How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?
T he first thing to know is that all designers and interior decorators charge differently and that interior designer's rates vary with no specific guidelines for interior designer rates or what interior design cost. Therefore, a professional designer should clearly communicate to you up front how they charge and what their fees are for their different services. They should also let you know what forms of payment they accept, what their terms of payment are, and how they will bill you. All of this should be spelled out in their contract, fully understood by you, and signed by both parties before any work begins. This is essential to avoid any disputes or loss of trust down the road. (Trust is such an important element for your successful project completion that I wrote an entirely separate post about it!)
Although how much an interior designer cost and charges varies, here are the various ways interior designers generally charge:
- Charge a flat rate for a specific scope of work.
- A designer hourly rate (design fee per hour)
- Charge a commission on purchases they make for your home or simply charge you the retail cost of purchases and keep the difference from their discounts.
- A percentage of the total construction cost
- Charge a management fee for construction oversight
- Charge per square footage of the space (although this is less common)
- A combination of any of the above is very typical
Some designers, especially those who work on a commission only basis will require they do all the purchasing for your interior design project. Interior designers often also have a minimum budget requirement for them to accept your project. It’s best to have a ball-park estimate of what your overall budget will be. That way, designers will be able to advise you if your budget is realistic for your project goals and can formulate the best game plan for it. Interior designers may charge for reimbursable expenses as well such a blueprints, express mail services, and samples.
We have compiled an interior design price sheet to help you better understand the different types of services and fee ranges for an interior design consultation price, interior design cost per room, and others. We do not list the interior design cost per square foot or per sqft cost since this is not the most popular or usual way designers charge for residential projects. Since my firm specializes in the design and oversight of residential homes, we are not so familiar in quoting per sqft cost. Designers who specialize in commercial projects may work that way, but it is a whole different type of billing structure.
Do I Need an Interior Designer?
Yes! Building, renovating, and decorating a home today is expensive, so you want to do it right the first time, avoiding costly mistakes. Investing in an experienced designer is the best way to ensure you end up with your dream home without the headaches, so the cost of an interior designer will be money very well spent!
A great designer will transform your living space from ordinary to extraordinary. We have the talent and unique blend of expertise and creativity. Also, interior designers have a broader knowledge of project management skills that you need.
At Lara Michelle Interiors, we possess specialized knowledge in creating beautiful living environments tailored to your specific needs and design style. Whether you have a clear vision of your dream space or need guidance in defining your design preferences, our successful design process will bring your ideas to life with innovative solutions. We handle all details of project management, coordinating contractors, sourcing materials, budgeting cost of furniture, and decor, and creating and adhering to schedules. This level of design help and oversight saves you time, stress, and money.
Key Benefits of Working with an Expert Interior Designer:
- Professional Expertise: It’s imperative to hire an experienced professional interior designer. The best designers have a broader scope of knowledge and expertise that enable them to move your project along faster, design your dream home with both function and beauty, and keep your budget on track. Unexpected surprises arise during renovations that an experienced designer will know the best ways to handle, offering creative solutions and options for any issue that may occur.
- Time and Stress Savings: Managing a design project can be overwhelming. Expert interior designers handle all the details, from start to finish, saving you precious time and reducing stress.
- Budget & Scheduling Management: We will help you stay within your budget and on schedule. Us designers have the best vendors, resources and contractors, with various price points and can source cost-effective solutions based on your priorities and determine how long everything will take.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Interior Design Services:
The average cost to hire an interior designer can be influenced by various factors, each contributing to the total cost of your project. Primary factors that affect the cost of a designer:
- Scope of the Project: This is the significant determinant of cost. Larger, more complex projects requiring extensive design work, custom solutions, and multiple revisions will increase overall cost.
2. Designer’s Experience and Reputation: The experience and reputation of the designer, decorator, or design firm will influence the interior decorator cost and per hour rate . A typical interior designer with a strong portfolio, proven expertise, and a degree in interior design will charge higher fees due to their advanced design skills, extensive experience, and industry recognition. Great designers with years of experience command higher fees because they will ensure your project exceeds expectations. Depending on your location, an average interior designer cost can be $150 - 200 per hour. More experience and well known designers range higher: between $200 - 500 per hour.
3. Location: Geographic location plays a big role in determining what interior designers charge. Designers in major cities and high-cost living areas charge more compared to those in smaller towns or rural locations. In the areas we mainly serve, such as Westchester NY, New York City, the Hamptons, and Greenwich CT, hiring a designer will cost more. Urban areas tend to charge higher design rates. In areas in Florida, depending on the exact location, they will be lower than the New York Metropolitan area.
4. Customization: If custom designs such as custom built-ins, custom cabinetry, bathroom vanities, millwork & moldings are part of your project scope, then your design and project costs will be quite a bit higher . Our custom millwork and cabinetry design, fabrication, and install services are one of our most requested and lifestyle enhancing services we offer. They also raise the value of your home when designed properly, making your investment in them a no brainer.
Considering these factors will help you understand what to expect to pay and make informed decisions that align with your budget and project goals.
There Should Be No Hidden Costs
Regardless of how they charge, when you hire a professional interior designer, they should give you an accurate estimate of what their total design fees would be before you start work. Don’t feel awkward to ask for any of this important information. Experienced interior designers are used to calculating costs for prospective clients and know it’s vital for the success of the project.
In order to get a reasonable estimate of the total design fees for your home project, a seasoned designer will ask to visit the project site, review any plans and all details of the project with you. Some designers may charge a consultation fee for this time and some do not.
You can also expect to be charged a retainer up front before work starts. The retainer can either be part of the designer’s set fee, or credited towards hourly rate invoices, or held until the end of the project to be credited back to the client on their final invoice. The retainer is customary and typically paid upon signing of the contract before any work begins. This amount is typically determined by the designer and again, there are no set rules on the amount. My retainers vary and I base them on the size of the project. I always let my prospective clients know upfront what the retainer will be after I’ve reviewed the scope of work with them.
Expect interior design fees to include travel time in their interior designer hourly rates and the cost of hiring an interior designer. It is important to inquire about travel time fees as designers all charge differently. Some designers only bill for travel time if it exceeds a specific distance. For longer trips, anticipate covering travel-related costs, which may include airfare, Ubers/taxis, meals, and other related travel expenses. These details should be clearly outlined in the designer's contract before commencing any work as they also impact the cost.
Tips to Determine Your Budget for Renovations & How Much Do Interior Designer Charge
Determining your budget for renovations can be a complex process. An experienced interior designer can help you set the most realistic, yet cost effective budget. An expert designer, like Lara Michelle, knows the market rates extremely well for contractors, architects, custom items such as built-ins, furnishings & home decor, and skilled at planning and prioritizing where to spend your money best. Here are Lara's steps to help determine your renovation budget and stay on track:
- Lara Michelle will Assess Your Needs and Priorities With You:
- Identify Key Areas: Determine which areas of your home need renovation the most and prioritize them.
- Set Clear Goals: Define the purpose of your renovation, whether it’s improving functionality, updating aesthetics, or increasing property value.
- Lara Michelle will Facilitate in Obtaining Accurate Estimates & Project Costs:
- Get Estimates: Obtain estimates from contractors: either from her amazing team of highly skilled professionals, and/or from your contractors for the work you plan to undertake.
- Furnishings & Decor Costs: Research the cost for furnishings & decor items for new designs.
- Lara Michelle Can Break Down Costs For You:
- Create a Detailed Budget: Break down your budget per room categories such as kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, flooring per square foot, painting, paint color, etc.
- Adhering to Your Budget: Distribute your budget according to priorities, and keeping it on track.
- Lara Michelle Will Review and Finalize:
- Gather & Review Estimates and Plans: Carefully review all estimates and negotiating accordingly or making design changes as needed. Finalizing and confirming the overall cost of the project.
- Get Everything in Writing: Ensure all agreements with contractors and suppliers are documented in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
How Interior Designers Use Their Trade Discounts
Wondering about the "designer discount" or "to the trade only discount" and how designers use that with their clients? Interiors designers typically get this “trade” discount on most home products. The discount will vary greatly from source to source. Basically, we designers will get a large trade discount (between 40-60% off retail) for items like designer fabrics, trims, wallpapers, and high-end designer home products in the trade showrooms. When it comes to online home décor stores, we can often order directly from the manufacturer of the item and purchase at wholesale or almost wholesale prices. However, the big retail home stores are not so generous with their trade discounts. They typically will only give designers 10-20% off retail prices.
Some designers pass along their trade discounts to clients and others will not. You should know up front what your designer will do with their trade discount and how they will let you know what the discount will be. Again, this gets back to me stressing that trust is super important! If you know in advance about how your designer's fee structures and find it agreeable, then you will feel confident that all will run smoothly!
Trade discounts vary from place to place.
Let’s Talk About Your Project!
Don't just hire an average interior designer, hire the right interior designer! Doing so will result in a great partnership and best results for your dream home project. We would honor the opportunity to learn all about your project. Get started today by visiting our contact page, we can't wait to hear from you!
4 Comments
Knowing more about the financial aspects of working with a designer and all of these important details is very helpful. I will be keeping this in mind – thanks Lara!
WOW a lot of different things to consider. Thanks!
thanks for the tips
Have you ever considered the ethical implications of hiring an interior designer in an industry that often promotes excessive consumerism and materialism? How can one balance the desire for a beautifully designed space with the need for sustainability and minimalism?