How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost | 2025
How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?I get it! It’s confusing, right? Every interior designer charges differently, and it can be tough to know what to expect. I totally understand how intimidating it can feel to approach an interior designer without having a clear idea of the costs. That’s why I’m here to give you a bit of guidance on what to expect.
But just to be clear, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—every designer is different, especially in Melbourne or across Australia. However, I hope this gives you a clearer picture of how things work, some general pricing structures, and what to expect when you’re thinking about hiring an interior designer.
At the end, I’ll also share how I charge so you can get a better sense of my pricing and services.
Did you know that working with an interior designer comes with special supplier discounts? Here’s a treat for you! Get an exclusive discount on bathware and kitchen products at The Blue Space using this link.
Table of Contents
Know What You Need – Stylist or Designer?
Before jumping into costs, it’s important to understand what you’re actually hiring. Are you looking for a stylist or an interior designer? It might seem like a small distinction, but it will help you figure out which services you need and how those impact the cost.
Stylists ( Decorator) focus more on decor and aesthetics—think furniture, soft furnishings, and accessories. They’re great if you’re looking to refresh a space with new pieces like curtains, cushions, or artwork. They typically don’t handle renovation projects or complex design work like custom joinery. This means their packages often don’t include much documentation, like working drawings, or project management during renovations. On the upside, stylists are often able to find great deals on furniture and can handle procurement for you.
If you’re just sprucing up your living room with new furniture or giving your bedroom a makeover, a stylist is probably your best bet.
Interior designers, on the other hand, tend to work on more comprehensive projects, like renovations or new builds. Their services include not just conceptual design, but also detailed plans for tradespeople (e.g., joinery, plumbing, electrical work) and a full product list or finishes schedule. If you’re tackling a kitchen or bathroom renovation, you’ll likely need an interior designer rather than a stylist.
Some designers can do both, offering styling and design services in one package. If that’s what you need, be sure to mention it when you first talk to your designer.
Know the Different Fee Structures
Interior designers typically work in a few different ways when it comes to pricing, depending on the scope of the project. Here are the three major fee structures to expect:
Hourly Rate
Hourly rates are common for smaller projects or consultations, especially when the scope of work is more flexible. Some interior designers charge an hourly rate for things like administrative work or project management, while the actual design work is billed at a flat fee. So, be sure to clarify what’s included in the hourly rate versus a flat fee.
Flat Fee
Flat fees are often used for larger projects like full home renovations or detailed design work. This allows the designer to estimate the total time and effort required for the job. As mentioned above, some designers may combine a flat fee for design work with an hourly rate for project management or administrative tasks. Always discuss the specifics with your designer before moving forward.
Project-Based Pricing
For larger, more complex projects, many interior designers offer project-based pricing. This can be determined by the size of the space, the scope of the work, and whether project management is included. Some designers may charge a percentage of the total project cost, while others offer a fixed price based on the work involved. This type of pricing is often used for major renovations or redesigns.
How I Charge
Now, let’s talk about how I structure my pricing.
Consultation
My services start with a 90-minute consultation. During this session, we’ll talk about your vision, goals, and ideas for your space. To make the most out of our time, I’ll ask you to send me any relevant information you have beforehand—this way, I can do a little homework and ensure we’re super efficient during the meeting.
After the consultation, I’ll provide you with a detailed report that includes everything we discussed and even additional suggestions that we didn’t have time to cover.
What’s Included:
- Pre-Session Prep: Send me your ideas and details beforehand, so we can hit the ground running.
- 90-Minute Session: Discuss your space, explore options, and refine your design direction.
- Detailed Report: Receive a follow-up report with everything we covered and extra suggestions.
Whether we meet via Zoom or in person, I make sure that you never miss out on anything important.
Full Design Service: Fixed Fee
If you feel like you need a complete design service after our consultation, I’ll provide a quotation based on your specific requirements. This will be a fixed fee, so you’ll know upfront what the cost will be. The consultation fee will be deducted from this total if you decide to move forward.
The fixed fee generally includes:
- Conceptual design
- 3D renderings
- Detailed working drawings
- Finishes schedule (a full product list)
Project Management: Hourly Rate
I charge an hourly rate for project management tasks, such as site visits during construction, and coordinating with tradespeople. The reason for this is simple: every project is different.
While the design process is fairly consistent, construction can be unpredictable. It’s not fair to include this in the fixed fee because some projects will require more attention than others.
By charging an hourly rate for this part, you only pay for the time and effort actually spent on managing your project.
Other Services: Floor Plan/Joinery Review
If you already have a floor plan or joinery drawings and just need some expert advice on functionality and design, I offer a Floor Plan/Joinery Review service. This is a slightly upgraded version of the consultation.
In this 90-minute consultation, we’ll review your existing plans, discuss potential improvements, and make sure everything works and looks great. As with the consultation, I’ll ask you to send your materials in advance so I can prepare and make the most of our time together.
Afterward, you’ll receive a marked-up plan and a detailed report with all my recommendations.
Cost: Starting from $1,800 for a one-storey, 300sqm home. Prices may vary based on the project’s complexity, so feel free to contact me for a more tailored quote.
Why Start with a Consultation?
Starting with a consultation is really important. It’s hard to commit to a full design service when you’re not 100% sure about the process or the designer you’re working with. The consultation is a great opportunity to get to know me and see if we’re a good fit.
You’ll also get a sense of how I work, and what the design process looks like. Even if you decide not to move forward with the full design service, you’ll walk away with some great insights and ideas for your space.
Sometimes, after the consultation, you might realize that you don’t need a full design package after all. Maybe you just needed a little push to get started, and once you have some initial guidance, things start rolling on their own!
Unsure Which Service is Right for You?
No worries! Every project is unique.
If you’re not sure what service fits your needs best, just shoot me an email with as much detail about your project as you can. I’ll suggest the best package for you!
Don’t Hire a Designer Just to Save Money
While hiring an interior designer can ultimately save you money in the long run, it shouldn’t be the only reason you’re seeking help.
The role of an interior designer goes beyond just saving a few bucks. A designer is there to save you time, reduce stress in planning and organizing, and to help avoid costly mistakes in both construction and design.
Most importantly, a designer’s job is to create your dream space, one that’s both functional and beautiful, tailored specifically to your needs and lifestyle. You should hire a designer because you value these things—not simply because you think it’s a cheaper way to get things done.
Don’t Hire a Designer if You Just Want the Basics
If you’re not concerned with style and just want something basic that works, hiring a designer may not be the right choice. You’ll likely be disappointed if your only goal is simplicity.
For basic, functional design, many builders, joinery makers, and even suppliers offer free or low-cost design services that can help you achieve something simple. If that’s all you’re after, these options might be more suitable for you.
Alternatively, you can subscribe to my blog, where I regularly share practical design tips for kitchens, bathrooms, and colour schemes that you can easily replicate for your home renovation.
See this: Designing a Timeless Space with The Blue Space Products | Bathroom Renovation
However, if you’re unsure about your design direction, a consultation could still be valuable for some initial guidance.
The Key Value of an Interior Designer
An interior designer is fully immersed in the industry, constantly researching and absorbing inspiration from various sources. We spend a lot of time studying good design and staying on top of trends, ensuring we create spaces that not only look great now but stand the test of time. We help you avoid falling into the trap of following short-term trends and focus on what really reflects your unique style.
Ultimately, an interior designer is here to bring your vision to life. You deserve a space that is uniquely yours, that reflects who you are and is customized to your lifestyle. Plus, a well-designed space can increase your property value, making it a wise investment for the future.
Ready to Create Your Dream Space?
Your home should feel beautiful and functional — and that’s where I come in.
✨ Start with a 90-minute consultation. You’ll get:
- A deep dive into your ideas and challenges
- Expert, personalised advice
- A written report with clear next steps
📩 Contact me today to begin your design journey.
Email: Jacqueline@thegladedesign.com
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