How Interior Designers Charge – Our Transparent Guide
“How much does interior design cost?”
It’s one of the questions I’m asked most often and I completely understand why. Hiring an interior designer can feel like a leap into the unknown, and I’ve wanted to write about this for a while to take away some of that mystery.
I’m Helen, and together with Simon, I co-founded Lewis Knox. From the very start, one of our aims has been to make interior design feel approachable and transparent while still creating the luxury, detail-rich interiors our clients love. Pricing can be one of the biggest worries people have when they’re thinking about working with a studio, so I wanted to talk honestly about how we charge and what you can expect when you work with us.
The truth is, there’s no single way interior designers set their fees. Some studios charge by the hour, others use fixed fees and some calculate costs as a percentage of the project. We like to keep things flexible, tailoring our approach to what suits you best. The most important thing to know is that we’ll always make it clear and simple before you commit to anything.
Why Interior Design Costs Vary
Every home, client and brief is different which means the cost of interior design varies too. Designing a single room is a very different process to managing a whole-home renovation or a new-build property and we adjust our involvement to suit.
Costs between interior design studios will vary too. I’ll be honest, we’re not aiming to be the cheapest option. Our focus is on creating well-considered, beautiful spaces while helping you avoid costly mistakes. Through years of high-level training and experience we’ve learned how to navigate (and solve) just about every design challenge you can imagine. This not only saves you time but also ensures every detail is thoughtfully considered.
How We Structure Our Fees
At Lewis Knox, we offer two clear ways of charging, depending on what feels right for your project:
1. Hourly Rate
Ideal for smaller projects, consultations, or when you need ad-hoc design advice.
2. Fixed Fee
Perfect for well-defined projects such as our full-service packages.
For most of our full-service projects, we recommend a fixed fee. We break this down into clear stages so you can see exactly what’s included. These stages are aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work, as we frequently collaborate with architects to ensure both the architectural and interior elements of your home work seamlessly together.
What If My Project Isn’t Big Enough?
We know the thought of contacting a design studio can feel intimidating. One of the most common concerns we hear is:
“What if my project is too small? Will you take it seriously?”
The answer is always yes. At Lewis Knox, no project is ever ‘too small’ or insignificant. We love variety, whether it’s a full-home interior design project, a single-room makeover, a paint consultation, bespoke window treatments or an upholstery update.
Being a boutique studio means we can stay flexible and approachable. When you meet us, you’ll quickly find that we’re friendly, honest and genuinely passionate about creating beautiful spaces – regardless of project size.
Our Full-Service Interior Design Packages
To make things simple, we’ve created three levels of full-service design: Essentials, Signature, and Premium. These tiers are designed to match different needs, budgets and expectations.
1. Essentials – Streamlined Interior Expertise
Essentials is ideal if you want clear, professional guidance but plan to manage some elements yourself.
What’s Included?
- Floorplans and detailed room layouts
- Mood boards and direction boards
- Curated finishes and material palettes
- Lighting and electrical plans
- Flooring and decoration choices
- Furniture and accessory selections with purchase links
Investment
The Essentials package typically averages at:
3 Bedroom House: £18,950 + VAT
4 Bedroom House: £25,560 + VAT
5 Bedroom House: £28,500 + VAT
These guide prices are based on a typical full-home project and may vary depending on the specific requirements of your space.
2. Signature – Our Most Popular Package
Signature is for clients who want a little more detail and involvement — a creative partnership that elevates your ideas with our expertise.
What’s Included?
- All elements from the Essentials package
- Curated, cohesive design concepts
- Additional technical drawings and elevations
- Key meetings and collaborative design sessions
Investment
The Signature package typically averages at:
3 Bedroom House: £25,560 + VAT
4 Bedroom House: £30,600 + VAT
5 Bedroom House: £36,000 + VAT
These guide prices are based on a typical full-home project and may vary depending on the specific requirements of your space.
3. Premium – A Complete, End-to-End Service
Premium is our full design service – perfect if you want us to take care of absolutely everything, from initial concepts to the final styling touches.
What’s Included?
- All elements from the Essentials & Signature packages
- Full technical drawing packs
- Photorealistic CGI visuals of your spaces
- Extended design meetings and presentations
- Comprehensive product sourcing, from furniture to the finishing touches
Investment
The Premium package typically averages at:
3 Bedroom House: £42,600 + VAT
4 Bedroom House: £51,000 + VAT
5 Bedroom House: £60,000 + VAT
These guide prices are based on a typical full-home project and may vary depending on the specific requirements of your space.
Flexible Consultations & Ad-Hoc Services
Not every project needs a full-service design package and that’s okay. We offer consultations and ad-hoc support, whether you want help with a colour palette, a layout rethink, or sourcing soft furnishings. You can book our time on an hourly basis, and we’ll give you a clear estimate once we understand your needs.
Choosing the Right Level of Support
“Which package is right for me? And what will it cost?”
This is exactly what a Discovery Call is for. During this initial chat, we’ll talk through your home, your vision, and your priorities. We’ll also give you a ballpark cost and help determine which tier of service suits your needs.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has explained how interior designers charge and given you a clearer picture of how we work.
Simon and I are proud to lead a small but dedicated team that brings creativity, warmth, and expertise to every project. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just need a little advice on finishing touches, we’d love to help make your home feel truly special.
If you’d like to chat about your project, take a look at our FAQs or get in touch – no question is too small.
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