A reasonable budget for interior design typically ranges from $2,000 to $12,000 per room, including furnishings. Designer fees alone cost between $50 to $500 per hour, or 10% to 20% of your total project cost. Your actual budget depends on your project size, designer experience, and the level of luxury you want.
Planning a design project can feel exciting and scary at the same time. You want your space to look amazing, but you also want to avoid spending too much money. The good news? With the right information, you can set a budget that works for you and still get the beautiful home you dream about.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about interior design budgets. You’ll learn what designers charge, how much different rooms cost, and smart ways to save money without giving up quality.
How Much Do Interior Designers Charge?
Understanding how designers price their work is the first step to planning your budget. Designers use different ways to charge for their services.
Hourly Rates
Most interior designers charge between $50 and $500 per hour, with the average falling around $100 to $200 per hour. Junior designers with less experience usually charge $50 to $100 per hour. More experienced designers can charge $200 to $450 per hour.
Why such a big difference? Location matters a lot. Designers in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle charge 15% to 30% more than designers in smaller towns or rural areas.
Think of it like this: designing one room takes about 12 to 15 hours of work. A kitchen or family room might need 25 to 30 hours because they’re more complex.
Flat Fees Per Room
Many designers offer a flat price for each room. This makes budgeting easier because you know exactly what you’ll pay upfront. Flat fees range from $1,000 to $7,800 per room on average, which includes design work and furnishings.
For design work only (without buying furniture for you), expect to pay $450 to $1,500 per room. When including furniture, the national average cost for designing a single room is around $3,200, with prices ranging from $1,900 in states like Alabama to $12,000 in California.
Per Square Foot Pricing
Some designers charge based on how big your space is. The typical rate is $5 to $17 per square foot, with most homeowners paying between $7 and $12 per square foot.
For example:
- A 100 square foot room = about $1,000
- A 500 square foot space = about $5,000
- A 1,500 square foot home = about $15,000
This method works well for whole-home projects or when you’re designing multiple rooms at once.
Percentage of Total Project Cost
For bigger renovations, designers often charge 10% to 25% of your total project cost. If your renovation costs $100,000, the designer’s fee could range between $10,000 and $25,000.
Luxury projects with custom details or rare materials might cost up to 30% of the project total. This pricing model includes the designer managing everything from start to finish.
Online Design Services
Want to save money? Online interior design services typically range from $159 to $2,099, often at flat rates. These services let you work with professional designers from home. You can see design previews before buying anything, and you work on your own schedule.
Popular platforms charge:
- Basic packages: $79 to $299 per room
- Mid-range services: $500 to $1,000 per room
- Full-service online design: $1,500 to $2,099
What Affects Your Interior Design Budget?
Several things will change how much you need to spend. Understanding these factors helps you plan better.
Project Size and Scope
The bigger your project, the more it costs. A single bedroom refresh costs way less than a full-home makeover.
Small projects include:
- Redecorating one room
- Picking out new furniture
- Updating paint and finishes
Large projects include:
- Whole-home renovations
- Custom furniture building
- Working with contractors
- Moving walls or changing layouts
Your Location
Where you live makes a huge difference. Coastal regions in New York, Florida, and California lead in luxury and high-end interior design, while Midwestern areas tend toward more practical and budget-conscious designs.
Big city designers charge more because:
- Their rent and business costs are higher
- They have more experience with luxury projects
- There’s more demand for their services
Design Style and Complexity
A simple, minimalist design costs less than an intricate luxury style. Projects with custom details, rare materials, or unique finishes drive up costs significantly.
Budget-friendly styles:
- Modern minimalist
- Scandinavian
- Contemporary with clean lines
Higher-cost styles:
- Luxury traditional
- Custom art deco
- High-end bohemian
Materials and Quality
The stuff you choose makes a massive impact on your budget. Custom millwork, imported furnishings, intricate detailing, and high-end branded fixtures add 20% to 50% extra compared to baseline budgets.
You can mix high and low. Spend more on high-touch, heavy-use items like the family room sofa or things with high visual impact like original art. Save money on pieces you use less often.
Designer Experience
The average salary for interior designers across all levels in 2023 was $69,958, representing an 11.3% increase from the previous year. More experienced designers charge higher rates because they:
- Have proven track records
- Make fewer mistakes
- Complete projects faster
- Have better supplier connections
But remember: a cheaper designer isn’t always better value. An experienced designer might actually save you money by avoiding costly mistakes.
Average Costs By Room Type
Different rooms have different price ranges. Here’s what you can expect for the most common spaces.
Living Room Design
Living rooms are often the most expensive to design because they’re where you entertain guests. Living room design typically costs between $2,500 and $12,000, depending on size and complexity.
Budget breakdown:
- Sofa: $800 to $3,000
- Coffee table: $200 to $1,000
- Side tables (pair): $150 to $600
- Lighting: $200 to $1,500
- Rug: $300 to $2,000
- Decor and accessories: $300 to $1,500
Kitchen Design and Renovation
Kitchens cost the most because they involve lots of technical work. Luxury kitchen overhauls often cost between $125 to $250 per square foot, including materials, fixtures, appliances, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and lighting.
A kitchen remodel can return up to 80% of the investment, making it one of the best rooms to invest in.
Bedroom Design
Bedrooms are more affordable because they’re simpler. Each bedroom typically costs $1,000 to $2,000 for design services.
Basic bedroom furnishings:
- Bed frame: $300 to $2,000
- Mattress: $500 to $3,000
- Nightstands (pair): $200 to $800
- Dresser: $400 to $1,500
- Lighting: $150 to $600
Bathroom Design
Bathroom renovations can see a return on investment of around 70%. Design costs vary based on size and whether you’re doing a full renovation or just updating.
Small bathroom refresh: $2,000 to $5,000 Full bathroom renovation: $10,000 to $30,000
Nursery Design
A nursery design typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, including furniture like cribs and changing tables, plus decor and safety modifications.
Setting Your Interior Design Budget
Now that you know the costs, let’s talk about how to set a realistic budget for your project.
The 7% to 12% Rule
Some experts suggest interior design budgets should be 7% to 12% of your home’s overall value. So if your home is worth $500,000, you might budget $35,000 to $60,000 for a full home design project.
But this is just a starting point. Your actual budget should match your goals and financial situation.
Start With Your Dream List
Make a detailed list of everything you would like to do if budget was not an issue, then consider your priorities. This helps you see what matters most.
Ask yourself:
- Which rooms do you use most often?
- What problems are you trying to solve?
- Which updates will make the biggest difference?
- What can you live without for now?
Add a Contingency Fund
Always set aside extra money for surprises. Most designers recommend a 10% contingency budget for unexpected expenses and unplanned costs.
Things that often come up:
- Hidden damage during renovations
- Furniture delivery delays requiring substitutions
- Custom work taking longer than expected
- Must-have pieces you discover along the way
Break Projects Into Phases
Strategically limit project scope and complete it in phases if needed. This spreads costs over time and lets you live with your space before making more decisions.
Phase 1 might include:
- Main living areas
- Essential furniture
Phase 2 could be:
- Bedrooms
- Decorative touches
Phase 3 might cover:
- Outdoor spaces
- Final accessories
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from others’ mistakes saves you money and stress. Here are the biggest budget pitfalls.
Not Being Honest About Your Budget
Share your budget with your designer upfront to ensure their recommendations align with your financial goals. Designers can’t help you if they don’t know your limits.
Underestimating Total Costs
One of the most common misconceptions is that 100% of clients expect their initial budget estimate to cover their wish list, but it rarely does. Everything adds up faster than you think.
Hidden costs include:
- Shipping and delivery fees
- Installation charges
- Sales tax (typically 8.5%)
- Freight charges (12% to 15% of budget)
Rushing Into Decisions
Don’t start a costly renovation within a week of living in a new space—wait a few months or years to learn how you actually use the space. You’ll make better choices when you understand your needs.
Going All-In on Trends
Don’t buy ultra-trendy expensive pieces like a $3,000 trendy rug—they’ll be out of style in months to years, and you’ll spend thousands replacing them. Mix timeless pieces with trendy accents you can easily swap out.
Buying Everything From One Place
Mix different sources to create character. Shop at:
- Furniture stores for big pieces
- Local vintage shops for unique finds
- Online marketplaces for deals
- High-end stores for statement pieces
This approach saves money and makes your space more interesting.
Forgetting About Scale
Scale is crucial—it’s not just about fitting items in the space, but how they work together. Wrong-sized furniture disrupts the room’s balance. A tiny picture on a huge wall looks silly. A massive sofa in a small room feels cramped.
Smart Ways to Save Money on Interior Design
You don’t have to choose between beautiful design and staying on budget. Here are proven ways to save.
Do Some Tasks Yourself
For smaller tasks like painting or hanging decor, you can reduce costs by doing work yourself. Leave complex tasks to professionals but handle simple stuff on your own.
DIY-friendly tasks:
- Painting walls
- Hanging curtains
- Arranging accessories
- Small furniture assembly
Leave to professionals:
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- Custom carpentry
- Heavy furniture installation
Shop Smart for Furniture
Not everything needs to be expensive. The quality of high-end pieces and budget finds is often the same, and you can save even more by going vintage through platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Where to save:
- Coffee tables
- Side tables
- Dining chairs
- Consoles
- Decorative pieces
Where to invest:
- Sofas and main seating
- Mattresses
- Statement lighting
- High-use items
Use Online Design Services
Traditional designers cost $2,000 to $15,000 for a project. Online services cost $159 to $2,099 for the same work. That’s huge savings while still getting professional help.
Benefits include:
- Lower costs
- Work on your schedule
- See designs before buying
- Still get expert advice
Reuse What You Have
Declutter and evaluate which items you already own can stay, saving money on new purchases. Maybe your dining table just needs new chairs. Perhaps your sofa looks great with new pillows.
Ask yourself:
- What still works well?
- What can be refreshed?
- What brings you joy?
- What truly needs replacing?
Time Your Purchases
Shop during sales periods:
- January and July for furniture
- Black Friday for lighting and decor
- End of season for rugs and textiles
Many interior design services can help you plan purchases around sales to maximize your budget.
Working With a Designer on a Budget
Professional help doesn’t have to break your budget. Here’s how to get the most value.
Choose the Right Service Level
Many designers now offer day rates, where you hire them for up to 8 hours with occasional follow-up calls, giving you expertise at lower rates because you do project management yourself.
Service options:
- Full service: Designer handles everything ($10,000+)
- Design only: You get plans and shop yourself ($2,000 to $5,000)
- Consultation: Designer gives advice, you execute ($600 to $2,000)
- Day rate: Intensive work session ($600 to $2,200)
- Online: Remote design service ($159 to $2,099)
Ask About Designer Discounts
Designers often have trade accounts that give them 20% to 40% off regular prices. Some pass these savings to you, others keep them as part of their fee. Ask upfront how they handle trade discounts.
Be Clear About Priorities
Tell your designer what matters most. Maybe you want:
- A statement sofa
- Beautiful lighting
- Lots of storage
- Specific colors
When designers know your priorities, they can allocate your budget to what you care about most.
Review the Contract Carefully
Make sure you understand:
- Exactly what services are included
- The payment schedule
- How changes are handled
- What happens if you go over budget
Good designers welcome questions. If something seems unclear, ask before signing.
Real Budget Examples by Project Type
Let’s look at realistic budgets for different project types to help you plan.
Small Refresh Budget: $5,000 to $10,000
What you can do:
- Redesign one main room
- New furniture for that room
- Paint and accessories
- Basic design consultation
This works great for:
- New homeowners wanting to update one space
- Renters making temporary changes
- Testing if you like working with a designer
Medium Project Budget: $15,000 to $35,000
What you can do:
- Redesign three to four rooms
- Mix of new and existing furniture
- Custom window treatments
- Professional design services throughout
- Light fixtures and artwork
Perfect for:
- Growing families needing functional updates
- Homeowners ready for a major refresh
- People planning to stay long-term
Large Renovation Budget: $50,000 to $100,000+
What you can do:
- Whole-home design
- Custom furniture pieces
- High-end materials and finishes
- Full contractor coordination
- Architectural changes
Best suited for:
- Major renovations or additions
- Luxury projects
- New construction
- Significant lifestyle changes
Industry Trends Affecting Budgets in 2025
Understanding current trends helps you plan for the future.
Growing Demand for Design Services
The number of U.S. interior design firms is projected to reach nearly 17,500 in 2025, a 3.4% increase from 2024. More designers mean more options at different price points.
The global interior design services market is expected to grow to nearly $1 trillion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. This growth shows that more people see the value in professional design.
Sustainability and Technology
73% of architects and designers feel it’s their responsibility to recommend sustainable products for clients, even if they’re more expensive. Eco-friendly materials might cost more upfront but often last longer.
Smart home features are becoming standard. Budget for:
- Automated lighting systems
- Smart thermostats
- Voice-controlled features
- Energy-efficient appliances
Focus on Functionality
In 2024, demand increased for sustainability and functionality, with more intersection between fashion and interior design as luxury brands offer interior items. People want spaces that look good and work hard.
Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Project
Being prepared helps you get better results within your budget.
About Your Space
- How do you currently use each room?
- What problems are you trying to solve?
- Who lives in your home?
- What’s your lifestyle like?
- Do you entertain often?
About Your Style
- What design styles appeal to you?
- Do you prefer modern or traditional?
- What colors make you happy?
- Do you like bold statements or subtle elegance?
About Your Budget
- What’s your total budget including everything?
- What’s your absolute maximum?
- Which rooms matter most?
- Can you do the project in phases?
- What can’t you live without?
For help answering these questions, check out our detailed price table for transparency on design services.
How to Track and Manage Your Budget
Setting a budget is one thing. Sticking to it is another.
Create a Detailed Spreadsheet
List every single item you need:
- Design fees
- Each furniture piece
- Materials and finishes
- Labor costs
- Shipping and delivery
- Tax
- Contingency (10%)
Update it regularly as you make decisions.
Get Everything in Writing
Before you buy anything:
- Get written quotes
- Confirm delivery times
- Understand return policies
- Lock in prices when possible
Communicate constantly with contractors, subs, and your client about any issues so you can formulate solutions quickly and make selections without delays.
Review Progress Regularly
Schedule budget check-ins:
- Weekly during active phases
- Monthly during planning
- Before every major purchase
- After completing each room
Catching problems early prevents them from becoming expensive disasters.
Be Ready to Adjust
During a design review, walk through a budget planning tool together, listing all products, finishes, fixtures, and labor needed—the grand total often shocks clients because things add up quickly.
If you’re going over budget:
- Cut less important items
- Find less expensive alternatives
- Push some purchases to a later phase
- Revisit your priorities
The Value of Professional Design
Let’s talk about why hiring a designer might actually save you money.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Hiring an interior designer can save you money by helping you avoid costly trial-and-error mistakes while ensuring you get the look you desire. Redoing mistakes costs way more than getting it right the first time.
Common expensive mistakes:
- Buying the wrong size furniture
- Choosing trendy pieces that date quickly
- Poor space planning requiring do-overs
- Materials that don’t work in your space
Access to Trade Resources
Interior designers have 40 times the specification purchasing power of the average American consumer, with top firm designers having 140 times that power. This access means:
- Better prices on furniture
- Unique pieces not available to the public
- Faster delivery times
- Quality guarantees
Time Savings
Design projects take time:
- Researching options
- Comparing prices
- Coordinating deliveries
- Managing installations
Your time has value. If you spend 100 hours on a project at $30 per hour of your time, that’s $3,000 in time cost. A designer charging $2,000 who does it in 20 hours actually saves you money.
Better Results
Well-designed spaces enhance functionality, aesthetic appeal, and even resale value. Good design pays for itself through:
- Higher home value
- Better quality of life
- Fewer replacements needed
- Spaces that grow with you
Our team at Rise Interiors specializes in creating beautiful spaces that work within your budget and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Setting a reasonable budget for interior design starts with understanding what designers charge and what affects costs. Whether you spend $2,000 to refresh one room or $100,000 to redesign your entire home, the key is planning carefully and being realistic about your needs.
Remember these important points:
Start by getting clear on your goals and priorities. Know what you want to achieve and what matters most. Be honest with yourself and your designer about how much you can spend.
Research carefully and get multiple quotes. Understand all the costs involved, not just the obvious ones. Add 10% for surprises because they always happen.
Mix high and low investments smartly. Spend more on pieces you use every day and save on items that are easy to change. Don’t be afraid to shop around or wait for sales.
Consider working with a professional designer. Yes, it costs money upfront, but designers help you avoid costly mistakes, access better pricing through trade discounts, and create spaces that truly work for your life.
Interior design isn’t just about making spaces pretty. It’s about creating a home that makes your daily life better. With careful planning and smart choices, you can achieve beautiful results without breaking your budget.
Ready to start your interior design project? Contact us to discuss your vision and budget. We’ll help you create a space you love at a price that works for you. Check out our client testimonials to see how we’ve helped others transform their homes within their budgets.
Your dream space is waiting. Let’s make it happen together.