How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?

How much does an interior designer cost? The answer is not that simple. Some interior designers charge by the hour, some charge a flat rate and other charge on a precentage fee.

According to the government Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for interior designers is predicted to grow by 19% between the years of 2008 and 2018. Part of the reasons for this is due to aging baby boomers who are expected to need an increased amount of health care facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes all of which have to be decorated and designed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also states that the median income level for salaried interior designers is between $34,620 and $61,880, although many interior designers are freelancers or perform side work for themselves while employed for someone else.

This bit of information can help you save money because freelance interior designers often have less overhead making them less expensive than design firms. So how much does an interior designer cost? It depends on the way you pay them.

Interior designers operate under different wage structures. Below is a breakdown of independent interior designer's fees versus design companies:

Hourly: Interior designers average $75 to $150 an hour as opposed to design companies that can charge in excess of $400 an hour and up. Remember, these companies have to pay the both designer and themselves.
Flat rate: Some services come with a flat fee rate. This can work out great for you if complications arise that require a change in design or materials resulting in more time spent on the job than predicted.
Cost plus: Some interior designers buy their products at a discount from vendors then create a markup. This is usually between 30% and 100% depending on the circumstances. However, design companies may mark up merchandise between 100% and 500%.
Percentage fee: This is when the interior designers ask you to pay for the materials at their wholesaler's place of business and then mark it up a percentage agreed upon between the two of you; generally 10% to 20%. This is the most budget wise option and is never available through an interior design company.

Trying to determine how much an interior designer will cost depends on the size and scope of your project. So how much does an interior designer cost? After you narrow down your search to three or four choices, making sure that you would be happy with any of them, ask for quotes. Most interior designers are more than happy to provide a mock up with schematics, fabric samples, and layouts. From here you can negotiate. Times are tough in the current economy and most are willing to haggle. In the end, pick the interior designer with whom you are most comfortable if the prices are within a few hundred dollars of one another.