When planning to upgrade the existing design or build a new one, the first thing that comes to mind is the cost. It’s quite common to search for the charge of an interior designer in such a scenario. The average cost of hiring an interior designer may range between $2,000 to $14,000. However, the cost varies, which means there is no universal price sheet that can determine the charge. This is because the cost of interior design depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the project, the area of the house/space, the experience of the designer, etc.
So, if you’re looking forward to hiring an interior designer and worried about the cost involved, this blog will answer your question - “How much do interior designers charge”?
Cost of Interior Design Services
Interior designer costs may range between $2,000 and $14,000. The national average is somewhat around $8,000. However, hiring a designer for a small project is cheaper than hiring them for large-scale projects. Also, many interior designers may ask for an upfront fee of 30%. Moreover, they may also charge a commission, which adds up to the total cost.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost per project type.
Project Type Price Range Hourly Cost
Low-End $2,100 $50
Average $8,100 $100
High-End $15,000 $200
An interior designer usually charges as per the following -
Hourly Interior Designer Rate
Hourly rates offer flexibility and usually range from $100 to $500 per hour. The cost may vary depending on the interior designer’s experience and the complexity of the project. This is best if you have a smaller space. The average cost of a small residential project may vary between $1,500 and $5,000. Whereas large-scale projects may cost you between $10,000 and $50,000. This price may fluctuate depending on the hours they will invest.
Flat-Rate Interior Designer Rate
If you prefer transparent pricing, a flat rate package is the best choice. It includes an all-inclusive price for the scope of work - from finish to start. This pricing strategy ensures that you know what you are paying for. The services generally include - consultation fees, project management, design execution, and many more. It is considered fixed - hence, you don’t have to worry about last-minute surprises or hidden charges.
Monthly Interior Designer Retainer
If you have an advanced interior design project, for example - a hotel or a mansion, then a monthly retainer fee can be the best option. This reduces the burden of paying an upfront of the total cost. This pricing strategy ensures that you pay each month, which mostly consists of project management, consultation, and expert advice related to materials required and how the design should look or what can enhance the look of the project.
Interior Designer Cost by Square Foot
Some interior designers also charge per square foot. This is also mostly used for commercial or hospitality projects. The price is calculated by multiplying the size of the space by a set cost per square foot, which often ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot. This may vary depending on the size and area of the space.
Interior Design Commission
The difference between the retail price and the discounted price is known as the commission. Many interior designers also charge a commission instead of an hourly rate. For example - if they purchase tiles, furnishings, lighting, etc., on your behalf, they may get it at a discounted rate. However, they may charge you a retail price. Some designers may charge a markup fee (mostly around 20%) on the total cost of the material purchased.
| Some Tips | You may ask for receipts to understand the actual amount spent on the items. |
Interior Designer Percentage
Some designers add 10% to 30% to the total project budget. To calculate the fee, the overall budget for decor, furnishings, etc., is considered. It is important to ask for a breakdown of the cost to understand what’s included in the budget. Doing so ensures any potential financial surprises are avoided.
It is advisable to break the budget into equal or different payments, as mentioned below -
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Start with a standard deposit
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Then comes the next payment at the presentation, where they will help you understand the scope of the project and how they will turn your vision into reality.
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Then, make the payment after all the purchases have been made - from furniture to fixtures, etc.
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Lastly, the payment should be made at the end of the project when everything is completed.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Interior Designers
Here are a few factors that influence the cost of interior design cost -
Scope of Work
The cost of interior design depends on the extent of work to be done. A complete redesign, along with minor or major structural changes, can cost you more than just a basic makeover. If you are opting for simple paint work in a small one-bedroom apartment, the interior designer will charge you less than an extensive renovation.
Materials and Furnishings
The choice of material also affects the cost of the interior designers. Most designers agree to help source high-quality material, which may also add to the budget. This is because, as discussed earlier, they charge a commission or a markup on the materials and furnishings.
Reputation of the Designer
An experienced and well established designer always charges you more. This is because of the years of experience and certifications they have gained through their hard work. Also, a designer with a strong portfolio may charge you more. The initial cost may seem high, but their experience will justify the investment.
The Area of the Space
The area of the space is another important and non-negotiable factor on which the interior design price depends. If you have a small space, you won’t have to worry about spending too much. However, if you are planning to upgrade and renovate a larger space, you may need to set aside more than a few thousand dollars. This is because the designers will spend less time creating layouts and designing a small space than a large one.
How to Find the Right Designer?
When starting a dream project, the first thing you need to do is find an interior designer. This is one of the most daunting tasks because a professional can understand your needs, preferences, and, most importantly, aesthetics.
The first thing to do when hiring a designer is to look at their portfolio on the website. Check if their style and designs match your vision. You can check their social media profiles to have a better understanding. Next, look for someone who is transparent about the budget, process, and results.
Interior Designing Process
Here’s a brief process of interior designing -
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After you hire an interior designer, they discuss your needs, expectations, lifestyle, preferences, budget, etc. You can convey how the space should look and share your vision with them.
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After the designer understands what you need, they’ll get on to concept development. This is the part where they create mood boards, design drivers, and inspiration presentations.
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They share the concept and ask for your feedback. Once approved, they’ll move to design planning, where they create drawings. This includes furniture layouts, floor plans, and structural changes (if needed).
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After creating a plan, the designer will convey the estimate, which may vary depending on the changes needed later.
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They also create digital renderings and elevation drawings to help you feel how the space would look after completion.
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After conceptualizing and planning, they complete the project and remain available for follow-up if required.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the interior designer’s charge. This ensures that you have the right information before you hire a designer for your home project. The right information allows you to manage your budget effectively and make decisions accordingly. It also ensures that you have an interior designer to complete the project within your budget. Thus preventing any last-minute surprises with hidden charges.
