What the fee covers
An interior designer’s fee generally pays for their time and expertise: planning, layouts, selecting materials and furnishings, preparing documents and, in full-service projects, coordinating ordering and installation. It usually does not cover the furniture, materials or construction themselves, which are billed separately.
Because projects differ so much, fees do too. Treat any figure you see online as a rough guide, and ask designers in your area for written quotes.
Common fee structures
- Hourly rate. You pay for time spent. This suits consultations, small tasks or projects with an uncertain scope, but the total can be hard to predict.
- Flat fee. A set price for defined services, sometimes per room or per phase. It is easier to budget when the scope is clear.
- Percentage of project cost. The fee is a share of the total spend, which is common on larger renovations and builds.
- Per square foot. Some designers price by area, mainly on larger or new-build projects.
- Cost-plus or product markup. The designer buys products and adds a markup, sometimes alongside a design fee, sometimes instead of one.
- Online or e-design packages. A lower-priced, fixed package, often for one room, which typically includes a concept, layout and shopping list while you do the ordering and project management.
Many designers combine models, for example a flat design fee plus a percentage on purchases.
Typical ranges
Published figures vary widely, and sources do not agree. As a rough guide, commonly quoted ranges include:
- Hourly rates from around $100 to $300 or more, with higher rates for senior designers and expensive cities
- Percentage-based fees often cited between roughly 10 and 30 percent of project cost
- Product markups often cited between roughly 10 and 35 percent
- Online design packages starting in the low hundreds of dollars per room
Cost guides from consumer sites and design platforms give differing averages, so treat these as ballparks, not predictions. Currency, region and the year of the source all matter.
What affects the price
- Location. Large, expensive cities generally cost more. Local rules, building approvals and access limits can add to the workload; one New York firm points to co-op approvals and delivery restrictions as drivers of fees there.
- Designer experience. Established principals often charge more than junior designers.
- Scope. A full renovation with drawings and trade coordination takes more time than a furniture refresh.
- Type of space. Kitchens and bathrooms involve plumbing, electrical and fixed layouts, so they tend to need more design work than a bedroom or office.
- Level of service. Concept-only, full-service and e-design differ considerably.
- Timeline and changes. Rushed schedules and repeated revisions can raise the bill.
What fees usually do not include
- Furniture, fixtures and finishes themselves
- Construction labour and building materials
- Permit or filing fees
- Delivery, storage and installation charges, unless agreed
- Travel or sample costs, depending on the contract
Always ask for a list of inclusions and exclusions in writing. The questions to ask an interior designer include prompts on hidden costs.
Ways to keep costs in check
- Book a consultation only. An hour or two of advice may be enough to set direction.
- Try e-design. A fixed-fee package can suit a single room.
- Phase the project. Plan the whole home but buy and build in stages.
- Agree the scope clearly. Set limits on revisions and site visits.
- Be decisive. Delays and late changes tend to cost money.
- Be clear on your budget. It helps the designer propose realistic choices.
Comparing quotes
Do not compare headline numbers alone. Line up the same things in each quote:
- Services included and excluded
- Fee structure and payment schedule
- Markup or trade discount policy
- Number of revisions and site visits
- Estimated timeline
- Who orders and pays suppliers
- Ending the contract and what you would owe
A cheaper quote with narrow scope may end up costing more than a fuller one. For how fees fit within the overall experience, see our guide to working with an interior designer, and for when payments typically fall due, see the stages in an interior design project from start to finish.
Common questions
What is the 70/30 rule in interior design?
It is generally a colour proportion guideline, around 70 percent main tone and 30 percent secondary or accent. It is not a fee rule. Some people may use “70/30” informally for other splits, so ask a designer what they mean if it comes up.
Are designer fees negotiable?
Sometimes the scope or structure can be adjusted, such as by trimming services or phasing. Lower fees usually mean less service, so discuss what you would give up.
Does the fee include furniture?
Generally no. Furniture and materials are usually billed separately, either at cost with a markup or at retail, depending on the agreement. For a sense of what to budget for the pieces themselves, see house furnishing cost.