How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Interior Decorator?
Last Updated: January 13, 2022
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People often confuse an interior decorator with an interior designer. An interior designer is usually state-certified and most hold a college degree in a related field. They are concerned with the functionality of a living space and their skills are complimentary to an architect's. They not only help a homeowner choose designs, furnishing and appliances, but make sure that a space meets building and safety codes.
An interior decorator, by contrast, is primarily concerned with the look of a space, managing the integration of paint, fabric, furniture, flooring, lighting and other aesthetic features of a room or home. Home interior decorating doesn't deal with things such as safety, functionality or efficiency as interior design does.
Interior Decorator Services Cost #
Most interior decorators operate under one or a combination of the following:
- Hourly wages: the average price of hiring an interior decorator is around $75 per hour, though it's possible to find one in the $40 to $60 range or even $20 to $30 for a decorator who is just starting out. On the other end of the spectrum are premiere interior decorating companies who might charge $400 to $500 per hour or more.
- Flat fee: some interior design decorators charge a pre-determined rate for certain services.
- Cost plus fee: using this approach, a designer will purchase products at a discount from interior decorating wholesalers and then tack on a set percentage as compensation. It benefits both parties, as the homeowner still ends up getting a discount on goods.
- Percentage fee: this is a straight forward option whereby designers charger a given percentage (say 10 or 20%) of the total cost of an interior decoration project.
- Square footage fee: often used in new construction projects, a designer charges a set rate per square foot of home interior space.
- Many decorators charge a retainer fee of $500 to $1000 (some more, some less) at the beginning of a project which is paid up front or transferred to the final balance at the conclusion of work.
Shopping for an interior decorator? #
- For some interior decorating ideas visit HGTV.com, homeportfolio.com, and getdecorating.com.
- Take pictures or collect samples of home decor that you like to share with an interior decorator during the consultation phase. During this phase it is also important to lay out your budget for the project and get as much as possible in writing before work begins so you can stay within your price range.