Wait, How Much Does Interior Design Cost?

eb&co designs
Jul 30, 2020
3 min read

Updated: Sep 8, 2020

If you're on the search for an interior designer or have no clue where to start... have no fear! You're in the right place.

Photo by: Kirill Zakharov [@kirillz (instagram)]

Welcome to the world of interior design — where the "rules" of design are more like guidelines, or principles; and design elements are catered to each individual preference. So, when it comes to the actual hiring of an interior designer, the "rules" follow suit; the guidelines for pricing & services can vary greatly — which can make it very challenging for you.

“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.” - Nate Berkus, The Things That Matter

The reasoning behind the vast contrast in price is mainly caused by the individual designer's cost structure: some charge hourly, while some charge a flat rate; others adjust their price by taking into account project size or charge a commission percentage on the total cost. Regardless, being informed of the available options is a good place to start.

Now that we live in the Age of Technology, #DIY internet tutorials are the most accessible they've ever been — it's common to believe interior design cost is an easy solve, but behind the scenes, that price is made up of several important factor. [See below]

Average Cost

On average, it's safe to say a typical traditional designer would cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per room —excluding furniture purchases. Thankfully, for those of us with a smaller allowance, there are more affordable alternative: e-services! Online interior design service costs typically range from $75 to $1,600 per project, and are usually a flat rate; which, in comparison, can save you thousands.

Investing in an online project is a budget-savvy way to connect with professionals that's simple, quick and easy. The benefit mainly being you can work at your own pace, set your own schedule, preview how everything will look before you buy it (through 3D renderings or Concept Boards) and you never need to leave your house!

That being said, there are benefits to investing in the traditional interior designer [cost included]. An interior designer is your go-to person not just for colour selection or table placement; they also:

spent lots of time & money on certification programs (ie. not just a google search)
design computer renderings of your space for better visualizations
effectively manage communication between contractors, electricians, painters, etc.
source, purchase, verify, & arrange installation of products from a large network of stores and furniture designers

Let's Talk Questions: Basic Costs

The first helpful step in determining how much a design service costs is to answer some basic questions before hiring either an online or in-person/traditional interior designer.

What's the scope of the project?

It's important to be clear and realistic. Ripping down walls and gutting out your bathroom is a very different cost expectation to slapping on new paint and adding a few tasteful pillows.

What's the size of your space?

Some designers charge by square footage! The bigger the space, the more time and energy they will spend on creating multiple layout options and sourcing pieces for a large home's living room vs a 600 sq.ft. apartment.

What's your budget?

This is what will fuel your project. Before looking at numbers, start by making a list of needs & wants for your space, and then prioritize it. This will layout a plan for the designer to know what portion of your budget is allotted to (ie.) furniture or decor. Keep in mind there are always unexpected costs that arise: repairs, shipping, or impulse buys... so account for some wiggle room.

Photo by: Marten Bjork

Your interior design cost does not need to break the bank. The above tips and other articles like this one from Angieslist and this one about the cost of an interior designer can help you go into your interior design project informed and prepared.