How Each Client Is Charged By Interior Designers?

Interior design services can be charged in various ways, including hourly rates, flat fees, cost-plus pricing, and retainer agreements. These strategies are based on the operating and overhead expenses, or indirect costs, and wages, or direct costs. Most designers use one of these strategies: a flat fee, an hourly rate, cost-plus (also known as product markup), or a hybrid model.

A retainer fee is an upfront payment interior designers require from clients before starting a new project to reserve the designer’s time and services. A recent survey found that over 60 percent of interior designers charge clients based on their hourly rate.

Interior designers often charge an initial consultation fee, which can range from $50 to $250. Hourly rates are calculated based on the client paying for each hour worked on their project, whether in the office, sourcing, shopping, or on the job. Established designers can charge $100-$200+++ per hour, with a 1/3 commission being standard for most things.

There are several ways to charge for interior design services, including hourly charging pricing structures, charging per hour to scale up or down easily, and creating a “build” approach. By considering variables and considering factors like the number of clients, interior designers can determine the best pricing strategy for their services.