How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost? | Real Fees in 2026
How much does an interior designer cost? I get it — it’s confusing. 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 a 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 — with real numbers — so you can get a better sense of my pricing and services. And if what you’re really trying to work out is what the renovation costs rather than the designer, I’ve written about that separately in Home Renovation Costs in 2026.
Some links in this post are affiliate links — if you buy through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you get a discount for using the link.
Did you know that working with an interior designer comes with supplier discounts? Here’s a treat for you — going through my link gets you a discount on bathware and kitchen products at The Blue Space. How much depends on the product, and there’s no code to type in — it comes through the link. Worth saving it somewhere if a renovation is still a few months off.
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.
What Actually Changes the Number
Here’s the part most pricing articles skip. Two people can ring the same designer about a kitchen of the same size and get quotes thousands apart, and it usually isn’t the designer being arbitrary. It’s scope.
The things that actually move a design fee, roughly in the order they matter: how many rooms are in it; how much documentation the trades need, because a concept board is a very different piece of work from a full set of working drawings, elevations and a finishes schedule; whether project management is included, which is the part nobody can estimate honestly up front; and how many decisions you’ve already made. Someone who arrives knowing they want a galley layout, timber fronts and a single-bowl sink is buying fewer hours than someone still deciding whether the laundry should move.
That last one is the only lever you control before the quote lands, and it is worth far more than haggling over an hourly rate. My own kitchen came in at $40K and I’ve written up exactly where that money went — the decisions made before anyone lifted a tool were what kept the rest of it sane.
And if the only thing standing between you and a clear brief is the layout, you don’t need a full design service to sort that out. Fix My Floor Plan is $297 a room: send me the plan and a few photos, and you get back what I’d change and why, within 5–7 business days, with no meeting in it. It’s the cheapest way I know to turn “something’s wrong with this room” into a decision you can actually brief someone on.
How I Charge
Now, let’s talk about how I structure my pricing.
Consultation
My services start with a 90-minute design consultation — $550 online, or $700 in person if you’re in Melbourne’s south-east. 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. If you want to see what that actually involves, step by step, I’ve broken it down in the 7-step interior design process.
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, and you can see what one of these actually changes in this whole-home before and after.
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.
Afterwards, 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.
If that’s more than you need — say it’s one room rather than a whole house, and you’d rather not sit in a meeting about it — Fix My Floor Plan is the stripped-back version of the same job at $297 a room. You send the plan and the photos; I send back the layout I’d use, where the furniture goes and the practical next steps, within 5–7 business days.
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 — I’ve written more about what a consultation actually covers if you want the detail.
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 realise 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! Or, if you already know you want a proper conversation about the whole space, book the consultation and we’ll sort it out in ninety minutes.
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 organising, 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 — and there are a few other affordable ways to get design help that don’t involve a full package.
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 customised to your lifestyle. Plus, a well-designed space can increase your property value, making it a wise investment for the future.
Still not sure what’s right for your own place?
That’s the part I do — and there are two ways in, depending on how much you need sorted.
Fix My Floor Plan — $297 a room. Send me your floor plan and a few photos. I’ll tell you what I’d change: where the furniture goes, what’s making the room feel awkward, and the practical next steps to fix it. Back with you in 5–7 business days, and there’s not a single meeting involved.
Or a Design Consultation — $550. Ninety minutes on your whole space: layout, colours, materials, joinery, storage, or just a second opinion before you commit to something expensive. Online, wherever you are in the world.
2 Comments