This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for an interior designer.
In October 2025, interior design fees are primarily set by scope, market, and billing model.
Most full-service residential projects fall between a few thousand dollars per room to six figures for whole homes, while commercial work is priced by square foot or as a percentage of build cost. Hourly work typically sits in the low-to-mid hundreds per hour in major markets.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for an interior designer. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our interior designer financial forecast.
Interior design project fees in 2025 vary by space type (residential vs. commercial), scope, and geography. New founders should pick a clear fee model, define scope precisely, and price for procurement and project management.
Use the table below as a fast benchmark before building your offer and quoting clients.
| Topic | Typical Range (Oct 2025) | Notes / When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Residential per room (design fee) | $2,000–$12,000+ per room | Excludes furniture; scope and deliverables (drawings, 3D, sourcing) drive price. |
| Hourly rate | $100–$200/hr (standard), up to $500/hr (top-tier) | Ideal for consultations, small scopes, or uncertain scope boundaries. |
| Per-square-foot (residential & commercial) | $5–$20/sq ft | Useful for larger footprints; commercial briefs often skew higher within range. |
| Flat fee (whole home) | $20,000–$150,000+ | Depends on home size, level of customization, and number of rooms. |
| % of construction/furnishing budget | 8–12% of construction; 10–40% of furnishings | Aligns incentives with scope scale; needs clear inclusions/exclusions. |
| Procurement markup | 20–50% on approved purchases | Offsets product selection, ordering, logistics, warehousing, and install risk. |
| Commercial fee benchmark | ~$8–$20/sq ft or 3–6% of construction (large projects) | Lower percentage on very large builds but higher overall fees. |
What is the typical price range clients pay for a complete interior design project?
Most clients pay from a few thousand dollars per room to six figures for full homes in interior design.
For residential projects, a common range is $2,000–$12,000+ per room excluding furniture, while whole-home flat fees can span $20,000–$150,000+ depending on size and luxury. Commercial projects are often quoted at $8–$20 per square foot or a percentage of construction cost.
When you price, state exactly what the fee includes (drawings, mood boards, FF&E schedules, site visits) and what is billed separately (procurement, freight, installation). Always tie the fee to a clear deliverables list and a milestone schedule for payments.
Set minimums for small jobs to avoid scope creep and protect margins on high-touch work. You’ll find detailed market insights in our interior designer business plan, updated every quarter.
For a new studio, publish a transparent rate card with a price bracket per room and a default hourly rate for out-of-scope tasks.
How do fees differ between residential and commercial interior design?
Commercial interior design typically uses per-square-foot or percentage models and yields higher overall fees than residential.
Residential work more often uses flat or room-based pricing, while commercial proposals lean on $/sq ft or a percentage of construction. Commercial percentages can be lower on very large builds but still result in larger absolute fees.
| Dimension | Residential (Typical) | Commercial (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary model | Flat per room; whole-home flat fee | $8–$20/sq ft or 3–6% of construction (large projects) |
| Hourly use | $100–$200/hr for consults and extras | $125–$250+/hr for coordination and change orders |
| Procurement | 20–50% markup on furnishings | Markup on FF&E; separate PM retainer common |
| Documentation depth | Design intent, schedules, mood boards | Detailed specs, code compliance, coordination sets |
| Payment structure | Deposit + milestones (concept, DD, final) | Mobilization + staged % against construction phases |
| Risk profile | Client changes; small-scope creep | Schedule penalties; multi-trade coordination risks |
Which pricing models are most common (flat fee, hourly, percentage, per sq ft)?
The four dominant models are flat fee, hourly rate, percentage of budget, and per-square-foot pricing in interior design.
Studios often combine a fixed design fee with hourly billing for changes plus procurement markup on approved purchases. Your choice should match scope clarity, client expectations, and contract risk.
| Model | Typical Figures (2025) | When It Fits Best / Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| Flat fee | $2,000–$12,000+ per room; $20k–$150k+ whole home | Great for defined deliverables; include revision limits and hourly overages clause. |
| Hourly | $100–$200/hr; up to $500/hr top-tier | Best for consults and unclear scopes; cap hours to reduce client anxiety. |
| Per-square-foot | $5–$20/sq ft | Useful for large footprints; tie to documentation level and code complexity. |
| % of construction | 8–12% (full-service) | Aligns with build cost; exclude GC change orders you don’t drive. |
| % of furnishings budget | 10–40% | Works for FF&E-heavy scopes; control returns and lead-times in terms. |
| Hybrid | Flat fee + hourly + markup | Most common; requires crystal-clear scope and invoicing cadence. |
What is the current average hourly rate for an interior designer?
The standard hourly rate for interior designers sits at $100–$200 in 2025.
Top-tier or niche experts in major metros bill $250–$500/hr, especially for short, high-impact consultations. Smaller markets and early-career designers often start near $75–$125/hr.
Publish a list rate, then package blocks (e.g., 10-hour design sprints) with slight discounts to improve conversion. Always state the minimum billable increment (e.g., 30 minutes) and travel time policy.
Pair hourly with clear weekly timesheets so clients see progress and value. This is one of the strategies explained in our interior designer business plan.
Increase your rate on renewals to match seniority and demand once you cross 70–80% utilization.
How does total project fee change with size and complexity?
Fees rise non-linearly as footprint grows and complexity increases.
Large, custom, or code-heavy scopes require more documentation, vendor coordination, and site time—pushing either $/sq ft, flat fee, or hours upward. Small spaces with bespoke millwork can cost more per sq ft than larger but simpler layouts.
| Space Tier | Indicative Fee Pattern | Complexity Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Single room | $2,000–$12,000+ design fee | Custom built-ins, premium finishes, tight access, change requests. |
| Small apartment (≤800 sq ft) | $5–$15/sq ft or $10k–$40k flat | Space planning constraints; multi-trade coordination in compact areas. |
| Whole home (2–4 BR) | $20k–$150k+ flat or hybrid | Room count, bespoke joinery, lighting design depth, procurement scope. |
| Retail/Office ≤10k sq ft | $8–$18/sq ft | Brand standards, code, MEP coordination, schedule pressure. |
| Hospitality/Office 10k–50k | $10–$20/sq ft; 3–6% of construction | Wayfinding, durability specs, multi-site stakeholders, permits. |
| High-luxury custom | Upper end of all ranges | Bespoke materials, artisan vendors, mockups, approvals. |
What additional costs are typically charged beyond the design fee?
Beyond the core design fee, clients pay for procurement, logistics, and project management.
Typical add-ons include a 20–50% markup on furnishings, freight and storage charges, installation labor, and separate hourly PM. Travel, site visits, and rush fees should be pre-authorized in writing.
| Cost Type | Typical Charge | Details / Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement markup | 20–50% on purchases | Selection, ordering, QA, warehousing, damage handling, returns. |
| Freight & storage | Pass-through + handling fee | Consolidation, white-glove delivery, long lead items. |
| Installation labor | Vendor rates + coordination fee | Art hanging, window treatments, assembly, staging. |
| Project management | $100–$200/hr or monthly retainer | Trade coordination, schedules, site meetings, punch lists. |
| Travel & site time | Hourly + mileage/day rate | Out-of-town projects, multi-site rollouts. |
| Change orders | Hourly + restocking/fees | Client-driven changes after approvals; document via CCDs. |
How much do location and local market conditions influence fees?
Geography is a major driver of interior design pricing.
Major metros and luxury destinations command the highest rates; secondary and rural markets are lower. International projects vary with import duties, logistics, and currency.
| Market Tier | Indicative Pricing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Global luxury metros | $150–$300+ hr; $12k+ per room | NYC, London, Paris, Dubai; premium vendor networks and time costs. |
| Major cities | $125–$225 hr; $6k–$15k per room | High demand and overhead; tight schedules and compliance. |
| Mid-markets | $100–$175 hr; $4k–$10k per room | Balanced demand; hybrid billing common. |
| Small cities/suburbs | $85–$150 hr; $3k–$8k per room | Lower overhead; selective procurement to control freight. |
| Rural | $75–$125 hr; $2k–$6k per room | Travel charges matter; vendor scarcity impacts lead times. |
| International remote | Custom quote | Visas, duties, language, long supply chains; add contingency. |
| Multi-site rollouts | $8–$18/sq ft | Standardized docs, economies of scale, strict brand guidelines. |
How does designer experience and reputation affect fees?
Experience and brand recognition significantly increase fees in interior design.
Early-career designers price near the market’s lower bounds, while senior and award-winning studios charge premium hourly rates and higher flat/percentage fees. Reputation reduces price sensitivity and raises minimum project sizes.
| Seniority | Typical Pricing | Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Junior / emerging | $75–$125/hr; $2k–$5k per room | Portfolio building; flexible packages and e-design. |
| Mid-level | $100–$175/hr; $5k–$10k per room | Process maturity; hybrid pricing and tighter scopes. |
| Senior / principal-led | $150–$250/hr; $8k–$20k per room | Referrals-driven; larger minimums, strong vendor terms. |
| Celebrity/high-profile | $250–$500+/hr; custom flat | Waitlists; media value; strict revision control. |
| Specialist (e.g., hospitality) | $10–$20/sq ft; 3–6% of construction | Technical coordination and brand standards expertise. |
| Design-build studios | Custom hybrid | Integrated GC/architect partner; broader liability scope. |
What percentage do interior designers charge when billing off project budget?
Two percentage models dominate: construction cost (8–12%) and furnishings budget (10–40%).
For large commercial builds, percentages can compress to ~3–6% due to scale, while luxury residential FF&E often lands near the upper half of the furnishings range. Always define “budget” precisely and exclude GC-driven change orders you do not control.
Set a minimum fee so very small budgets still cover time and liability. Convert late client changes to hourly beyond an agreed revision count.
Publish example math in proposals so clients see how fees scale with budget bands. We cover this exact topic in the interior designer business plan.
When budgets are volatile, quote a fixed design fee plus percentage on procurement only.
How do fees vary between independent designers and established firms?
Independent designers usually price at the lower end; established firms set higher minimums and structured fees.
Independents favor flat or hourly with flexible deliverables, while larger firms prefer per-square-foot or percentage models with formal PM and admin fees. Firms also enforce tighter change control and retainer requirements.
- Independents: faster proposals, adaptable scope, lower overhead passed to clients.
- Firms: deeper documentation, in-house specialists, stronger vendor terms.
- Independents may win small jobs by agility; firms target larger, multi-room or multi-site scopes.
- Firms commonly require higher deposits and monthly billing cycles.
- Client risk tolerance and schedule drive the choice as much as price.
What recent trends affect how clients are billed and what they pay?
Billing is shifting toward hybrid models with clearer transparency.
Studios combine fixed design fees with hourly for changes and procurement markups to cover logistics. Clients request itemized invoices, capped hours, and milestone-based payments to manage cash flow.
- Growth of e-design/virtual packages ($79–$2,000) for entry-level clients.
- Hybrid billing as default (fixed + hourly + markup).
- Broader use of retainers and minimums to secure calendars.
- Standardized change-order processes to prevent budget drift.
- More price tiers (good/better/best) to improve conversion.
Which benchmarks or reports are reliable for up-to-date fees?
Use a mix of national consumer guides and professional industry surveys for interior design.
Consumer-facing sources (e.g., Sweeten, Decorilla, House Beautiful) give practical ranges, while ASID, IIDA, and region-specific posts offer commercial detail. Cross-check with local market reports and vendor quotes.
- Consumer guides for quick ranges and client expectations.
- Industry associations and regional posts for commercial and code-driven scopes.
- Design studio blogs with transparent pricing pages for real examples.
- Marketplaces and procurement partners for current lead times and markups.
- Annual updates to adjust for inflation and freight patterns.
What is the average hourly rate for an interior designer today?
The broad market average centers on $100–$200 per hour.
Rates climb in major metros and among senior principals, while junior or remote studios may sit lower. Publish a list rate and a surcharge for urgent or weekend work.
Offer prepaid hour bundles at modest discounts to improve cash flow. It’s a key part of what we outline in the interior designer business plan.
Revisit rates at least annually to reflect demand and inflation.
How should I pick my pricing model when starting an interior design business?
Choose the model that best matches scope clarity and your operations.
Use flat fees for well-defined deliverables, hourly for discovery or small consults, and percentage or $/sq ft for large or commercial projects. Hybrids work best when you need predictability plus flexibility.
Start with a lean menu: consultation (hourly), single-room flat packages, and a whole-home starter tier. Add procurement markup only after you have vetted receiving and install partners.
Template your SOWs with inclusions, exclusions, and a change-order path to protect margin. Get expert guidance and actionable steps inside our interior designer business plan.
Price with confidence by benchmarking locally and testing minimums to manage pipeline quality.
Can you show quick residential vs. commercial fee examples?
Yes—use these reference bands for quoting in 2025.
Adjust upward for luxury, complex compliance, and tight schedules. Adjust downward for limited deliverables or client-managed procurement.
| Scenario | Residential Example | Commercial Example |
|---|---|---|
| Single room refresh | $3,500 design fee + 25% procurement | $5–$8/sq ft light-touch concept package |
| Kitchen remodel | $8,000–$20,000 flat design | $10–$15/sq ft for front-of-house F&B area |
| Whole apartment 1,000 sq ft | $12–$18/sq ft or $25k–$60k flat | $12–$18/sq ft boutique office fit-out |
| Large home 3,500 sq ft | $50k–$150k+ flat hybrid | n/a |
| Retail 8,000 sq ft | n/a | $8–$16/sq ft; 3–6% of construction |
| Hospitality 25,000 sq ft | n/a | $10–$20/sq ft; brand standards drive documentation |
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Want to refine your pricing model?
Explore our in-depth guides on client segments, markups, and margins tailored for interior design studios.
Sources
- Sweeten – Interior designer cost guide
- Decorilla – Interior designer cost
- DesignFiles – Pricing strategies
- House Beautiful – Average cost & fees
- Chrissy & Co – Types of fees
- Hestia – Understanding design fees
- HTS Interiors – 2025 cost guide
- Materia – Commercial fees per sq ft (NY 2025)
- Design Tastemaker – Pricing models
- Rossi Studio – UK cost overview
-Interior designer: customer segments
-Essential tool & software budget for interior designers
-How much markup should interior designers charge?
-Interior designer profit margins: benchmarks
-Pricing models for interior design services
-Home decor & interior industry statistics
-Is an interior design business profitable?
-Is interior design worth pursuing?