Interior design is a complex business, and there are no exact standards for pricing models. As a designer, you can charge in a variety of ways, including by the hour, a flat fee, or a combination of the two. Whether you are a beginner interior designer or a seasoned one, it’s critical to know how interior design pricing works and how you can improve your profit margins.
In this article, we’ll discover
- The factors that affect interior design fees
- The different interior design pricing structures
- Best practices to improve your profit margins
Factors That Affect Interior Design Pricing
More than anything, you need to figure out your design business model! That will be the guiding light for your pricing, among others. If you already know how to make money in your business, i.e., what to sell and how to deliver it, then it’s time to continue with pricing models.
Experience and Reputation
The experience and reputation of an interior designer can greatly affect their interior design pricing. Designers with more experience and a good reputation may charge higher fees due to their expertise and the perceived value of their work.
However, this is not always the case due to the location and the complexity of the work.
Scope of the Project
The scope of the project is another factor that affects interior design pricing. A larger project with more rooms or a more complex design may require more time and resources, which can result in higher fees.
Type of Design Work
The type of design work required for a project can also affect interior design pricing. For example, you may charge more for a custom design or a more complex project.
Additionally, designers usually charge different rates for different types of design work, such as space planning, color consulting, or furniture selection, this is due to the fact that when your firm grows, you likely start handing over some of the work to junior designers with different rates than you or the senior designers.
Square Footage and Number of Rooms
The square footage and number of rooms in a project can also affect interior design pricing. You may charge per square foot or per room, and the rate may vary depending on the size and complexity of the space.
Type of Furnishings and Materials
The type of furnishings and materials used in a project will also affect interior design pricing. Higher-end materials and furnishings may result in higher fees due to their cost and the time required to source and install them.
Additionally, you need to charge a commission on furnishings and materials purchased through you.
Different Fee Structures Used by Interior Designers
Hourly Rate
When charging by the hour, you will charge the clients for the time you spend working on their projects. This interior design pricing structure is common for smaller projects or projects that have a lot of unknowns. Hourly rates vary based on the designer’s experience, location, and the complexity of the project. According to HomeGuide, hourly rates range from $50 to $200 per hour.
Flat Fee
A flat fee is a set price that you charge for an entire project. This fee structure is common for larger projects or projects with a clearly defined scope of work. Flat fees can vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the project.
According to House Beautiful, the minimum fee for full construction and furnishings is $40,000, with the average fee ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 for projects ranging from 371 m2 to 1800 m2 (4,000 to 20,000 square feet), but that’s for a US-based market. You need to check the rates in your area!
Percentage-Based Fee
A percentage-based interior design pricing is a fee structure where you charge a percentage of the total project cost. This fee structure is common for larger projects or projects where the scope of work is not clearly defined.
The percentage can vary depending on the designer’s experience, location, and the complexity of the project. According to Dengarden, the percentage can range from 10% to 30% of the total project cost.
Value-Based Fee
A value-based interior design pricing is a fee structure that the interior designer charges based on the value they bring to the project. This fee structure is common for projects where the interior designer is expected to provide a high level of expertise or unique solutions.
The fee can vary widely depending on the designer’s experience and the value they bring to the project.
Additional Fees and Charges
When working with clients, it’s important to understand that in addition to the design fee, there may be additional fees and charges. Here are some of the most common fees and charges:
Consultation Fee
Most interior designers charge a consultation fee for the initial meeting. In my opinion, all designers should do this! This fee can range from $50 to $500, depending on the designer and the length of the meeting.
The consultation fee can also be used as a part of the total project fee.
Travel Fee
If the project requires you to travel outside of your local area, you can charge a travel fee. This fee can cover transportation, lodging, and meals. The travel fee can vary depending on the distance and the length of the trip.
Retainer Fee
Some interior designers require a retainer fee before they begin to work on a project. The retainer fee is typically a percentage of the total design fee and is used to secure the designer’s services. The retainer fee is usually non-refundable.
Prep and Management Fees
You should also charge preparation and management fees for tasks such as measuring, ordering, and coordinating deliveries. These fees can be part of your project fee.
Commission on Furniture and Other Purchases
If you are purchasing furniture or other items, you need to charge a commission. The commission is usually a percentage of the total cost of the items and is used to cover the designer’s time and effort in selecting and purchasing the items.
It’s important to discuss all fees and charges with your interior designer before beginning work on your project. This must be part of your sales process and continue through your onboarding process!
Transparency in Interior Design Fees
When it comes to working as an interior designer, one of the most important factors to consider is transparency in your fees.
Your clients want to know exactly what they’re paying for and how much it will cost them, even if you are dealing with high-net-worth individuals with unlimited budgets.
The Best Way to Design Your Interior Design Pricing
Most designers split their services into packages with multiple different deliverables, which also opens up a mixed pricing structure. Most of my clients charge a combination of flat fees, project management fees, which can be hourly or a percentage, and then a percentage of all purchases.
I’d also recommend creating trade accounts with the vendors you love to use in your work and making money on the difference!
