How Much Do Interior Designers Charge? UK Interior Design Costs

Want to design your interior but confused about the cost? It’s normal to feel unsure about the price. Actually, how much do interior designers charge in the UK totally depends on the type of service, project size and designer you choose. Generally, standard services cost around £50–£150 per hour, while London and high-end designers often charge more. For a single room, a design package can cost around £500–£3,000. Full-service design and project management can reach £20,000–£50,000+.

These fees do not cover every project cost. You still need to budget for furniture, materials, trades and building work. For a £50,000 project, a 10% designer fee would be £5,000. The remaining budget covers other agreed project costs. Your final cost depends on the project size, location, pricing model and service level.

Now, let’s explore the main interior design costs and what you get for your money.

What Does an Interior Designer’s Fee Cover?

An interior designer’s fee usually pays for a range of design and support services, depending on your package:

• Initial consultation and brief: Discussing your needs, style, budget and project goals.
• Measuring and assessing the space: Checking the room’s size, layout and existing features.
• Space planning: Creating practical layouts that make better use of the available space.
• Concept development: Creating the main design idea, style and overall look.
• Mood boards: Showing colours, finishes, furniture and other visual ideas.
• Furniture and material selection: Choosing suitable furniture, finishes, fabrics and materials.
• Lighting plans: Planning lighting positions, types and suitable fittings.
• Drawings and documentation: Preparing floor plans, drawings and other design details.
• Supplier sourcing: Finding suitable suppliers and products for the project.
• Site visits: Visiting the property to review progress where included.
• Contractor coordination: Communicating with contractors and trades during the work.
• Project management: Overseeing the wider project where this service is included.

Not every designer includes all these services in the quoted fee. Check the full scope before comparing prices so you know exactly what each quote includes.

How Much Do Interior Designers Charge in the UK?

Interior designers in the UK usually charge around £50–£150 per hour for standard services. Day rates often range from £350–£900, while a single-room design package can cost around £500–£3,000. Fixed project fees can range from £2,500 to £15,000+, based on the project size and work involved. Full-service design and project management can reach £20,000–£50,000+. Some designers also charge a percentage of the project cost, use a mix of fee types, or add charges for furniture and procurement.

There is no single price that applies to every UK interior design project. Your final fee depends on the designer, location, project size and level of service. BIID research found that 51% of surveyed designers used a combination of pricing methods, 21% used fixed fees, 18% used hourly rates and 6% used a percentage of project costs. Among senior designers surveyed, 59% charged up to £75 per hour, while 41% charged £76–£150 per hour. These figures come from a BIID survey, so they should not be treated as current UK market averages.

How Do Interior Designers Charge?

Interior designers in the UK use several pricing methods. The main options include hourly rates, day rates, fixed project fees, per-room fees, percentage fees, retainers and hybrid pricing. The right method depends on the project, its scope and the level of service you need.

Hourly Interior Designer Rates

Interior designers often charge around £25–£150 per hour. Junior designers can charge £25–£75, while senior designers often charge £75–£150. Standard services usually cost around £50–£150 per hour. However, London and high-end specialists can charge much more.

Hourly pricing works well for small consultations, advice and limited design work. Agree an estimated number of hours or a spending limit before work starts.

Day Rates

A full day of design work often costs around £350–£900. Some designers charge £500–£1,200 per day for a higher level of service. Designer-for-a-day packages often cover 6–8 hours.

Check exactly what the quoted day includes before booking. This helps you understand what work you are paying for.

Fixed Project Fees

A defined project can cost around £2,500–£15,000+. Entry-level packages often range from £3,000–£7,000, while design and documentation can reach £5,000–£20,000. Full-service design and project management can reach £20,000–£50,000+.

These figures refer to design or service fees, not the total renovation cost.

Per-Room Fees

A standard room design package can cost around £500–£3,000 per room. More complex rooms often cost more, especially when they need detailed drawings, bespoke work or extra support. London and high-end projects can also sit above this range.

Percentage-Based Fees

Some designers charge a percentage of the agreed project cost. A £50,000 project at 10–20% would mean a £5,000–£10,000 design fee. Check exactly which project costs the percentage applies to.

BIID survey data shows that designers using this method charged different fee bands. This means there is no single standard percentage for every project.

Retainers and Staged Fees

Some designers ask for a retainer before work begins and split the remaining fee across project stages. Smaller retainers can be around £1,000–£2,000, while multi-room projects can use £2,000–£3,500. Full-home or project-management work can involve £3,500–£5,000+.

Hybrid Pricing

A designer might use a mix of pricing methods, such as a fixed design fee, hourly site visits and a procurement charge. Also, a BIID survey found that 51% of surveyed designers used a mix of pricing methods, showing that combined fee structures are common.

How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost Per Room?

An interior designer can charge around £500–£3,000 per room for a standard fixed design package. Fuller services, complex rooms and London projects can cost more. These figures are design-fee ranges, not the cost of renovating the room itself.

1. For bedroom:

• Online or e-design: from around £300
• Fuller interior design service: around £800–£2,500

2. For the living room:

• Online or e-design: from around £400
• Full interior design service: around £1,000–£3,500

3. For the bathroom:

• Online or e-design: from around £800
• Full interior design service: around £1,500–£5,000

4. For the kitchen:

• Online or e-design: from around £800
• Full interior design service: around £2,000–£8,000+

The final design fee depends on the service included, room complexity and designer. Furniture, materials, labour, trades and renovation work are separate costs unless included in the designer’s quote.

How Much Does a Full-House Interior Designer Cost?

A full-house interior designer can cost around £5,000–£20,000+ for whole-home design. Full-service design and project management can reach £20,000–£50,000+. Larger luxury projects can reach £30,000–£60,000+. These figures cover design and service fees, not the cost of renovating or furnishing the property.

A whole-home project has several stages across the property. The designer might plan different spaces, source furniture and materials, and work with suppliers or contractors. So, the final fee depends on the level of support the project needs.

Your total design fee depends on factors such as: 

• Number of rooms and property size
• Design drawings and documents required
• Furniture and materials that need sourcing
• Supplier and contractor coordination
• Site visits during key project stages
• Project length and ongoing support
• Bespoke features, such as custom furniture or joinery

Before agreeing to a fee, check which services are included. A lower design fee might cover planning only, while a higher fee could include sourcing, site visits and project management.

How Much Does Interior Design Cost in London and Other UK Regions?

Interior design costs vary across the UK. There is no official rate that makes London a fixed amount more expensive than other areas. 

In London, standard interior design rates can reach around £80–£120 per hour or more. High-end designers can charge around £150–£250 per hour or higher. Some London guides also report per-room fees of around £800–£5,000+. Luxury studios can charge much more for bespoke work, structural changes or custom joinery.

On the other hand, junior or non-London designers can charge around £50–£80 per hour. Some major regional cities have rates of around £80–£120 per hour. Published Edinburgh examples show per-room fees of around £750–£2,000. 

These figures show the range of prices found in different areas, rather than a set UK regional rate. The cost of a specific project will still vary based on the work involved and the service chosen.

What Extra Costs Should You Expect?

An interior designer’s main fee does not always cover every project cost. Extra charges could apply for furniture, project management, delivery, specialist work or additional design support. Not every designer charges all of these. So the exact costs depend on the service you choose.

• Project management fees: Some designers charge separately for managing contractors, trades and the wider project.
• Furniture and procurement markups: A designer could add a charge when sourcing and buying furniture, fittings or materials. One published example uses a 10–15% surcharge on furniture and materials. 
• Delivery and installation: Furniture, fittings and other items can have separate delivery or installation costs.
• Travel expenses: Site visits outside the designer’s usual area could lead to extra travel charges.
• Supplier minimum orders: Some suppliers require a minimum order value, which could increase your spending.
• Specialist supplier charges: Bespoke or specialist products can carry extra supplier fees.
• Custom furniture: Made-to-order furniture usually costs more than standard pieces.
• Bespoke joinery: Custom cupboards, shelving and fitted furniture add design and manufacturing costs.
• Structural or technical design: Changes to walls, layouts or building systems could require specialist design work.
• Additional revisions: Extra design changes beyond the agreed number could incur further fees.
• Extra site visits: Visits outside the agreed package could be charged separately.
• VAT: If the designer is VAT-registered and VAT applies, VAT can be added to the quoted fee at the applicable rate.

These extra costs can add up quickly on larger or more detailed projects, especially when the designer manages sourcing, suppliers and work on site.

How Should You Build an Interior Design Budget?

A good interior design budget should set money aside for the building work, furniture and design costs. One Braw House example uses a 60/25/15 split:

• 60% for construction and trades: Pays for builders, electricians, plumbers, decorators and other trade work.
• 25% for furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E): Covers furniture, lighting, fittings and other items for the finished space.
• 15% for design fees, contingency and sundries: Allows for the designer’s fees, unexpected costs and smaller project expenses.

For a £50,000 project, the same example would allocate:

• £30,000 for construction and trades
• £12,500 for furniture, fixtures and equipment
• £7,500 for design fees, contingency and sundries

How Much Contingency Should You Add?

A contingency is money kept aside for unexpected project costs. Cited guidance recommends at least 15%, while 15–20% is a wider planning range. For some older properties, the cited guidance uses 20% because hidden repairs and other unexpected work are harder to predict.

If your planned project budget is £40,000, adding a 15–20% contingency means setting aside another £6,000–£8,000. Your total working budget would then be £46,000–£48,000.

The 60/25/15 split and contingency figures are planning examples, not universal industry rules. They give you a starting point for setting your budget before you confirm the actual costs for your project.

What Factors Affect Interior Designer Costs?

Interior designer costs depend mainly on the amount of work your project requires. A simple bedroom refresh needs less planning than a full kitchen redesign, so the fees can differ. Several factors can affect the final cost:

• Project size: A larger design area often needs more planning, drawings and coordination.
• Number of rooms: Designing several spaces takes more time than designing one room.
• Design complexity: Detailed layouts, technical drawings and complex designs require extra work.
• Designer experience: Experienced designers often charge higher fees for their specialist knowledge.
• Location: Design rates can vary between London and other UK areas.
• Service level: Design-only work costs less than a package that includes sourcing or project management.
• Structural changes: Moving walls, plumbing, electrics or lighting can require extra design work.
• Bespoke joinery: Custom cupboards, shelving and fitted furniture need detailed planning.
• Furniture quality: High-end or made-to-order furniture can increase the project budget.
• Material choices: Premium finishes, fabrics and fittings can raise costs.
• Procurement requirements: Sourcing, ordering and managing products can add to the service fee.
• Number of revisions: Extra design changes can increase the time needed to complete the work.
• Site visits: Additional visits can lead to separate charges.
• Project management: Managing trades, suppliers and contractors requires ongoing time and support.
• Project duration: Longer projects often require continued communication and coordination.

The amount of work involved usually matters more than the room name itself. A kitchen can cost more than a bedroom because it often involves cabinetry, plumbing, electrical work, lighting and specialist planning.

Final Thoughts

If you are still asking how much do interior designers charge, the figures can vary widely. Limited design help may cost a few hundred pounds. A full home service can cost much more.

The fee itself is only one part of the budget. Furniture, materials, trades, delivery and installation can all add to the final cost. Unexpected work may also increase what you spend.

So, think about the level of help you actually need. You may only need a short consultation. You might want a full room plan instead. Some people also need support from the first idea to the finished space.

Once you know your project scope, ask for a clear fee breakdown. This can help you understand the real cost and plan your budget better.

If you want to build your interior design knowledge, explore the Level 5 Interior Design Course from Unified Course. It can help you learn key design ideas, planning skills and practical knowledge for interior design work.

FAQs

1. How much should I expect to spend on an interior designer?

• For a single room, an interior designer can cost around £500–£3,000 for a standard design package. Full-house design can cost £5,000–£20,000+, while full-service projects can reach £20,000–£50,000+.

2. What is the 70/30 rule in interior design?

• The 70/30 rule suggests using one main style, colour or design direction for around 70% of a space, then using a different element for the remaining 30%. It creates contrast while keeping the room visually balanced.

3. Is it worth paying for an interior designer?

• An interior designer can be useful when you need help with space planning, furniture choices, detailed design or coordinating several trades. For a small project, an online design service or one-off consultation could provide enough support.

4. What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?

• The 3-5-7 rule is a simple decorating guide. It suggests grouping items in odd numbers, such as three, five or seven, to create a natural and balanced look.

5. What colour makes a house look expensive?

• There is no single colour that makes every house look expensive. Neutral shades such as warm white, soft beige, taupe and muted greige often create a refined look when paired with quality finishes, good lighting and well-chosen furniture.

6. What is the 15% rule in decorating?

• The 15% rule is often used as a simple budgeting guide. It suggests setting aside around 15% of your decorating or renovation budget for design costs or unexpected expenses. However, it is a planning guide, not a fixed industry rule.