hiring an interior design professional, but actually, they can provide a lot to your home’s style. They are experts in multiple trades, from architecture, decor, textiles, and even lighting. They can help put together the small details to make one fantastic big picture. On top of their expertise in terms of design, they can also help to lessen the stress of managing and coordinating different contractors and craftsmen if necessary. An interior designer will help you achieve your vision without hassle. Interior decorating rates are well worth the cost when it gives you a timelessly beautiful and stylish home.

 

Tips for Hiring an Interior Designer

There may be many interior designers near you, so it can be hard to decide on one. Here are some tips for picking the perfect one for you and your home. Interior design estimates can be pricey, so we recommend taking your time to consider multiple interior designers. 

  • Read past client reviews and look at photos of their past design work.
  • Find out what that specific interior designer specializes in. Some designers specialize in kitchens or bathrooms, while others have focused on commercial spaces. Take a look at their past work and determine if it is close to what you are looking for. 
  • Ask about qualifications or special training. As we’ve mentioned, there are specific accreditations that professional interior designers can obtain which will ensure they have special training. 
  • Ask plenty of questions. Don’t be afraid to ask anything that pops into your mind about the design process. This is your home, so make sure you feel comfortable with the individual you are hiring.
  • Stay involved, but don’t micromanage. Your involvement in the interior design process largely depends on your personality. Some homeowners enjoy putting input in at every stage, while others are largely hands-off. We recommend finding a happy middle area.

 

How to Find an Interior Designer Near You

Looking for an experienced, professional interior designer near you? Look no further. At House Tipster, we have an excellent listing of only the best of the best interior designers in your area. 

 

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