How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost to Hire?
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- Typical Range: $1,893 to $12,000
- National Average: $6,300
The cost of hiring an interior designer can start relatively low but get extremely pricey, with the average cost ranging between $1,893 to $12,000 and most people paying $6,300 on average. Of course, these cost factors can go up or down depending on where a person resides. For instance, what someone pays for an interior design consultation in New York City will differ from what someone else might pay in Baton Rouge. But even within the same state, some price differentiation may occur with more prestigious clientele paying much more for top-notch upgrades to their homes.
So why should someone hire an interior design consultant in the first place? Many people seek interior design services to have beautiful decor and designs from room to room that make sense and provide a seamless flow.
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Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator
Many people tend to use the terms “interior designer” and “interior decorator” interchangeably. However, there is a difference between interior designers and interior decorators. Perhaps the most significant difference between the two is credentialing. An interior designer has to obtain formal training and is encouraged to get a license to practice, while an interior decorator doesn’t need either.
Another significant difference between the two is the point at which they get involved in a project. Interior designers have the skill and ability to work on a project from the very beginning, even during the design process when architects are drawing up plans. They ensure that the spaces are functional and that they are aesthetically pleasing.
Interior decorators tend to get involved in the process long after the structural changes are complete. Unlike interior designers who can offer input on the functionality of a space, interior decorators are much more concerned with aesthetics, as well as with creating a home environment that reflects the owner’s design tastes.
In summary, an interior designer is able to determine whether to eliminate a wall to make a space more functional, while an interior decorator determines whether to paint the wall or add wallpaper. Both are concerned with enhancing the space, but a designer may change the physical space while a decorator can only upgrade it.
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Factors in Calculating Interior Designer Cost
The cost range for interior design is between $1,893 and $12,000, with the average cost nationwide being $6,300. But there are many factors that can drive the costs of interior design up or down. Some interior designers are self-employed, which could mean that their prices may be lower than those of an interior design firm. A large firm will generally have to charge extra to cover their overhead costs, including the cost of their employees and the cost to operate their showroom. On the flip side, the cost of a self-employed interior designer could be higher than a firm if that designer is well known in the industry.
Additionally, project scope, labor, quality and quantity of furnishings, geographic location, and additional fees can affect interior design prices. Some designers may charge for their services using different pay structures, like per hour or a flat fee. Here is a closer look at how various cost factors affect the bottom line.
Project Scope
The scope of the project is an important factor in calculating interior design costs. The bigger the project, the pricier it will likely be. Some interior design projects may last a few weeks, while others may last several months. A longer project will typically require more resources and therefore cost more. However, short projects can also be costly. For instance, if an interior designer typically completes a project in 4 months but the client needs it finished within 2 months, the rushed timeline can also drive up the price.
The extent of work needed can also affect the price. If the interior designer doesn’t need to make any structural changes to the room, the cost will likely be on the lower end. But once they factor in adding or removing walls or windows, the price can increase quickly due to the additional time and labor required to do the job correctly.
Labor and Additional Fees
Labor is often one of the most expensive costs in a design project. Some designers charge for labor by the hour, while others charge by the square foot or with a fixed flat fee. Besides labor, an interior designer may charge for the initial consultation, travel, drawing up an initial plan, and project management. Before the project begins, some firms may also require a down payment from the client equal to half of the projected amount, which can be a big lump sum out of pocket, depending on the scope of the project.
The homeowner may also have to pay for online interior design images. These online designers have clients send photos of their current space so they can see what they are working with. Then, they will use technology to show an image of what the room would look like when all the updates are completed. Some designers may charge for these images, while others may build the cost into the consultation fee. Once the homeowner is happy with the mock-up images the designer has created, they should have a good idea of what their home will look like once the project is complete, which can give added peace of mind when paying for interior design services.
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Quantity and Quality of Furnishings
Another cost factor in the design process is the cost of the furnishings, appliances, and other decor. Depending on the homeowner’s taste, budget, and what they are looking for in the finished room, the interior designer may need to opt for higher-quality furniture or one-of-a-kind custom pieces, which tend to cost more than mass-produced items. However, for a simpler project, the designer may be able to find what the homeowner is looking for at discounted prices, which can mean a lower overall cost for the interior designer services.
Geographic Location
Geographic location can have a significant impact on the cost for interior design services. According to Angi, the average cost of interior design services in California runs an average of $11,745, while in Alabama it averages $1,045. Even within the same state, the cost can vary wildly based on the city; for example, you’re more likely to pay top dollar for an interior designer in New York City than you are in Rochester, New York.
Designer and Reputation
Interior design costs may increase exponentially based on the name of the individual or company working on the project. For example, a well-known interior designer who has appeared on TV or who works with famous celebrities may charge more for their interior design services than a lesser-known designer who is just starting out in the industry. A designer who has built a solid reputation and portfolio can typically find clients who are willing to pay a premium to say they had their home designed by a famous name. If that is an important factor, be prepared to pay top dollar.
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The Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer
Interior design is about more than just making a space look good. An interior designer can change the entire layout of a room to increase efficiency and aesthetics. For example, an interior designer can take a small, poorly designed bathroom and make it more functional by reconfiguring the pipes and electricity. Likewise, an interior designer can work with a contractor to remove or rearrange walls to open up for space in a small kitchen without compromising the structural integrity of the home.
In addition to technical knowledge, an interior designer’s training helps them figure out how all the parts fit together. They not only know what colors work together, but they also know how lighting, textures, styles, sound, and negative space can all come together to make a cohesive design. Finally, they know how to help someone sell their space or make valuable upgrades to their home by determining which parts of the house to enhance to get the best return on investment.
A Customized Aesthetic
Many people hire an interior designer for their artistic ability. Whether the space is small or large, an interior designer will know the best approach to making it work effectively while keeping in line with the client’s personal style preferences and budget. An interior designer can use their expertise to choose the right blend of fabrics, textures, furniture, and more to create a unique space that fits the client’s aesthetic and looks customized rather than cookie-cutter.
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Increased Functionality
The wrong furniture or decor can have a huge impact on a room’s functionality. Not only can an interior designer determine ways to physically increase the size and functionality of a room, but they can also use color, furniture, and decorative elements to improve the functionality of a space. They can also make use of negative space to balance the furniture in the room, using their experience and knowledge to help clients more effectively use the space in their homes.
Added Home Value When Selling
Interior designers can help increase the value of a house when it’s being sold. Buyers gauge their interest in a home based on pictures posted online, and if the house they’re considering is drab and old-fashioned or has an odd layout, they’re less likely to want to view it in person. An interior designer can help a property stand out to potential buyers by playing up the home’s best features and updating any features that might be considered dated. Not only will a home that’s been updated by an interior designer catch the attention of more buyers, but it could result in a higher selling price as well. In this case, the higher selling price may even cover the interior designer costs while still giving the seller a higher profit.
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Interior Designer Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Hiring an interior designer may seem like a luxury to many homeowners. Depending on the extent of the redesign, a homeowner may very well be able to complete basic projects themselves without needing a contractor. However, hiring a professional can end up saving time and money, especially on larger-scale home renovation projects.
A professional interior designer has the skills not only to redecorate a home but also to reconfigure a space to be more functional, while also choosing coordinating furniture and artwork to enhance the aesthetic of the house. If the project involves any structural work, it is inadvisable for the homeowner to take on the project alone since even a small mistake can cause expensive (and potentially dangerous) problems down the road. Interior designers also know which types of projects require permits and can take care of that process, whereas a DIY homeowner may not even realize a permit is needed in the first place, which can cause legal issues later on.
Many homeowners start DIY projects with the best intentions but find that it takes them months or years to complete the project—if they are able to finish it at all. An interior designer manages the entire project, taking care of hiring other contractors as needed and ensuring that the project stays on track and is finished on time. A homeowner who chooses to DIY a project likely only has time to work on it during evenings and weekends, which increases the time frame of the entire project and can make it drag on for much longer than necessary.
Quick design fixes before listing a home can cause problems in the future for the new homeowners if the project was rushed or not completed by a professional. Home inspections may show that add-ons did not have the correct permits, or that an important structural wall has been removed improperly. This can affect the home’s marketability, stagnate the selling process, and even lead to legal problems. While it may be tempting for DIYers to flex their artistic muscles, if they aren’t skilled or licensed in interior design, it’s often a better idea to rely on the experts.
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How to Save Money on Interior Designer Cost
Home renovation costs can add up when utilizing the expertise of an interior designer. While the average cost to hire an interior designer is $6,300, that price can go up exponentially depending on the designer and the type and quality of items they plan to use in the project. For instance, a large home in a luxurious area may require a much more pricey interior design project to suit the neighborhood and the home’s elegant design. In this case, designers may choose more expensive pieces from high-end designers rather than relying on pieces from discount retailers, which could drive up the prices significantly. This could pay off when selling the home because it wouldn’t be good design taste to have a million-dollar home staged with cheap furniture and accessories.
Not all interior design projects will require glamorous purchases, however. For those who want luxurious pieces but are on a tight budget, consider the following tips for saving on interior design costs.
- Purchase the products yourself, including appliances and furniture, to avoid paying commission to the interior designer.
- If you have some basic decorating or construction skills, offer to help out with the labor on some of the projects.
- Choose cheaper mass-produced items, like windows, doors, or furniture, when possible over more expensive custom ones.
- Hire the interior designer on a consultation basis and take over the project management aspect yourself.
- Ask the interior designer if they will offer a discounted rate, or if they have any discounts on furnishings that you can take advantage of.
- See if the designer will repurpose furniture items you own rather than buying new. For example, reupholstering an old chair will cost less than buying a brand-new one, and it will also save the chair from potentially ending up in the landfill.
- Stick to remodeling one room at a time rather than several rooms at once.
- If the project is straightforward, use an online interior design service to plan your project and do the bulk of the work yourself.
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Questions to Ask When Hiring an Interior Designer
When preparing to hire an interior designer, it’s important to do research to find someone within budget and whose style matches the home. Once the homeowner has a few front-runners, it’s a good idea to contact each of them to talk about the project and ask them some questions.
Specific questions should be based on the homeowner’s needs and design tastes. This might include questions like, “How will you determine the color palette for my home?” or “How will you use natural or artificial lighting to improve the overall look of my rooms?” In addition to those important questions, here are some standard questions to ask when hiring an interior designer.
- Can you tell me more about your experience in interior design?
- How long have you been in the business?
- Are you certified and licensed with the American Society of Interior Designers, National Council for Interior Design Qualification, or Certified Interior Decorators?
- Are you insured?
- What interior design services do you offer?
- How do you charge for your services?
- Do you require a down payment for your services?
- What kind of budget is necessary for a project like this?
- How long will my project take?
- Can I see your portfolio of work?
- What styles and colors do you like most?
- Am I able to speak with a few of your references?
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FAQs
You don’t have to own a castle or fancy estate to benefit from hiring an interior designer. Interior designers are skilled at helping you fill your space with exciting, unique pieces of furniture and art while maximizing the functionality of the space. Using negative space and other design elements, an interior designer can help make a room appear open and inviting rather than cramped and cluttered.
Hiring an interior designer is a big decision, and it can be a significant expense, so it’s important to understand the process and find the right designer for your project before signing any contracts. The frequently asked questions below will be a guide to helping you learn more about what you can expect during the process.
Q. How much does an interior designer cost on average?
On average, you can expect to pay around $6,300 for interior design. This cost can go up or down depending on several factors, including square footage of the space, labor charges, the costs of materials, the designer, the scope of the project, and more. Some designers may charge hourly fees, while others may charge by square footage. It’s important to understand how the designer calculates their fees before agreeing to pay them for any work.
Q. Will interior designers suggest different styles?
Interior designers have professional knowledge of acoustics, temperature, lighting, and more, so their suggestions will be based on more than just style. They will make suggestions based on your tastes and the type of design you prefer. But also be prepared for them to be blunt about what works and what doesn’t. While they help you bring your interior design dreams to life, they also want the design to make sense. Therefore, if colors do not work or styles clash, many designers will explain why and make suggestions for more balanced results.
Q. How do I know if I need an interior designer?
Often, people conclude that there isn’t much to painting walls or adding furniture to the rooms in their house. In some homes, this may be true. However, if you want your house to be a showpiece, hiring a house interior designer can be a good idea. They can observe the space and help your creative designs come together as organized and harmonious, which can make your home more attractive to yourself and to potential buyers if you plan on selling.
Q. Will I be involved in the interior design process?
You can expect to be involved in the interior design process at various stages. You will initially be involved in the meeting or programming stage. This is where you will discuss your goals and design tastes with the designer so that they can begin to work on a plan for your project. During the middle stages of the process, including the work stage, you will have minimal involvement. At this point, you could decide on color changes or add to a design. However, an interior designer will explain how the changes you make could affect the timeline and budget. If you are willing to accept the possible delays and price increases, they may make concessions for your ideas. One final part of the process that will involve you is the reveal; this is where the interior designer shows you the results of all their hard work.
Q. Do interior designers need a license?
Most states don’t require interior designers to have a license. However, it is possible for designers to be licensed, and those who have a license have additional clout. Interior designers deal with not only the aesthetics of a space but also the functionality, which may involve changing the physical characteristics of a space. Since they are authorized to make changes to the structure of a building, having proper credentials shows that they can make such changes without causing code violations and hazards.
Q. Should an interior designer give me an estimate before starting the work?
Before starting on any project, most professional home designers will inspect the space and potentially do an on-the-spot consultation. Once all the plans have been worked out, the interior designer will provide an estimate for the work that they plan to perform. The costs could include design work for the entire house or costs of remodeling any room in the house. When a client agrees to the work, the designer will present a contract that includes the estimate’s details and any other pertinent information. Interior designing contracts are binding once clients sign them.
Q. Does an interior designer work with other professionals?
Yes. An interior designer typically works with other professionals such as architects, construction teams, civil and mechanical engineers, building contractors, and project managers. They can read, draw, and edit blueprints. They are also knowledgeable of building codes and are aware of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Therefore, interior designers aren’t only concerned with the beauty of a space but also its functionality and conformity to building codes.