How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost in 2025?
Hiring an interior designer costs an average of $8,529
On average, hiring an interior designer costs between $2,057 and $15,222, with an average of $8,529.
Your location, project size and scope, time frame, and materials affect the total project cost.
Professional interior designers help you create a cohesive, functional, and visually appealing space that is tailored to your style and needs.
Hiring an interior designer brings professional expertise, saves time and stress, and helps avoid costly mistakes.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, interior designer costs range from $2,057 to $15,222, with most homeowners spending an average of $8,529. Factors like project scope, area size, and materials significantly impact pricing. Budget carefully and consider professional expertise to ensure a successful outcome.
Interior Designer Cost Factors
Several moving parts influence what you’ll pay for an interior designer or decorator. Knowing them upfront lets you set a realistic budget and avoid surprises. The big ones are the project’s scope, the room’s square footage, the pro’s reputation, your timeline, the quality of materials, and any advanced design software.
Project Scope
Consider how much you want to change before hiring a designer. The number of rooms you plan to redesign impacts the overall cost. Remodeling an entire house will cost more than a single room. Interior designers often charge per room, while decorators charge by the hour.
Size of the Space
The size of your space significantly affects design costs. Designers charge an average rate of $5 to $15 per square foot, so larger spaces result in higher fees. This rate often excludes furnishings and installation. Designers may have a minimum fee for smaller rooms, like bedrooms or bathrooms.
Experience Level
The experience and reputation of a designer can significantly impact their fees. Highly acclaimed or well-known designers often charge higher rates. However, you may achieve excellent results with a less-established designer at a lower cost.
Time Frame
Interior design and decorating projects can vary in duration due to factors like project complexity, design changes, supply chain issues, and unforeseen delays. Depending on their scope, most designs take two to three months to complete. Some professionals may offer expedited services for an additional fee.
Materials
The cost of furnishings and décor is an additional expense to consider. On average, furnishings can add between $2,000 and $5,000 to your total costs.
Software
If your designer utilizes advanced design software to provide digital renderings of your space, this expertise may increase their rate by an additional 5% to 10% for digital mockups.
Interior Designer Costs by Service Type
There are several ways an interior designer may bill for their work. Here’s a closer look at common fee structures for interior design work.
| Fee Structure | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $50-$500 |
| Per sq. ft. | $5-$15 |
| Flat rate | $250-$50,000 |
| Commission | 10%-40% |
| Percent of project cost | 20%-45% |
Interior Designer Hourly Rate
Most residential designers bill $50 to $200 per hour, and that figure covers design time only—shopping trips and materials are extra.
Design Fees per Square Foot
Designers of large spaces charge $5 to $15 per square foot. This rate often doesn’t include furnishings or installation. Design pros who set rates by the square foot often have a minimum fee for smaller spaces, like a bedroom or bathroom.
Designer Flat Rate
Some designers charge a flat-rate fee covering the entire project. Low-end costs can be as low as $250, going up to $50,000 depending on project scope.
Commission
Many designers include a commission on materials and furnishings, ranging from 10% to 40%.
Design Consultation Fee
An initial design consultation costs $150 to $500, depending on the duration and complexity, and lasts two to four hours.
During your initial design consultation, you can:
Communicate your vision and requirements for the space
Understand what the designer can offer
Determine if they are the right fit for your project
Interior Designer vs. Decorator
Interior designers are trained and licensed professionals who help you create functional, high-quality spaces that meet your requirements. Their expertise in local building codes and regulations contributes to higher fees than those of decorators. Interior designers often collaborate with architects to ensure plans are safe and efficient.
Interior decorators often cost less than designers because they focus on the finishing touches—color, fabrics, and accessories—rather than structural changes. They’ll handle tasks like:
Accessories and decor
Since decorators do not require formal training, they are not qualified to design or build spaces structurally. Instead, they emphasize aesthetics by introducing new color schemes and stylish elements. Before hiring, inquire about a decorator’s experience to understand their capabilities for your home.
Budgeting for Hiring an Interior Designer
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make working with an interior designer more budget-friendly:
Buy furniture and decor items yourself to save commission fees and to shop around for the best prices.
Start with smaller projects, such as designing one central room in your home rather than your entire space.
Obtain detailed quotes from at least three local interior designers to ensure competitive pricing.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Interior Designer
For most remodels, bringing in a designer is money well spent. A seasoned pro turns your wish list into an actionable plan, taps local contacts for trusted trades and showrooms, and uses design software to keep everyone on the same page. Working with an interior designer in your area means less stress, fewer missteps, and a space that feels uniquely yours.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Start by defining your goals and budget. Collect photos of rooms you love, jot down must-have features, and list what isn’t working in your current space. Share these details—and your target budget—during the first meeting. The clearer you are, the quicker a designer can translate your vision into a workable plan and keep costs in check.
Yes, working with an interior designer can help you save money. Designers prevent costly missteps, secure trade discounts on furniture and finishes, and coordinate the project so you don’t pay twice for the same work. Their upfront fee often pays for itself in avoided change orders, tighter timelines, and materials purchased at below-retail pricing.
A full interior design project wraps up in two to three months, on average, while a decorating job takes four to eight weeks. Timelines stretch if you add structural changes, custom millwork, or specialty materials, and unexpected shipping or permit delays can tack on extra days. Talk with your designer about project milestones and build in a little wiggle room.
Interview at least three pros whose portfolios match your style. Review their credentials and ask for references. During a face-to-face or virtual meeting, discuss your goals, budget, and timeline, and make sure their communication style and fee structure feel comfortable. The right designer combines technical know-how with a creative approach that clicks with you.
