How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost in London? (And Why It’s Worth It)
If you’re considering hiring an interior designer in London, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is: how much will it cost? The answer varies depending on your needs, the scope of the project, and the designer’s experience level. But more importantly, working with a designer isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in your space, lifestyle, and peace of mind.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and why it’s worth every penny.
Typical Interior Design Pricing Models in London
Interior designers generally charge using one (or a mix) of the following models:
1. Hourly Rate
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£50-£150+ per hour
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Best for consultations, smaller design updates, or advice sessions.
2. Flat Fee / Package Pricing
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£500 to £5,000+ depending on the room, complexity, and service level.
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Common for single-room makeovers or well-defined project scopes.
3. Percentage of Overall Budget
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Typically 10% to 20% of the total renovation or furnishing spend.
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Ideal for full-home projects or when the designer is managing sourcing and contractors.
4. Day Rate
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£300-£700 per day
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Useful for styling, shopping trips, or short-term design work.
SOUTH WEST LONDON TIP: Local studios (like ours) often offer more flexible pricing compared to large firms in central London, while still delivering personalised, high-quality service.
Online vs. In-Person Interior Design Services
In recent years, online (or remote) interior design services have become increasingly popular. They offer a more budget-friendly and flexible option, especially for clients with smaller projects or who are comfortable executing the final styling themselves.
Online Design Services:
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Lower cost: Packages can start from as little as £200 per room.
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Faster turnaround: Great for clients on a deadline and looking for ‘cheap’ interior design services.
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More DIY involvement: You implement the plan yourself, using mood boards, product links, and layouts provided by the designer.
Face-to-Face Interior Design:
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Personalised service: In-depth conversations, in-home visits, and tailored solutions.
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Full project coordination: From sourcing to delivery and styling. You decide the level of involvement your project and budget requires.
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Ideal for complex spaces or renovations where real-time decisions and site visits are essential.
Many clients find that the best solution is a hybrid approach. Working with local studios allows you to make the most of in-person meetings by keeping the commuting distance shorts and keeping it budget-friendly while still providing a more personalised service.
What You Actually Get for the Cost
Interior design is more than picking paint colours or cushions. Here’s what you really pay for:
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A Professional Eye: Avoid costly mistakes and design with intention.
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Space Optimisation: Especially important in London flats, where every inch counts.
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Sourcing & Trade Discounts: Access to furniture, materials, and tradespeople you may not find on your own.
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Project Management: Save hours of your time coordinating suppliers and deliveries.
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A Cohesive, Styled Home: That feels like you, but better.
An interior designer does more than improve aesthetics—they strategically guide your investment by optimising space planning and selecting the right finishes that add lasting value to your home.
Trade Discounts & Cost Savings
One of the most overlooked benefits of working with an interior designer is access to trade-only suppliers and exclusive discounts on furniture, lighting, fabrics, and more. These discounts often range from 10% to 40% off retail prices, depending on the brand.
Designers may pass these savings on to you or charge a sourcing fee. Either way, you’re often getting better quality products at better prices than you would sourcing as an individual.
In many cases, the amount you save through trade pricing can offset a significant portion of the design fee. Not to mention, you’ll avoid making expensive purchasing mistakes that can cost more in the long run.
Why It’s Worth It (Even for Small Spaces)
You might think hiring a designer is only for luxury homes, but in reality, London’s smaller flats and period properties often benefit the most. Limited space and architectural quirks require creative, tailored solutions that only a trained designer can deliver.
Plus, investing in your home often adds value. Well-designed interiors photograph better for rentals and sales and tend to spend less time on the market.
Think of it like this: You could spend £5,000 on DIY mistakes over a year, or the same amount on getting it done beautifully from the start.
Why It’s Worth It (Even for Small Spaces)
Ready to Explore the Possibilities?
If you’re in Clapham, Balham, or South West London and want to discuss your space, we’re happy to offer a free 15-minute discovery call. There is no pressure—just a friendly chat about your needs. Book your consultation call today – Let’s chat!
About Speaking of Interiors Ltd.
We’re a small yet thriving Interior Design Studio based in Clapham. We offer a range of expert, affordable and personalised services for residential and commercial projects in South West London. Would you like to discuss your project with us? Book a complimentary initial consultation call to speak to our expert team.