How Much Interior Design Really Costs
The cost of interior design services typically ranges from $2,000 to $15,200 per project, with an average of around $8,500. Prices vary based on factors like location, scope, project size, service type, and the designer’s expertise. When hiring an interior designer, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved for effective budgeting.
Homeowners and investors repeatedly recommend one of the top interior design companies around for their designs and total costs. In fact, Showplace the interior design company offers a complete calculator to estimate your interior design costs.
Average Interior Design Costs for 2025
The cost of hiring an interior designer depends on multiple factors, including the project's complexity and the designer's experience and pricing model. Here's a breakdown of expected interior design costs for 2025:
Hourly Rate: $50 – $500 per hour
Flat Fee: $250 – $50,000 per project
Per Square Foot: $5 – $15 per square foot
Percentage of Furnishings: 10% – 45% markup on purchases
Consultation Fees: $150 – $500
Online Interior Design Services: $80 – $2,000 per room
These estimates provide a general framework, but actual costs can vary based on specific project requirements, the designer’s reputation and experience, and regional pricing differences.
Flat Rate Interior Design Costs
Many interior designers offer a flat fee for their services, providing a clear upfront cost that eliminates hourly tracking and any markups on materials. This approach offers predictability, allowing clients to understand the total cost upfront.
Here are the average interior design flat fees:
Basic Design Consultation: Starts at $500
Single Room Design: $450 – $12,000 or more
Full Home Design: Starts at $5,000
To determine a fair flat fee, designers often assess the project's scope, estimated time investment, and any additional expenses. When considering a flat-rate service, it's essential to understand what the fee includes and to ensure it aligns with your project's needs and budget.
Online Interior Design Costs
Online design services have gained popularity, especially among those seeking a more affordable alternative. These services offer a range of pricing options to accommodate various budgets and project scopes. Online interior designers typically charge per room, offering customized designs, 3D renderings, and direct shopping links.
The average online interior design cost starts at $80 per room, but it could go as high as $2,000 depending on the designer’s expertise and length of consultation.
Here's an overview of some popular platforms and their costs:
Showplace
Cost: Starts at $99 per room
Details: Clients complete a style quiz, upload images and measurements, and receive design concepts from a professional designer. The process includes collaborative revisions and a final design with a shopping list.
Decorilla
Cost: Packages start at $75 per hour, $549 per room, and could go over $2,000 per project.
Details: Offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold packages—these are flat-rate packages per room—each providing different levels of design expertise and deliverables. They also offer hourly rates and project management packages.
RoomLift
Cost: $1,800 per room, but also offers a consultation rate starting at $100
Details: Clients receive a custom box with a design plan, mood boards, and product recommendations tailored to their space.
Interior Design Cost as a Percentage of Furnishings
Some interior designers charge a percentage of the cost of furnishings and decor—this method is known as the cost-plus model.
Markup Rate: 17% – 45% over retail price
Average Project Budget: $10,000 – $100,000 or more
Some designers also charge a markup of the total project cost. For instance, if the total project cost is $10,000, and the agreed markup rate is 30%, the interior design cost is $3,000. This method is ideal for clients who want a designer to handle purchasing while maintaining control over the overall budget.
Interior Design Costs by Home Size
The cost of interior design services varies significantly based on the size of the space. Designers often charge per square foot, with rates typically ranging from $5 to $15 per square foot. This means that for a 1,000-square-foot space, design fees could range from $5,000 to $15,000.
For larger projects, such as a 2,000-square-foot home, the design costs could go as high as $30,000, depending on the complexity and level of customization involved.
Interior Design Costs by Level of Finish
The level of finish, such as the quality of materials, furnishings, and the complexity of design elements, can also significantly impact the interior design cost.
Basic Finish: Utilizes cost-effective materials and standard furnishings, often sourced from readily available retailers—it usually costs around $5 to $12 per square foot.
Mid-Range Finish: Incorporates a mix of standard and custom pieces, higher-quality materials, and more detailed design elements. The cost is approximately $12 to $17 per square foot.
High-End Finish: Features luxury materials, custom-designed furnishings, and intricate design details tailored to the client's specifications. It can exceed $17 per square foot, with some projects reaching higher figures depending on the level of customization and luxury.
These estimates can vary based on geographic location, the designer's expertise, and the specific requirements of the project. Additionally, these costs typically cover design services and may not include expenses related to construction, installation, or procurement of furnishings.
Pros and Cons of Hiring an Interior Designer
Pros | Cons |
Professional Expertise: Designers bring a trained eye and creative solutions to optimize your space. Time Savings: They manage project timelines, sourcing, and coordination, allowing you to focus on other responsibilities. Access to Resources: Designers have connections to trusted vendors and can often secure trade discounts. Increased Home Value: A well-designed space can enhance your property's market appeal. | Cost: Professional design services can be expensive, potentially exceeding initial budgets. Limited Personal Involvement: Some clients may feel less involved in the creative process. Varied Results: The outcome depends on the designer's interpretation of your vision, which may not always align perfectly. |
Tips to Reduce Interior Design Costs
While interior design can be a significant investment, there are ways to keep costs manageable without compromising style and functionality. Making strategic decisions and prioritizing key aspects of your project can help you achieve a well-designed space within your budget.
Here are some practical tips to help reduce interior design costs:
Define Your Scope: Clearly outline your project requirements to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Prioritize Needs vs. Wants: Focus on essential elements first, adding luxury items as the budget allows.
Consider Online Services: Utilize online design platforms for more affordable options.
DIY Where Possible: Handle minor tasks yourself, such as painting, furniture assembly, or decor installation, to cut down on labor costs.
Reuse and Repurpose: Incorporate existing furniture and decor pieces instead of purchasing everything new.
Shop Smart: Look for discounts, sales, or second-hand options to save on furniture and decor without sacrificing style.
Find the Right Interior Designer: Research multiple designers, compare rates, and check reviews to ensure you're working with a professional who provides fair pricing and avoids unnecessary markups.
These strategies can help you achieve a beautiful, well-designed space without exceeding your budget.
Interior Design Providers by Cost
To find the right interior designer, you need to consider your budget, experience, and services offered. Here are some reputable interior design providers and their estimated pricing:
Showplace: Offers free consultations with design packages starting at $12,000 – $15,000 for a three-bedroom home. Services include custom interior design, space planning, and furniture selection.
Holland House Design: Charges $3.50 per sq. ft. for new builds and $3.00 per sq. ft. for remodels. Offers full-service design, including material selection, layout optimization, and contractor coordination.
Spacejoy: Offers online interior design services starting at $299 per room. Clients receive interactive 3D designs, limited revisions, and curated furniture recommendations.
Havenly – Provides affordable online interior design services starting at $99 per room. It provides a customized design concept, unlimited messaging between the designer and the clients, and a curated shopping list with furniture recommendations based on the client’s budget.
Choosing the right interior design provider depends on your budget, design preferences, and the level of involvement you want in the process. Whether you opt for a full-service design firm or an affordable online option, comparing services and pricing ensures that you find the best fit for your project.
Bottom Line
The cost of hiring an interior designer varies based on your budget, project size, level of designer expertise, and desired level of service. Whether you choose a full-service designer or an affordable online option, understanding the cost structures the providers use helps ensure you get the best value for your investment. Keep in mind that investing in professional interior design services can enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your space while maximizing your budget.