Find an Interior Designer near you
The average rating for Bark Interior Designers is 4.89, based on 91,985 reviews
5/5
based on 91,985 reviews
Want to revamp your living space but not sure of the cost? Here’s everything you need to know about how much an interior designer will charge based on how many rooms you have, their experience, your location, and more.
Your home is the one place to relax and reset, so making sure it’s a space you feel comfortable spending time in is essential. If your living space needs a refresh but you’re not sure how to make it happen, you probably need an interior designer.
Your interior designer can give your home a new lease of life by curating a style that suits your personality perfectly. They’ll consider materials, color schemes, and furniture, bringing them all together to create a brand new look. They can even help hire the right people (like painters) to put it all together, or, if you prefer, simply leave you with a design and let you do more of the work yourself. It all depends on your preference.
This interior design price guide will help you understand where you cash goes, so you can budget for your makeover. A quick note - this guide is based on average US prices, so while it's a good place to start your journey, the best way to get numbers for your project is to request quotes from interior designers near you.
The average price of interior design is $100-$200 an hour. Designing an interior that works with your home's physical features and limitations is complex work, and designers are usually highly experienced and will be able to foresee (and fix) problems a non-expert can't.
On average, the overall cost of an interior design project ends up being $5,000 for one room. This doesn't include the price of materials, like paint and furniture, which you'll have to foot yourself (although your designer may be able to purchase them on your behalf).
Prices are variable based on several factors, but you'll also find interior designers who cost below, or above, the average. Here's how those price ranges look:
| Average cost (per hour) | $100 - $200 |
| Minimum cost (per hour) | $50 |
| Maximum cost (per hour) | $500 |
Interior designers may cost more depending on their qualifications, experience, and portfolio. Find out which interior design trade bodies and organizations they belong to as well, as this can (but not always) indicate quality and potentially better protection in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.
Every interior designer will include different things in their quote, usually depending on what you want from their service. For example, you could save money by opting for design only and doing most of the work yourself, or you could completely hand the reigns over - basically paying for convenience. Here are some of the things interior designers will do:
Consultation and vision development:
Meet with clients to understand their lifestyle, taste, and budget.
Develop a vision for the space that aligns with the client's preferences.
Use drafted drawings, presentations, 3D renderings, and mood boards to communicate the design vision.
Space planning:
Create furniture layouts to maximize flow and lighting.
Ensure layouts are functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Incorporate client preferences, budget constraints, and current trends.
Furniture and decor selection:
Suggest appropriate furniture, lighting, and decor items based on the client's budget.
Help clients prioritize their needs for the space.
Offer recommendations that enhance both the look and functionality of the space.
Procurement and management:
Purchase furniture and decor items on behalf of the client.
Organize orders, deliveries, and installation of purchased items.
Handle logistics to ensure timely and efficient project execution.
Coordination with contractors:
In larger renovation projects, work with contractors and fabricators.
Coordinate the various aspects of the project to ensure cohesive execution.
Oversee the project to ensure it meets design standards and client expectations.
Depending on the services you want your interior designer to include, you might find that instead of charging hourly, your designer costs the whole project (by estimating the amount of work it will take), taking a percentage of the overall budget spend, or a combination of all three payment methods.
The cost of an interior designer can vary depending on a range of factors:
Project size
Professional’s experience
Materials
Location
Fixed fee
The more rooms you want to renovate, the bigger the project, and the higher the costs. But interior design significantly increases your home’s value, so it’s a worthwhile investment, especially if you want to sell your property at some point.
Outstanding results come with skills and knowledge gained over time, so if you want a beautiful home, make sure you choose someone with years of experience under their belt.
The best way to check this is by asking to see their portfolio of past projects.
| Experience level | Average cost (per hour) |
| Junior | $45 - $120 |
| Mid-range | $150 - $200 |
| Experienced | $400+ |
The prices of materials can vary dramatically depending on the quality. The best person to advise you on this will be your interior designer, who will be able to help you choose the best option for your budget.
If you live in a big city like New York or Los Angeles you will pay more for the same service in other parts of the US, to reflect the higher cost of living.
Consultation fees - Most interior designers will charge an additional fee for an initial consultation to better understand what you’re looking for. You can pay anywhere between $45 - $300 as an additional fee for this service.
Travel fees - If your expert doesn’t live locally, they will probably factor in travel fees into the overall cost.
Fixed fee - Not all interior designers charge an hourly rate. Some may charge a ‘fixed fee’ which is agreed at the beginning of the project.
If you’re on a budget, don’t despair! Here are some tips on how to renovate your home on a shoestring:
Give old furniture a new lease of life - It’s easier than you think to make an old piece of furniture look brand new. Sometimes all you need is a fresh coat of paint. If you can’t visualize this yourself, ask your interior designer for some inspiration.
Shop second-hand - If you’re willing to spend some time hunting for bargains, you can get some beautiful interior items in charity shops or websites selling second-hand items.
Online services - There are some completely online services which include a remote consultation, followed by your consultant drawing up plans for you and helping your source furniture. Except to pay $500-$1,200 per room for this on average. Bear in mind that while it's a great way to save money, you won't get the same level of in-depth service.
Don’t go crazy with your color scheme - While it may seem tempting to paint your home in the most daring color of the season, you could quickly get sick of having it in your home every day, and you could end up repainting it in a few months. It’s best to opt for a timeless, classic color you won’t tire of.
The average rating for Bark Interior Designers is 4.89, based on 91,985 reviews
5/5
based on 91,985 reviews
