Interior designer fees, explained
Two proposals can look wildly different simply because the fee models differ. Here is how each one works and what tends to sit outside the quoted number.
Paint, lighting, soft finishes and new furnishings. Nothing structural.
The four common fee models
Flat fee: one price for a defined scope. Easiest to compare, but check exactly which deliverables are inside it.
Hourly: billed as worked, often with an estimated ceiling. Suits small or open-ended jobs.
Cost-plus: the studio buys furnishings at trade price and adds a percentage. Ask what the percentage is and whether trade discounts are passed on.
Percentage of project: a share of construction and furnishing spend, common on larger renovations.
What is usually excluded
Furniture and materials themselves, freight and installation, structural or MEP engineering, permits, and site surveys are often quoted separately.
Common questions
- Is a free consultation normal?
- An introductory call is common. A full paid concept or measured survey is a different thing and is normally chargeable.
Get real numbers from real studios
An estimate narrows the field. A studio that has done this exact job in your area gives you a price.