Freelance Interior Designer Rates: What You Really Pay in the UK

When you hire a freelance interior designer, a self-employed professional who creates custom living spaces without being tied to a large firm. Also known as independent interior designer, they bring focused attention, flexibility, and often lower overhead than big studios. But how much do they actually charge? And what do you get for that money?

Most freelance interior designers in the UK charge between £50 and £150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of your project. In London, you’ll likely pay toward the higher end—£100–£150—while designers in smaller towns or rural areas may charge £50–£80. Some offer flat fees for specific services like space planning, mood boards, or shopping lists. A full-room redesign might run £1,500–£5,000, while a full-home project could hit £10,000+ if you’re doing custom lighting, cabinetry, and finishes.

It’s not just about the hourly rate. A good interior designer, a professional who plans and executes functional, aesthetically pleasing interior environments saves you money by avoiding costly mistakes. They know which materials last, where to source quality fixtures without markup, and how to sequence work so you don’t pay for redoing things. They also handle contractors, timelines, and permits—stuff you might not even think about until you’re stuck with a half-finished kitchen and a pile of receipts.

Some designers charge a percentage of your total spend—usually 10% to 20%—which means if you’re spending £20,000 on furniture and fittings, they’re getting £2,000–£4,000. Others bundle services: design plan + shopping list + installation oversight. Always ask for a written scope. No contract? No work. You wouldn’t hire a plumber without one, so don’t skip it here.

What you’re really paying for isn’t just color swatches and Pinterest boards. You’re paying for design fees, the structured cost for professional planning, space optimization, and material selection that turns chaos into calm. You’re paying for someone who’s seen 50 kitchens go wrong and knows exactly where to cut corners—and where not to. You’re paying for peace of mind.

There’s no one-size-fits-all price. A designer who’s done 100 projects won’t charge the same as someone fresh out of school. But don’t assume the most expensive is the best. Look at their portfolio. Ask for references. See if their style matches your life—not just your Instagram feed.

Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of what different design services cost, how to spot a fair quote, and what to ask before you sign anything. Whether you’re redoing a single room or an entire house, these posts will help you avoid overpaying—and get the space you actually want to live in.