Interior Design Pricing: What You Really Pay for Custom Spaces
When you hear interior design pricing, the cost of hiring a professional to plan and style your home’s interior. Also known as home styling fees, it isn’t just about picking paint colors—it’s about solving layout problems, sourcing materials, managing contractors, and making sure your space works for your life. Most people think it’s all about luxury finishes, but the real cost comes from time, expertise, and the hidden work no one sees.
What you pay for depends heavily on what you need. A custom interior design, a tailored plan built from scratch for your specific layout, lifestyle, and goals can range from $1,500 to $15,000+ depending on scope. If you’re just getting advice on a single room, you might pay a flat fee. If you’re redoing your whole house with new lighting, cabinetry, and flooring, you’re paying for project management too. interior design costs, the total outlay for materials, labor, and professional services combined often surprise people because they forget the extras: delivery fees, installation charges, and even the time it takes to order custom pieces. One client thought they were hiring a designer to pick curtains—they ended up paying for rewiring, built-in shelves, and a new kitchen layout.
The biggest mistake? Thinking cheap means saving money. A poorly planned layout costs more to fix later. You might save $2,000 on a designer’s fee, but end up spending $8,000 because your fridge blocks the door, your bathroom has no outlet near the mirror, or your flooring doesn’t match the heating system. Good design prevents those headaches. It’s not about spending more—it’s about spending smarter.
Some designers charge by the hour, others by square foot, and a few take a percentage of your total project. There’s no one-size-fits-all. What matters is transparency. Ask upfront: What’s included? Do you handle ordering? Are there markups on furniture? Will you coordinate with my electrician? The best designers don’t just make things look nice—they make them work.
Below, you’ll find real examples from homeowners who’ve been through it. From Joanna Gaines-style renovations to budget-friendly bathroom makeovers, these posts break down exactly what you get for your money. Whether you’re thinking about a $10,000 bathroom or a $30,000 kitchen, you’ll see how pricing connects to choices you actually make—not just trends you see online.
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.
