If you’re planning to transform your home or investment property in 2025, you may be wondering: What is the interior designer cost UK homeowners can expect? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Costs vary depending on the designer’s experience, the level of service, the scale of the project, and the location. This complete guide breaks down the typical fees, the factors that influence pricing, the value interior designers bring and answers the most common questions before hiring one.
Interior designer fees in the UK can range widely, from as little as £50 per hour for consultancy-only services, to £50,000+ for large-scale, luxury renovations. Here’s a breakdown by service level:
Price Range: £50 – £250 per hour
What You Get:
One-off design advice
Space planning suggestions
Colour consultations
Styling tips
Best For: Clients who want professional input but plan to manage the project themselves.
Price Range: £500 – £5,000+ per room
What You Get:
Concept boards, layouts, and mood boards
Digital/3D visualisations
Recommended finishes and furnishings
Best For: Those who want a complete design plan but will handle sourcing, purchasing, and installation independently.
Price Range: 10% – 20% of project budget OR £5,000 – £50,000+ per project
What You Get:
End-to-end service (from concept through completion)
Procurement, supplier management, and installation
Liaison with contractors, architects, and builders
Best For: Busy homeowners or clients looking for a stress-free renovation, where the designer handles every detail.
Price Range: £100,000+ for large-scale homes or commercial projects
What You Get:
Custom furniture and fittings
Tailored design solutions for unique lifestyles
Specialist craftsmanship and premium materials
Best For: Multi-million-pound properties, high-net-worth individuals, or those wanting a completely bespoke home environment.
Several variables influence how much you’ll pay when hiring an interior designer:
A single room refresh costs far less than a full-house renovation.
Adding structural changes (knocking down walls, adding extensions) increases fees.
Pure consultancy is the cheapest.
Procurement and project management are time-intensive and costlier.
Junior or freelance designers charge less.
Established firms with a strong portfolio command higher fees.
London and the South East typically see higher fees due to demand and cost of living.
Regional designers may charge 10–30% less.
Fast-tracked or urgent projects can carry premium fees.
Longer timelines spread costs more evenly.
Standard retail products keep costs lower.
Custom joinery, designer brands, and premium finishes raise the budget significantly.
Hiring a professional isn’t just about style – it’s an investment in your property and lifestyle.
Well-designed homes can increase value by 5–15%.
Kitchens, bathrooms, and open-plan living areas typically offer the highest return.
Designers prevent expensive errors in sizing, layouts, and materials.
They ensure purchases fit your home’s proportions and practical needs.
Coordinating contractors, sourcing items, and handling deliveries is time-consuming.
A designer takes the stress off your shoulders.
Designers source durable, timeless items.
They can recommend energy-efficient solutions that save money long term.
A well-designed home can reduce stress, support accessibility, and enhance daily living.
For families, layouts that support functionality and flow improve harmony at home.
Most clients spend between £500 and £5,000 per room for design-only and 10%–20% of the project budget for full-service interior design.
Both. Some offer hourly rates for consultations, while others provide fixed-fee packages or charge a percentage of the overall project budget.
Yes. Even a one-hour consultation can prevent costly mistakes and help you achieve a more polished result.
Many designers receive trade discounts from suppliers. Some pass savings directly to clients, while others retain them to cover sourcing and admin time.
Opt for design-only packages.
Source furniture yourself.
Focus on key rooms rather than the entire home.
Review portfolios and testimonials.
Check if they’ve worked on projects similar to yours.
Ensure their style aligns with your vision.
Confirm transparency in pricing and process.
In 2025, the cost of an interior designer in the UK varies significantly depending on the service level, experience, and scope of work. Whether you’re looking for a one-off consultation or a luxury whole-house transformation, there are options to suit a range of budgets. The right designer won’t just elevate your interiors – they’ll save you time, money, and stress along the way.
If you’d like to explore how professional interior design can bring your dream home to life, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning a single-room refresh or a full renovation, Harmony Design can help turn your ideas into a reality.
