Hiring an interior decorator can be a very eye-opening experience for your home as the interior decorator helps in making your home both functional and beautiful. But in order for proper budgeting, knowing the costs involved in hiring an interior decorator is very important. This article will give you a detailed analysis of all the pricing structures and tips for budgeting when hiring an interior decorator in the UK.
For Homeowners researching Interior Designers in London, price is a factor that is invariably taken into consideration within the initial stages of research. With several Interior Designing service types available – ranging from Specialised Colour Consultation to full service Interior Designing – a prospective Homeowner needs to be able to assess the cost models available.
Understanding Interior Decorator Costs
Interior decorators in the UK charge in one of three ways: an hourly rate, a flat rate, or based on a percentage of the total project cost, particularly for full service projects. Indeed, many established professionals, particularly those working within the field of interior design, offer flexible pricing structures depending on the scope of work. Smaller advisory projects may sit comfortably within an hourly framework, while larger, multi-room schemes often benefit from fixed or percentage-based fees that support a more cohesive design process.
1. Hourly Rates
Hourly rates for interior decorators may vary according to their experience levels, location, and the nature of projects. On average:
Entry-Level Decorators: £30-£60
Mid-Level Decorators: £60–£100
Experienced Professionals: 100 to 200+ per
In large cities such as London, premiums may cost more based on demand and cost-of-living factors.
A good example where these types of hourly-based professional design services will be invaluable is in a Space Planning Review, Lighting Design Consultation, or Colour Consultation session. These sessions provide the homeowner with professional insight without having to go the full design route.
Experience-Based Insight- In reality, several clients have been able to solve problems that had been causing their projects to stall for months with a two-hour consultation.
2. Flat Fees
Those with clearly defined projects can utilise fixed-fee services offered by decorators, which
- Single Room Design: £500–£3,000
- Full Home Renovation: £5,000–£20,000 or more
These packages may include design, procurement of materials, and project management.
Flat rate payment is common for Luxury Interior Designers in London when a client requires a full-service start-to-finish package. Such packages help create a clear set of deliverables and a timeline in which they need to be accomplished, but also enable a designer to tackle creative and logistical considerations as a whole.
Full Service can encompass concept development, detailed design, Space Planning, Lighting Design, specification of furniture, and vendor coordination, making it an attractive option for consumers with design goals and those looking for efficiency.
3. Percentage of Project Cost
In some cases, the percentage is based on the cost incurred for the entire project undertaken by the decorator. In most instances, the cost is between 5% to 15%. Such a system links the price to be paid by the decorator to the cost incurred on the entire project.
This type of organisational model will be most functional in projects that are bigger or more complicated, in that they will involve more than one stage in a decorator’s involvement. This method could work well for projects that will transform high-value property.
Factors Influencing Costs
Certain considerations may influence the cost of hiring an interior decorator:
- Location: Fees charged by decorators in metropolitan areas are likely to be higher.
- Project Scope: Larger or more complex projects need proportionally more time and effort.
- Experience of Decorator: More experienced professionals can charge higher fees.
- Additional Services: Added services, such as custom furniture designs or modifications to the structure, may also increase the total costs.
The subtlety of design detail is also an issue. Those schemes involving custom furniture, Lighting Designs, or Space Planning will necessarily take longer to incorporate than those limited to surface-level design embellishments.
There might also be some clients who require other forms of consultations, like a Feng Shui Consultation, which could be done in addition to an interior design consultation,s depending on what expertise a studio has in-house.

Tips for Managing Costs
To properly control your budget:
- Define Your Budget: One of the very first things you need to do is set your budget before you ever
- Request Detailed Quotes: Request quotes with a breakdown of the services required, along with the costs
- Think about phased projects: Consider completing projects in phases. This would make it easier to finance renovations.
- Online Services: Online consultations or online design services may turn out to be cheaper options.
Additionally, it would be useful to focus efforts on rooms where there is a great daily usage influence, such as living rooms and entrance areas. Usually, improvement through Space Planning or Lighting Design is very effective without having to undergo a complete renovation process.
Value of Hiring an Interior Decorator
Spending money on an interior designer is an excellent way to improve the look and functionality of your home and even add value to it. You can add quite an amount to its worth without making any additions or expansions, particularly when guided by a professional interior design consultation.
Aside from financial gain, expert design can enhance the living qualities of the house itself. Colours carefully chosen and thoughtfully considered, along with light and space planning, can create environments that feel more serene, logical, and well-suited to contemporary living patterns—especially for those living in urban settings with limited space.
Conclusion
At Oraanj Interiors, we truly know that an interior design project might be an overwhelming yet greatly valued investment for you. As such, each package is designed to accommodate diversified budgets and design dreams with a view to offering unparalleled value and personal touch to all our clients.
An established Interior Design Studio in London, recognised for its considered residential work, our approach combines creative vision with the practical expertise developed across a wide range of projects.
Whether you consider giving your place a fresh touch or completely renovating it, our expert team will assist you during the whole process. Ready to make your dream a reality? Get in touch with Oraanj Interiors today, and let’s build that space which truly reflects your style and adds sing to your daily life.

