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Interior Decorator Cost

How Much Does an Interior Decorator Cost?
 
average cost Range: $500-$10,000
 



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Architect

Painting an Interior

Bathroom Remodeling

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Typical costs:
  • Some decorators work for free; they're earning commissions from merchants and may steer you to the highest priced products. Others charge a fixed fee, of $500-$10,000 or more depending on location and reputation. Hourly rates can be $35-$500, again based on location and reputation. Decorators working on a flat rate or hourly basis may also charge a percentage of any products purchased. It's possible to hire a decorator for just a few hours, to give you guidance and ideas.
What should be included:
  • An interior decorator does the research and legwork for you, using training and experience to help choose paint colors, textures, furniture, fabrics, flooring and accessories
Discounts:
  • Use your decorator's talents and experience to decide what painting, sewing or minor construction is needed, then do the work yourself to avoid paying contractors or other labor. Explain this plan before hiring a decorator.
Shopping for an interior decorator:
  • Find or take pictures of rooms you adore. HGTV.com, BetterHomesandGardens.com and HomePortfolio.com offer inspirational photos.
  • Decide on a realistic budget and be clear about which styles and colors you prefer, any objects that must stay in the room, your lifestyle (children? pets? lots of entertaining?) and exactly how you intend to use the room.
  • The American Society of Interior Designers, Interior Refiners Network provides referrals.
  • Review several portfolios and personalities. Most decorators have a signature style; be sure you like it. Decorating takes time: you need to communicate easily and work well together. Check for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Have a written agreement listing all costs including design fees, any deadlines and an explanation of exactly what the decorator will do.
  • Design centers are traditionally "to the trade only," but many now offer buying/design services; visit New York Design Center and San Francisco Design Center.
Article updated November 2006
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Recent Posts
Amount: $800.00 Room gone green! (And bad!!)
Posted by: Sandy W in New Braunfels, TX.Purchased: January, 2008
Number of Rooms: 1Type of firm: Independent, claimed to be decorator
I hate to insult those who are actually professional decorators...but my mom hired a lady (Who actually works at her gym as the child care attendent). Anyway, my mom mentioned to her about decorating my daughters room. This lady just happed to be a "decorator". We asked what she charged, and she never really said. She said she would give an itemized list. fianlly, on the day work was to begin, she gives my mom the price, and a paper to sign too. $1500 to paint a 13X14 room, paint the exisitng bed, and then "placement of furniture" . I am furious. I called her and said she could finish painting the room, then call it quits. So, basically, we have a horrible paint job, eneded up with a horrible neon green on two walls. And it only cost $800. What a rip off. She did not even remove the face plates, which now have paint on them. The light fixture has paint...and now I have a lime green patch of carpet...where she spilled paint and attempted to clean up. This week I am having a painting service re-paint her room...for $250!!!!! I'm sick to my stomach. Alway research research research! And we supplied all the paint, rollers etc...the $800 was her wage only! $40.00 hr at 20 hrs to paint one freakin room!
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Amount: $0.00 Response to "Room Gone Green!"
Posted by: Cindy from Chicago, Interior Decorator in Chicago, IL.Purchased: January, 2008
Number of Rooms: 0Type of firm: 0
Sandy, It's unfortunate you had a bad experience. I'm an Interior Decorator, and I would never begin work with a client without providing a proposal first which outlines the scope of the project, plus my estimated hourse and fees. The client signs off on the proposal before any work begins. My recommendation is to always get a written proposal or letter of agreement first, before determining if you would like to hire someone. This will alleviate any surprises --Cindy
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