How Much Does an Interior Designer or Decorator Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, hiring an interior designer or decorator costs $8,526, with most homeowners paying between $2,056 to $15,215. Costs vary based on factors like location, project size, and material quality. By properly budgeting and hiring a professional, you can achieve a cohesive, visually appealing space with minimal stress.

Interior Designer Cost Factors

There are several factors that influence the cost of hiring an interior designer or decorator. Understanding these factors can help you budget effectively for your project. Key considerations include the scope of the project, size of the space, reputation of the professional, time frame, materials, and use of design software.

Scope of the Project

Consider how much you want to change before hiring a designer. The number of rooms you plan to redesign impacts the overall cost. Remodeling an entire house will cost more than a single room. Interior designers often charge per room, while decorators charge by the hour.

Size of the Space

The size of your space significantly affects design costs. Designers charge an average rate of $5 to $15 per square foot, so larger spaces result in higher fees. This rate often excludes furnishings and installation. Designers may have a minimum fee for smaller rooms like bedrooms or bathrooms.

The experience and reputation of a designer can significantly impact their fees. Highly acclaimed or well-known designers often charge higher rates. However, you may achieve excellent results with a less-established designer at a lower cost.

Time Frame

Interior design and decorating projects can vary in duration due to factors like project complexity, design changes, supply chain issues, and unforeseen delays. Most projects take two to three months, depending on their scope. Some professionals may offer expedited services for an additional fee.

Materials

The cost of furnishings and décor is an additional expense to consider. On average, furnishings can add between $2,200 and $5,500 to your total costs. 

Software

If your designer utilizes advanced design software to provide digital renderings of your space, this expertise may increase their rate. 

Interior Designer Costs by Service Type

Hiring an interior designer costs an average of $8,800. These trained and licensed professionals help you create functional, high-quality spaces that meet your requirements. Their expertise in local building codes and regulations contributes to higher fees than decorators. Interior designers often collaborate with architects to ensure plans are safe and efficient.

Interior Designer Hourly Rate

Most residential designers charge $50 to $200 per hour, not including shopping or materials.

Design Fees per Square Foot

Designers of large spaces charge $5 to $15 per square foot. This rate usually doesn’t include furnishings or installation. Design pros that set rates by the square foot often have a minimum fee for smaller spaces like a bedroom or bathroom.

Designer Flat Rate

Some designers charge a flat-rate fee covering the entire project. Low-end costs can be as low as $250, going up to $50,000 depending on project scope.

Commission

Many designers include a commission on materials and furnishings, ranging from 10% to 40%.

Design Consultation Fee

An initial design consultation costs $150 to $500, depending on the duration and complexity, and lasts two to four hours. 

During your initial design consultation, you can:

• Communicate your vision and requirements for the space

• Understand what the designer can offer

• Determine if they are the right fit for your project

Interior Decorator Cost

Hiring an interior decorator is less expensive than hiring an interior designer. Decorators select and implement the décor that gives a room its unique appearance, including:

• Window treatments

• Paint

• Wallpaper

• Accessories

Since decorators do not require formal training, they are not qualified to design or build spaces structurally. Instead, they emphasize aesthetics by introducing new color schemes and stylish elements. Before hiring, inquire about a decorator’s experience to understand their capabilities for your home.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Interior Designer

Hiring an interior decorator or designer is beneficial for most home renovation projects. A professional can utilize their expertise to create a design that meets your needs and matches your style. They’ll help streamline the project with clear and actionable steps, save you time by leveraging their industry knowledge, and employ advanced design software and tools. Hiring an interior designer near you provides access to local resources, trusted contractors, and showrooms–making the process smoother and more efficient from concept to completion.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.