How much does interior designers cost

Interior designer costs vary based on their experience. On average, expect to pay around:

• $50–$90 per hour for an inexperienced interior designer
• $100–$300 per hour for experienced interior designers who have been featured in magazines
   

Interior designers have a reputation for being expensive, but how much an interior designer costs depends on what you want them to help you with and how much time they are going to spend with you.

The average cost of an interior designer is $100 to $300 per hour, but it can be less depending on their level of experience and if you only want some advice rather than hiring them to manage a project.

Read this guide to find out more about:

• What is an interior designer?
• How to choose an interior designer
• How much does an interior designer cost?
• What other factors affect interior designer costs?
• Getting quotes from interior designers

What is an interior designer?

When you're hiring an interior designer, the first thing to know is that interior designers are not just interior decorators. An interior designer has taken courses in interior design that include the spatial, material and structural elements of design. A good interior designer can use this information in any setting and produce stunning results.

An interior designer isn't someone who will come into your home and tell you what it should look like. Rather, a good interior designer will ask you about your preferences in style, colour and other aspects of design and work with you to achieve your dream design. An experienced interior designer can help you with any design from minimalist to ethnic design or something more traditional.

A good interior designer will be objective, but will use their expertise to create an interior setting that can be more beautiful than an amateur could produce. That's because they understand the spatial aspects of design and know how to integrate colours into any room of the house. They can create an interior that isn't too crammed with things, but looks perfect with just the right amount of furniture and decorative elements.

If you agree to work with a designer, they will start putting together a portfolio of things you may want in your home. This may include furnishings, drapes, rugs and other materials and they will choose colours based on your preferences. Some interior designers may also create drawings so you can see what your new interior will look like.

How to choose an interior designer

Different types of interior designers suit different needs. Some prefer to focus on one style of interior, whether it's a minimalist design or a design from a past era. Others will work with you to create an interior that matches your personal style. Some are well-known interior designers who have been featured in interior design magazines, while others may be just starting out.

How do you hire an interior designer when you have so many to choose from? If you have a certain style in mind and interior designer costs aren't an issue, a well-known designer may be perfect for you. But if you don't have an unlimited budget, someone less well known will be cheaper. An interior designer who's just starting out may not have much experience to draw on, but they do have years of study behind them and could still help you to achieve your interior design goals.

Some interior designers work online. This can be an ideal way to get advice, but pay a smaller amount than you would if you had them manage an interior design project. They will still charge for their services, but you can ask them about colours, places to find the furniture you're looking for and whether drapes would be a better choice than designer blinds. You will be the one who finds the furniture, but an online interior designer can help you with colours and other aspects of the design.

Read more: Interior trends to look out for in 2021

How much does an interior designer cost?

Interior designers normally charge by the hour. An initial consultation may only take an hour or two. If you want them to manage an interior design project, they may also quote you a price for the whole project.

Interior designer costs vary based on their experience. A popular interior designer will charge more than an interior designer who is just starting out. On average, expect to pay around:

• $50–$90 per hour for an inexperienced interior designer
• $100–$300 per hour for experienced interior designers who have been featured in magazines

Interior designer rates can also vary by state. Not including the cost of furnishings, expect to pay around:

• $80 to $250 in Queensland
• $100 to $300 in Victoria
• $100 to $300 in Western Australia
• $200 to $350 in South Australia
• $200 to $400 in New South Wales
• $250 to $500 in the ACT

Interior designer costs tend to be more expensive in large cities and exclusive suburbs and less expensive outside of large cities. The best way to find out how much they charge in your area is to get quotes from local interior designers.

If you're happy with the layout of your house and just want some help with the furnishings, curtains and other elements of the design, you might consider getting quotes from interior decorators. Although they don't have the education of an interior designer, they may be able to help you choose furnishings, curtains, rugs, wall hangings and even colours.

What other factors affect interior designer costs?

As well as the designer's experience, other things can affect the cost of your project, such as:

• Size and scope of the project
• Type of room
• Materials and furnishings
• Other services hired

Size and scope of the project

A larger project will naturally cost more. Interior design for a single room may cost around $1000, while design for a whole house can range from $5000 to $20,000.

Type of room

Some rooms can have more complex requirements than others. Interior design costs can range from $1000 to $5000 for a living room alone, while some spaces such as an entryway are likely to be simpler.

Materials and furnishings

The materials and products used in your design will affect how much you pay, up to $100,000–$200,000 for a luxury kitchen or bedroom makeover complete with fixtures. Many interior designers can pass on a trade discount to help you save on furniture and other items.

Other services hired

A larger project may need the services of other tradies, including carpenters, cabinet makers and more. If you want your designer to manage the project for you, they can liaise with these other trades and may be able to get you lower rates than if you hired them yourself.

Read more: Interior design trends to avoid

Getting quotes from interior designers

When you're ready to start talking to an interior designer, first get 3 quotes from services in your area. Tell them what you need so they can get back to you with their hourly rates and other details. Rather than just choosing the cheapest hourly rate, ask them how much experience they have and ask for examples of their previous work so you can be confident you're making the right choice.

A designer's previous work is important, because it can tell you if they are the right fit for you or if they have a different sense of style that's not suitable. If you decide to interview all the interior designers you're considering, check whether they charge for an initial consultation or if this is free.

Meeting an interior designer is a crucial part of the process. They may come to your home or ask you to come to their place of business, where they will have colour swatches and pictures of their previous work to show you. It may be a better idea to go to their home or office because they will have more to share with you than they could bring to your home. This can also help you to get an idea of their personal design and decorating style.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.