How Much Do Interior Designers Charge? Real Costs and What You Get
When you hire an interior designer, a professional who plans and coordinates the aesthetic and functional layout of interior spaces. Also known as home designer, it’s not just about picking paint colors—it’s about solving space problems, managing contractors, and saving you money long-term. Many people think interior designers are only for luxury homes, but that’s not true. Whether you’re redoing a single room or your whole house, a good designer helps you avoid costly mistakes that cost more than their fee.
The cost varies a lot based on what you need. Some charge by the hour, a common way for designers to bill for consultations and planning work, usually between £50 and £150 per hour in the UK. Others charge a flat fee, a fixed price for a defined scope, like designing a kitchen or selecting finishes, which can range from £1,500 to £10,000 depending on the project size. For full home makeovers, some take a percentage of the total renovation budget—often 10% to 20%. That means if you’re spending £50,000 on a renovation, the designer’s fee could be £5,000 to £10,000. But here’s the catch: they often save you more than that by negotiating better prices with suppliers and avoiding wrong buys.
What you’re really paying for is time, expertise, and access. A designer knows which materials last, which layouts work best for your family, and which lighting setups actually make a room feel bigger. They’ve seen what happens when people skip the planning phase—like buying a sofa that doesn’t fit, or installing flooring that warps in humidity. They handle the messy parts: coordinating electricians, tracking deliveries, and making sure the tile matches the cabinets. You don’t have to be the project manager. And if you’ve ever spent a weekend researching light fixtures only to still feel confused, you already know that’s worth something.
Some designers offer partial services too—like just doing a mood board or a shopping list. That’s perfect if you want to DIY the install but need help with direction. Others work with your existing contractor. You don’t need to hire them for everything to get value. The key is matching the service level to your needs. A full-service designer isn’t always the answer. Sometimes a one-time consultation for £300 is all you need to avoid a £5,000 mistake.
Below, you’ll find real examples from people who’ve been through this. You’ll see how Joanna Gaines-style choices affect cost, why kitchen renovations drive design fees up, and how simple fixes like door colors or fridge placement can change a space without breaking the bank. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re lessons from actual homes, with real numbers and real trade-offs. Whether you’re budgeting for a full remodel or just trying to figure out if a designer is worth it, this collection gives you the facts—not the fluff.
What Do Most Interior Designers Charge Per Hour? Real Rates in 2025
In 2025, interior designers in New Zealand charge between NZ$75 and NZ$250 per hour, depending on experience and location. Learn what's included in the fee, hidden costs, and how to choose the right designer for your budget.
