How Much Does a
INTERIOR
DESIGN
Co$t?
Spending on interior design is no longer considered showing off your wealth. Instead, most homeowners now use it to increase the functionality of the available space. It is essentially a combination of design and decoration that improves your quality of life.
Although the demand for custom interior is on the rise, the cost of interior design services is still a topic of debate.
Unfortunately, interior design costs vary greatly, depending on
The Designer
Their Billing structure
It is often difficult to figure out exactly how much an interior design project will cost without knowing the specifics. However, a few fundamentals govern interior design costs and you should know about them.
Let’s dive right in.
Things You Need to Consider When Determining the Interior Design Pricing
When determining interior designer cost estimates, you have to consider a variety of factors. The following factors can help you ensure the best interior design outcome without breaking the bank.
Scope of the Project
The first factor to consider is the size and scope of your project. Obviously, the interior design rates for a whole house will be considerably more than that of a single room. Furthermore, the interior designing cost for the entire home will depend on how big your property is.
If you are considering interior design for just one room, the cost will depend on the size and type of the room.
if you are revamping your modular kitchen, it will usually be expensive because kitchen requires different utilities, appliances, and furniture. The cost will change depending on the quality and type of kitchen appliances and raw material you use.
the interior design rates for designing a home theater room will vary based on the size, layout, and accessories you want to use. For example, you can keep the artwork and furniture to a minimum as the home theater will be dark almost all the time. However, you will have to spend more on seating, wiring, and acoustics. In other words, your need to take a careful look at what goes into your interior design project to know its exact scope.
Nature of the
Interior Design Services
The next factor to consider is the nature of interior design services you want to engage for your project. Most interior designers offer two service options, full consultation or design-only projects.
- Costlier than design-only projects
The interior design price for full consultation is generally more than design-only projects.
- Everything is included
Under the full consultation contract, the designer will take care of everything including designing, purchasing, and installing accessories, art, appliances, and furniture. - Less stressful
Although the cost will be higher, a full consultation is often less stressful because the designer handles end-to-end project management, including coordinating with contractors and architects, getting permits, and monitoring the work progress.
- Less Costly
You have to work with the contractors directly. In some cases, this approach may help you save some money. - Provides design services only
In the design-only service, the interior designer provides only designing services. - Stressful and time-consuming
However, it can also be stressful and time-consuming.
Designer’s Experience
One of the most critical aspects that will affect the cost of your project is the designer’s experience. Usually, average cost of interior designers with more experience is higher than what an inexperienced designer would charge.
Average cost of interior designers with
more experience
Average cost of interior designers with
Less experience
The truth is, the amount they want to charge is at the designer’s discretion. Each designer will have a fee structure of their own, which we will discuss in detail.
Software Used
The interior design pricing will also depend on which software the designer uses.
Good-quality software can help create visual layouts, offering a realistic view of how your house will look. However, quality interior design software is expensive. Naturally, the interior design rates will be higher if the professional uses top-grade software.
Other Expenses
Most projects also involve a lot of overheads other than the core interior design costs like designer’s fees. They often include travel fees, visiting charges, cost of raw materials, iteration charges, delivery and handling charges, and the cost of furnishings, among others. You may also have to pay custom duty and taxes on imported items.
Your Budget
The last, and perhaps the decisive factor in determining the average cost of interior design is your budget. You will need to consider how much you can afford to spend on the interior design before setting things in motion. Make sure to set aside at least 10%-15% of your total budget for emergencies and unexpected expenses.
Your total budget
10% – 15%
Emergencies & Unexpected expenses
Fortunately, several designers, companies, and online service providers offer interior designing at affordable costs. If you are into DIY, you can design the house or parts of it yourself.
Interior Designer
Pricing Plans/ Fee
Structure
As mentioned earlier, each interior designer will have their own fee structure. As a result, the cost of interior designer services will change depending on the fee structure your designer offers. Here are a few common ways interior designers may charge.
Flat Interior Design Rate
Although not all, but some designers may charge you a flat fee. This is usually the case with small-to-medium-sized projects as they require no architectural changes. That’s why it is also relatively easy to provide accurate interior designer cost estimates for such projects.
The interior designer will draw up a contract that provides details about…
The total cost
of interior designer services
What services
you will get
How many revisions
are included
How long the project
will take to complete
If available, the flat rate packages are an excellent choice for interior decoration projects.
Hourly Interior Design Pricing
Interior designer hourly rates is perhaps the most prevailing fee structure in this industry. Most designers charge hourly rates starting at a few hundred dollars an hour.
The rate covers different aspect of the designer’s services like
- Communication
- Site visits
- Travel
- Designing fees
It usually includes almost everything except the furnishings and materials. However, make sure to double check with your interior designer to understand what is covered in the hourly rate before signing the contract.
Commission or Markup
as a commission
Sometimes, the cost of interior designer services is calculated as commission or procurement cost plus markup. Your designer will help you purchase the supplies and the material at a wholesale price, but they will charge you a higher rate. They will keep the difference as fee or commission.
a markup fee
Some designers may charge you a markup fee, which usually comes around 20%. It could be higher though. Also, the markup cost may be different for different materials. Make sure to check the original receipts of the purchases to see how much markup or commission you are paying.
Per Square Foot
A few interior designers charge on a per square footage basis.
Usually, large projects involving commercial developments like hotels, malls, offices, and hospitals often use this fee structure.
Percentage of Total Estimate or Amount Spent
In this method, the cost of interior designer services is calculated as a percentage of the total estimated or the actual cost of the project.
Consultation Charges
Many interior designers prefer to charge a fixed amount in consultation charges. You can pay these interior design costs as a lumpsum or in installments.
(One-time payment)
(Three installments of $7000 each)
Per Room Charge
Apart from the flat consultation and design fee, a few designers will charge for each room view separately. It will be a fixed interior design price, depending on the size of the room and the scope of the design.
Bedroom
$6,000
Master Bedroom
$8,000
Kitchen
$12,000
Drawing Room
$15,000
Types of
Interior Design
Projects
As there are a number of interior design pricing structures available, designers often use a combination of two or more fee structures.
However, you can choose a type of interior design project that suits your budget and requirements. Usually, design plan projects are least expensive as they involve interior design costs for only design and planning, which are considerably lower.
If you have a bigger budget, this is an excellent option. In this type of project, the designer will take care of everything, from designing to management.
That’s why the cost of interior designer services will be much higher. However, it’ll be a less demanding and relatively quick process as you don’t have to do the legwork.
In this type of project, the designer will provide you with a detailed design plan.
The plan outlines all the details related to your project such as layout, appliances, accessories, furnishings, lighting, and plumbing fixtures.
In this type of project, the designer will charge on an hourly basis.
However, consultation covers a wide range of interior design services, including but not limited to space planning, layout, furnishings, lighting suggestions, and color consultation. Given the scope of work, these projects generally tend to be expensive.
Interior Design
Process
Now that you have understood how interior design pricing works, the next step is to know how the interior designing process works.
The process may change depending on the scope of your project and the designer. However, it commonly involves the following steps.
Initial Consultation
This is the first step, where you will talk to the interior designer of your choice.
You and the designer will discuss your ideas, style, budget, location, and available space, among other things.
The purpose of this consultation is to get a general idea of the project, its scope, and your expectations. You can consult more than one interior designer to get the best possible deal.
Site Visit for Measurements
Before the designing and drafting work begins, the designer will need to visit the site and take measurements
They will also take photographs and make notes of the existing layout and condition of your property.
As this is a critical step, the interior design costs often include site visit charges. At this stage, most designers will also provide you with an initial estimate.
Space Planning
The interior designer will use architectural plans and the information collected during the site visit to start planning the digital layout of your property.
During this stage, most professional designers will have multiple meetings with clients. You can discuss the potential ideas and design concepts related to various elements of your project.
Floor Plans with Space measurement
After considering the layout, functionality, and your requirements, the designer will create preliminary floor plans. Depending on your ideas, requirement, and budget, you can revise these floor plans in the later stages of the project.
Design Conceptualization
At this stage, the interior designer will turn your floor plans into a 3D virtual design.
If your designer uses good-quality software, you will get the exact idea of how your house will look before starting the work. Design conceptualization will also include brainstorming, where you and the design team will have multiple meetings to discuss different layouts.
Final Design & Development
Before this stage begins, the designer will ask you to approve the preliminary floor plans. Once approved, they will create more detailed drawings of floor plans, elevations, ceilings, walls, materials and furnishings, color scheme, and lighting, among other things.
After a few revisions, these layouts will be treated as the final drawings with all specifications for the project. At this stage, the designer will also make an inventory of raw materials, furniture, artwork, rugs or carpeting, and furnishings required as per the design specifications.
Sourcing or Procurement
Before construction begins, the interior designer will plan the procurement of materials in the inventory list.
Your designer will take the responsibility of sourcing. As they have in-depth knowledge of the market, an interior designer can purchase what you need at a relatively lower cost.
The designer will provide you with the list of items to procure. You will have to do the shopping yourself. However, this is a time-consuming and physically-demanding process. It is usually better to leave sourcing to the experts.
Construction and Installation
This is the final stage, where all your design concepts will transform into reality. During this phase, your designer will oversee the work of your contractor.
They will make sure everything is as per the final drawings. Your designer will make multiple site visits to address potential issues right there and then. They will also coordinate with the contractor and suppliers to make sure your project finishes on time.
Important
Interior Design Tips
Although you will hire a professional designer, there are no guarantees that your project will go as planned.
If you want your project to finish on time, you have to consider a few things other than how much does an interior designer cost.
- Set Your Budget and Stick to It
- Make a List of Everything
- Never Assume Anything
- Say No When Necessary
- Keep Communicating
- Understand the Local Building Code
- Work with Insured Designers and Contractors
Set Your Budget and Stick to It
One of the first things you need to remember is to set your budget and stick to it. You need to discuss your financial situation with the designer frankly.
You don’t want to end up paying more than you can afford. Most designers will offer you different options well within your budget. Just make sure to get a written estimate and keep aside a few thousand dollars for emergencies.
Make a List of Everything
Interior design projects, even for small homes, require considerable details. Your shopping list alone will be a long one.
So, develop a habit of jotting everything down, whether it a list of materials or project specifications. Keeping a list of everything that needs to be done will also help you organize your project better.
Never Assume Anything
Whatever the scope of your project is, make sure to get everything in writing.
Never assume that your designer or contractor will do something because it is a standard practice. You need to include all the proposed designs and layouts in the agreement. Whatever changes you make, make sure to provide them in writing and get acknowledgement from the designer and contractor.
Say No When Necessary
Interior designing is a matter of personal style and preferences.
However, you will be the one staying in the house, not your designer. So, you shouldn’t bypass your preferences.
Remember, you always have the final say in these matters. So, learn to say no or dismiss an idea you don’t like. No professional interior designer will be offended because you dismissed a few of their designs or concepts.
Keep Communicating
During the project, you will need to coordinate with not just your designer but also the contractor, especially if it’s a design-only project.
So, communication will play a critical role in finishing your project on time. Make sure to track the progress, including the work on site, material supply, and the changes in drawings.
Understand the Local Building Code
Although your designer will be aware of the local building codes, it wouldn’t hurt to know a thing or two about them yourself. Know the building codes can save you a lot of trouble.
Work with Insured Designers and Contractors
Another important factor you must consider is insurance.
Both your designer and the contractor should have professional liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. While the former will protect you against work-related errors and omissions, the latter will save you from liabilities in the event of a workplace accident.
Always Hire a Trusted and
Experienced Interior Designer
The last, but the most important factor is to find a reliable and experienced interior designer.
Avoid working with someone offering low interior design pricing because they are less likely to provide you with lasting results.
On the other hand, an expensive designer may not be able to offer something that fits your budget. That’s why you have to be careful when choosing an interior designer.
- Interview
Interview at least three-four interior designers before making a decision - Referrals and client feedback
Ask the designer to provide referrals and client feedback - Know how the designer works
Talk to their present and ex-clients to know how the designer works - Necessary certifications, licenses, & insurance
Ask for the necessary certifications, licenses, and insurance details
- Have a look at prev. work of designer
If possible, visit the homes and buildings decorated by the designer to make sure you like their work - Fee structure
Ask about the fee structure. You should work with a designer known for transparent pricing. - Check the reputation of designer
Check if the designer is associated with reputed organizations like the American Society of Interior Designs (ASID)
Conclusion
Revamping the interior of your house is a mammoth task that requires careful planning. It begins with understanding how much an interior designer costs.
The more you know about how the interior designing process works, the easier it is for you to make an informed decision that saves your time and money.
Hopefully, this post will help. Are you thinking of renovating your house? Tell us if you find these tips useful in the comments section.