So you’re thinking about hiring an interior designer to turn your home into a space that represents your personality and makes you proud to call it your own? First off-how freaking exciting!!! Second, I’m sure you’ve got lots of questions swirling around in your brain. And one of them is probably, “How much does an interior designer cost?”
While I wish I could give you a concrete number, it’s a bit more complicated than that. How much an interior designer costs depends on many factors, and prices can vary as much as the choices on a sushi conveyor belt. But before you X out of this window in frustration, hang tight because I promise you’ll have a better understanding of the mystery of interior design fees by the end of this extremely well-written and captivating blog post;)
Hourly Rates: The Wild West of Interior Design Fees
Many interior designers charge by the hour. And that hourly rate could be anywhere from $50 to $500 depending on things like their experience, location, and the complexity of your project. Kelly Wearstler, with all of her notoriety and experience, is 100% going to charge way more than a baby designer just starting their career. That said, the total fee shouldn’t come as a surprise because a designer who charges by the hour should be able to give you an accurate idea of how many hours your project will take. And they should also let you know if your project is starting to creep beyond that initial estimate.
Flat Fees: The Fixed-Price Menu
Another way interior designers charge is through a flat fee. Think of a fixed-price menu at a restaurant—you’ve got a set number of courses and wine pairings (design services) for a predetermined price. You’ll know exactly what is and is not included in the fee. Flat fees can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. A dining room refresh focusing mainly on decorating will cost less than a complete kitchen remodel.
So, how do designers come up with this flat fee? Even when designers charge a flat fee, they still track the time it takes them to complete the job. So, they’ll look at past projects that are similar to yours and use that to determine your project’s cost.
Percentage of the Project Cost: The Mysterious Math Game
A third way designers bill is by charging a percentage of the total project cost. This percentage can range from 10% to 30% or more, depending on…you guessed it- your project’s complexity, location, and scope. So, if you plan to revamp your bedroom with solid gold wallpaper and diamond-studded curtains (which sounds absolutely hideous?), you’ll be looking at the higher end of that range. But hey, it’s your space and money, and if you want it to look like Liberace’s mansion, have at it.
It’s also not abnormal for designers to bill using a combination of these methods. For example, charging a flat fee for the design phase of a project and then hourly for the project management phase.
You’re probably asking yourself, “But Jess, how do YOU charge?” I thought you’d never ask! This designer prefers the flat-fee method. I want you to know exactly what you’re paying up front-no surprises or unexpected costs.
There’s no simple answer to the question, “how much does an interior designer cost?” So, whether you’re ready to splurge on hiring Ken Fulk or prefer a rising star, remember that the price tag is just one piece of the puzzle. Experience, portfolio, and ability to understand your vision are pretty damn important too! And if you think I’m the designer for you, I’d love to chat with you about about making your home a place you’ll never want to leave.
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