How Much Does An Interior Designer Cost? 2025 Breakdown

An interior designer can be a good addition to your home renovation or building team. With experience and an eye for “this goes with that” the results can be exceptional. 

However, like any professional service, interior design comes at a cost. Before hiring an interior designer, you have to consider your budget. The cost can vary widely in the US, with the median spending around $8,500, but prices ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the project.

Curious about the details? This guide examines the factors affecting pricing and various billing methods. We'll also explore average costs for different interior design projects so you can make an informed decision about your home or business.

Factors affecting interior design costs

No two projects are the same, and getting a transparent quote with a breakdown of each fee is important. Here are some key considerations that help interior designers decide how much to charge.

Project scope

During your initial consultation, designers assess factors like: 

• Measurements and layout

• Colors, materials, furnishings

• Special requirements

• Your budget (low, medium, or high)

The scale of the project is a major price determinant—full renovations cost more than simple refreshes. With this information, the interior designer can create a clear, brief, and customized quote. This quote should be itemized so you know exactly what you’re paying for. 

The type of room matters, too. Kitchens are typically the most expensive to build or renovate, while dining rooms and entryways cost less.

💡 Tip: Before meeting with an interior designer, make sure you have an idea of what you want. Time is money, and thinking about your needs and wants can save you in the long run.

Designer’s experience and reputation

Another factor that can influence the total cost is the interior designer’s experience. Someone starting is classified as a junior designer, and this service will usually be the cheapest. A mid-level designer will be slightly more expensive, while a principal designer will cost the most.

Reputation also matters. An in-demand designer can increase prices without fear of scaring off potential clients. 

Finding someone with a good reputation is easy when hiring an interior designer on Fiverr. With the option to filter Pro freelancers and a star rating system, you can compare experts side by side.

If you want more information, simply click on a profile to explore the designer further. You can read past client reviews, check out their portfolio, and learn more about them.

Type of space

Interior designers often specialize in one area of design, such as residential, commercial, or industrial. These services come with different price tags. In most cases, commercial and industrial design are more expensive than domestic interior design. 

Contrasting interiors: A cozy living room with eclectic decor alongside a sophisticated restaurant setup. Level Furniture Solutions

Why? These complex projects are often bigger and have a longer timeline. If you’re investing in a commercial space, you can expect more comprehensive plans and a team with additional qualifications.

Specialized requirements

There are also out-of-the-box projects that require an interior designer with experience renovating unique properties. 

Imagine you have an aging, historic building that you want to transform back to its former glory. This will require an expert in preservation and classic components. From sourcing antique furniture and chandeliers to intricate, ornamental ceilings, a healthy budget is required.

Renovating older homes can also involve hidden costs, such as faulty wiring, asbestos, or water damage, which you should be prepared for.

Typical pricing models for interior designers

Interior designers charge clients in different ways. Here are some of the most common pricing models and their averages.

1. Hourly rate

It’s common for interior designers to charge an hourly rate, especially if it’s a small or long-term project.

When billed hourly, you'll only pay for the time the designer actively spends on your project. The average hourly rate for an interior designer in the US is $150, but this average ranges from $50 to $450.

The hourly rate covers the designer's time and expertise. Any furniture or materials will come with an additional fee. 

Want to use Fiverr for your interior design services? With Fiverr Pro you can now choose an hourly option for ongoing projects.

2. Flat fee per room

Some interior designers charge a flat rate per room. Before quoting, they consider the size of the space and any special requirements.

Flat rates are more common for standard jobs and online services. The average rate for a design-only service is $975 per room, but it can range from $450 to $1,500 for an in-person designer.

If you are looking for a complete package with furnishings, the average room can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $12,000. The median rate is $3,200.

3. Square footage rate

Another pricing model your interior designer may use is a per-square-foot rate. This option is more common for new builds and commercial spaces. The designer will need measurements of the space to calculate the cost of the job.

The average price per square foot is around $9.00, but it can range from $5 to $17 per square foot or higher. 

4. Markup on products and materials

The cost of products and materials is the client's responsibility. If the interior designer has to source pieces for your property, you will usually be charged extra for their effort.

If your interior designer has contacts, they may get the materials at cost‌‌. They will then add a designer’s markup, which averages between 17% and 45%. The mid-range markup is 30%.

Markups can also be listed on your quote or invoice as an add-on fee to other types of pricing models.

5. Retainer-based

Your interior designer may ask for a retainer before work commences. This up-front deposit helps to protect their finances, especially if it’s a large project.

The retainer is non-refundable and is typically 10% to 15% of the total project cost. The cost of furniture and materials may also be required up front.

The interior may ask for installments along the way. If you are paying a deposit and installments, make sure there is a clear contract.

If you need help managing a large project, Fiverr is the place to hire an external consultant.

Average costs for different types of interior design

Here is a comparison of different types of interior design costs:

1. Full home design

Hiring an interior designer for a full home design can cost thousands. The quote may include:

• Floor plans

• Furniture and materials

• Fittings and finishes

• Collaboration with tradespeople

The average cost for a standard home is $5,000, but ‌it can be more or less depending on the inclusions. Alternatively you can browse architectural design services on Fiverr. We have experts available to suit every budget.

2. Single room design

A single room design may be charged per hour, per square foot, or at a flat rate. You can expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $12,000 or more.

Furniture can be expensive, and it can add thousands to the final bill. If you want to save money, consider replicas or upcycled pieces that give you the look — without breaking the bank.

3. Color consultation

Color can have a big impact on the room, and choosing a theme for your property is an important decision.

A color consultant can help you settle on a color palette that matches your style, the function of the room, and the era of your home.  Instagram is a good place to start for inspiration and color meanings. By doing your own research you will have ideas to share with the consultant.

How much does it cost? This is another freelance service that’s available via Fiverr, and ranges from $25 to $500. 

4. Home staging

If you want to sell your property, home staging can help attract buyers. An expert can furnish and style your home ready for photographs and open inspections.

According to Realtor.com, the average rate for a home stager is between $300 and $600 for the first consultation, with an additional monthly fee of around $500 per room. 

5. Commercial space design 

Designing an office space, restaurant, retail outlet, or other commercial property needs someone with industry expertise. 

The space should be functional for employees and appealing to customers. The interior designer will also consider your brand’s style.

The average cost for a commercial project is anywhere from $30 a square foot to more than $300 per square foot.

6. Online interior design services

If you’re prepared to do some of the work yourself, you can save money. You can book a 3D rendering service on Fiverr for as little as $40. 

But what exactly does a 3D rendering service offer? Saad, an interior designer and 3D rendering expert on Fiverr, explains that, “When you use a 3D rendering service, you get a clear, realistic image of what your space will look like once it's designed. This helps you see everything in detail—like the furniture, colors, lighting, and layout—before any actual work begins. It’s also a great way to try out different design ideas. 

“You can easily make changes to things like paint colors or furniture placement without any hassle. A 3D rendering helps both the designer and the client communicate better. Everyone can be on the same page about how the final space will turn out.”

3D rendering of a living room by @saadmaqsood

There are a few pricing options to narrow down your Fiverr search:

• Value: under $65

• Mid-range: $65 - $175

• High-end: over $175

• Custom: input your maximum budget

Most of the Fiverr interior designers offer different packages, such as Basic, Standard, and Premium. This takes the guesswork out of budgeting and gives you a checklist of the inclusions and exclusions.

💡 From the Fiverr marketplace: For Prism Design Studio, the basic Silver package includes one room with two revisions. Upgrade to Gold for three rooms or Diamond for five rooms with 3D modeling.

Choose an expert that understands the principles of design and look at their portfolio to ensure their specialty matches your goals.

How to choose an interior designer for your project

Finding the right interior designer on Fiverr can transform your space without the hassle. Begin by defining your project's scope, budget, and style preferences. These details will guide your search and help you communicate effectively with potential designers.

Use Fiverr's search function to filter designers based on your criteria. As you explore, keep these key factors in mind:

• Portfolio alignment with your vision

• Consistent positive feedback in reviews

• Clear communication in designer interactions

• Value for money in package inclusions

Don't just look at star ratings - dive into detailed comments for real insights into a designer's reliability and style. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best value.

Fiverr's messaging system is your tool for direct discussions with designers. Use it to gauge their professionalism and understanding of your project. For complex redesigns, consider Fiverr Pro for added project management support.

Once you've found a designer whose skills, style, and communication resonate with you, place your order through Fiverr's secure system. With the right choice, you'll be on your way to bringing your design dreams to life.

📚 Read: How To Find and Hire an Interior Designer

Hire an interior designer today on Fiverr

Fiverr is a convenient and affordable way to hire an interior designer for your next project. 

Browse the profession based catalog or run a quick search to find interior designers with specific skills. Fiverr Neo is a new AI tool that has improved the search function to give you more targeted search results. You can even see the project budget and duration before making a commitment.

A clear rating system and reviews will give you peace of mind that the designer you choose is the real deal. Plus, Fiverr Pro users have a satisfaction guarantee.

Browse interior design and architectural projects and kick-start your next project today.

Interior design cost FAQ

How much is the interior design industry worth?

Currently, the market size for interior designers in the US is $25.9 billion.

Are there any hidden costs in interior design?

Yes, if it’s a remodel, there can be unexpected issues such as faulty wiring or broken floorboards. Your designer may also charge extra for CAD drawings, furnishings, and late fees.

How much does it cost to study interior design?

A degree is required to become an interior designer. You also need to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. 

In the US, it can cost between $40,000 and $50,000 to complete this training.

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

Interior design is more comprehensive than decorating. A designer creates a functional and stylish space with floor plans, fittings, paint, fixtures, and other components. Interior decorators style with furniture and accessories.