Menu
Call or Email Tracey between 9am & 5pm on weekdays : 0404 673355
Call or Email Tracey between 9am & 5pm on weekdays : 0404 673355
While it’s easy to find an Interior Designer whose style resonates with you, determining their cost solely from their website can be challenging. Often, you need to inquire directly to get an accurate estimate. This is because each project is unique, and the cost depends on the extent of work required and the level of support you desire. Factors such as property size, project scope, customisation needs, client budget, quality expected, timeline etc. contribute to the overall cost.
Some services may be easier to quote than others such as E-Design Services and Interior Consulting Services as they are charged per room or hour. Those prices can be found on my website so I won’t discuss those services here. Let’s discuss a full Interior Design Service in an attempt to help you understand how I work and charge.
During our initial phone call, which typically lasts around 15 – 20 minutes, I have the opportunity to connect with you for the first time. This conversation allows me to gain insight into your location, understand any concerns you have about your property, learn about your home goals, and determine the most effective way to collaborate within your budget. It also gives you the chance to get a sense of who I am and decide if you would like to proceed with an in-person meeting. Assuming you are interested in moving forward with a full Interior Design Service and I believe we can accomplish the work within your budget, we will schedule a site visit or initial consultation to further discuss your project.
Our journey together begins with a comprehensive 1.5-hour consultation, during which we have the opportunity to get acquainted. To ensure a personalised experience, I’ll arrive at your door with your preferred coffee order before we embark on a tour of your home. Prior to the visit, I’ll request that you share a Pinterest board or share images showcasing your desired design styles. I may also ask you to share photos of your home and a floor plan, allowing me to come prepared.
Throughout the consultation, I’ll ask numerous questions about your lifestyle, throw some design ideas at you, discuss your budget and work out your goals for this project. I’ll take ample photographs and videos to aid in the design process. While the standard consultation duration is 1.5 hours, larger projects may require more time. Within a 30km radius, the cost for this session is $475 +gst. Should you not feel a strong connection during this consultation, you are under no obligation to continue with the design service.
These meetings offer valuable insights, allowing us to explore initial ideas and concepts while gauging your design preferences and commitment level. I aim to inspire clients with fresh perspectives, leaving them excited to begin their design journey. Whether or not you choose to proceed, you’ll walk away with professional ideas and expert guidance that makes the initial meeting worthwhile.
Within 48 business hours of our initial meeting, I’ll send you a fee proposal outlining the design process, scope of work, and my design fee (flat rate for full job). If you’re ready to move forward, we’ll get you officially signed up, and I’ll request a 10% retainer to secure your start date on my waiting list.
In our next meeting, we’ll focus on concept development, where I’ll present a preliminary design direction for your home. You’ll share your feedback, and I’ll dive deeper into your preferences and aspirations before we move into the final design phase.
It’s important to note that Interior Designers have different charging structures. Some charge hourly, providing regular invoices throughout the project’s duration. Others, like myself, charge flat rates based on the scope of work. There are also those who apply a markup to furniture and trades. Hourly rates for Interior Designers can range from $90 to $300, depending on their experience and business model. In my case, I charge a flat fee based on the scope of work and the estimated time required to complete the entire project. My hourly rate is $150, with 50% of the flat fee collected before I commence design work and the remaining 50% due before I present my work to you.
Generally, you can make all or most of your design fee back via the savings you make through trade discounts. I’ll share more about this in the next section.
During this phase, I immerse myself in the overall design concept, working diligently behind the scenes. You may not hear from me frequently during this time, as I like to maintain an element of surprise. My focus during this phase includes determining the colour palette, spatial planning, custom joinery design, 3D drawings, sourcing furniture within your budget, inspecting and quality-checking products, arranging samples for tactile exploration, designing each space meticulously, and finalising the presentation document. The duration of this phase varies depending on the project’s size, typically ranging from 3 to 6 weeks.
During this stage, I take on the role of your project manager, handling everything from organising invoices and monitoring deliveries to coordinating with retailers, managing trades, and addressing any issues that arise. My goal is to manage these details seamlessly, so you can enjoy the process without unnecessary stress.
Unlike many designers who charge for their time during this phase, I simply retain 30% of the savings I secure for you through trade discounts. As a designer with established relationships with trusted suppliers, I have access to substantial discounts ranging from 10–50% off.
I operate on a 30/70 split, with 70% of these savings passed directly to you. This not only ensures my time is fairly compensated but also allows you to recoup your design fee and enjoy additional cost savings.
With this approach, you can have peace of mind knowing I’m managing the complexities behind the scenes while maximising value for your investment
Here’s a real-life example that highlights the value of hiring an Interior Designer and the significant savings it can bring:
The project was a large 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom, 3-living-area home with an office, with a furniture and decor budget of $150,000. By leveraging my access to trade discounts, I secured an impressive $53,000 in savings for the client.
From this, a 30% procurement fee of $15,900 was charged, leaving the client with $37,100 in retained savings. Not only did the client recoup their initial design fee through these discounts, but they also came out ahead with additional savings.
This example demonstrates how hiring an Interior Designer can result in substantial cost savings while streamlining the process. With my expertise and industry connections, I’ll help you avoid the stress of managing it all yourself, delivering a beautifully designed space while maximising your budget.
When choosing an Interior Designer, it’s important to look beyond design fees and consider several key factors to ensure the best fit for your project. Take the time to reflect on the following questions:
By carefully considering these questions, you’ll be better equipped to choose an Interior Designer who aligns with your goals, communication style, and vision. After all, your home is a deeply personal space—selecting the right designer can make all the difference in bringing it to life beautifully.
An Interior Designer offers a wealth of value to your home design or renovation journey, including;
I trust that this blog has provided you with a better understanding of the cost and value associated with hiring an Interior Designer. As the industry is multifaceted and diverse, if you have any further inquiries, I am more than happy to assist. Feel free to schedule a discovery call below if you are interested in exploring the possibility of collaborating with me. Thanks for reading and take care.
< Click my face to get in touch.
If you learned a thing or two, share this blog on your socials below.
Bright Side Interiors, located in Forest Hill and led by Tracey Bright, is your destination for top-notch interior design, decoration/styling and project management services. I am dedicated to assisting you in crafting your dream home without any stress or overwhelm. My design ethos revolves around understanding your needs, encouraging collaboration and uncovering the optimal solutions for your project. Backed by over a decade of experience, robust supplier and trade connections, and a consistent history of client satisfaction, you can rely on me to bring your dream home to life.
