How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?
by Leslie Alexander, Co-Founder / Director
Table of Contents
How much does an interior designer cost in 2025?
Are you planning to renovate your apartment or rethink your interior layout? The budget question is often the first hurdle, yet knowing an interior designer's fees allows you to plan your project with confidence. Good news: fees are more accessible than often imagined.
In France, an interior designer's hourly rate is between €80 and €200 per hour depending on their experience and location. For a complete mission including design and site supervision, expect between 10% and 15% of the total project cost. These ranges may seem wide, but they reflect the diversity of projects and professional profiles.
Contrary to popular belief, hiring an interior designer is not reserved for unlimited budgets. A qualified professional optimizes your expenses by avoiding costly mistakes, negotiating with contractors and maximizing every square meter. On a renovation project in Paris where the price per m² often exceeds €10,000, this investment quickly proves profitable.
What are the different billing methods?
Hourly rate: ideal for one-off missions
The hourly rate is preferred for consulting, diagnostic or one-off support services. It offers complete transparency on the time spent by the professional. In 2025, this rate generally varies between €80 and €200 per hour depending on the designer's reputation and project complexity.
This billing method is particularly suited to initial consultation meetings, pre-purchase property advice, decor coaching or occasional adjustments on an existing project.
Percentage of works: the most common formula
For a complete mission (design + site supervision), fees are generally calculated as a percentage of the total project cost. This method is the most widespread as it aligns the interests of client and professional.
Rates vary according to project scale. For works under €100,000, expect 12 to 15% in fees. For works between €100,000 and €200,000, the rate is around 10 to 12%. For works over €200,000, fees drop to between 7 and 10%.
Fee per m²: for well-defined projects
Some interior designers offer billing per square meter, particularly suited to standardized projects. Rates range from €50 to €150 ex-VAT/m² depending on the scope of the mission and work complexity.
This method offers immediate budget visibility but can be less flexible if modifications occur during the project.
Summary table of billing methods
| Billing method | Price range | Suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | €80 - 200/h | Consulting, diagnostics, one-off missions |
| Percentage of works | 7 - 15% of budget | Complete mission (design + supervision) |
| Fee per m² | €50 - 150/m² | Standardized projects, defined surface |
| Fixed package | €2,500 - 15,000 | Studies only, small projects |
What factors influence an interior designer's price?
Geographic area: Paris vs regions
Location significantly impacts fees. In Paris, rates are 20 to 40% higher than in the provinces, due to cost of living, sustained demand and project complexity (Haussmann buildings, strict condominiums).
In central Parisian arrondissements (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th), renovation budgets commonly reach €1,500 to €2,500 per m², compared to €800 to €1,200 in outer arrondissements. Interior designer fees naturally follow this trend.
Scope of the mission
The scope of intervention directly determines cost. A design-only mission (plans, 3D visuals, specifications) will be less expensive than a complete mission including contractor consultation, site supervision and work handover.
For a partial mission, expect around 5 to 8% of the project cost. For a complete mission with supervision through to delivery, plan for 10 to 15%.
Technical complexity of the project
Renovating a standard studio doesn't require the same skills as transforming a Haussmann apartment with moldings, antique parquet and condominium constraints. The more technical the project, the higher the fees.
Elements increasing complexity include:
- Partition modifications
- Creating bathrooms or kitchens
- Work on networks (electricity, plumbing)
- Work on historic or listed buildings
- Coordinating numerous trades
Reputation and experience of the professional
A renowned interior designer, published in magazines or award-winning, will charge higher rates than a young professional. This price difference is justified by expertise, contacts and the guarantee of a polished result.
However, a lesser-known professional can offer excellent value for money, particularly on modest-sized projects.
What VAT applies to interior designer fees?
20% VAT: the default rate
In principle, interior designer services are subject to the standard VAT rate of 20%. This is particularly the case for design-only missions (plans, studies, visuals) without site supervision.
10% VAT: for complete renovation missions
In accordance with Article 279-0 bis of the French General Tax Code, a reduced rate of 10% applies to improvement, transformation, development and maintenance work on residential premises completed more than two years ago.
For the interior designer to invoice at the reduced rate of 10%, two conditions must be met:
- The work itself must be eligible for the 10% rate
- The designer must be commissioned for a complete mission including site supervision (project management)
Special cases and exclusions
The standard rate of 20% applies in certain cases:
- Work on professional premises (offices, shops)
- Work increasing floor area by more than 10%
- Elevation or extension work
- Renovation of more than 50% of the structure
VAT rate summary table
| Type of mission | Housing +2 years | New housing / Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| Design only | 20% | 20% |
| Complete mission (design + supervision) | 10% | 20% |
| Energy renovation work | 5.5% | 20% |
Concrete budget examples by project type
Renovation of a 30 m² studio in Paris
For a studio requiring complete reorganization with creation of a proper kitchen and general refresh, the works budget generally amounts to €25,000-40,000 ex-VAT. With fees at 12%, the interior designer cost represents €3,000-4,800 ex-VAT.
Renovation of an 80 m² Haussmann apartment
This type of project involving room redistribution, complete kitchen and bathroom renovation, electrical upgrades and restoration of period features costs between €80,000 and €120,000 ex-VAT in works. With fees at 11%, the interior designer charges between €8,800 and €13,200 ex-VAT.
Transformation of a large 150 m² apartment
For heavy restructuring of a family apartment with creation of multiple bathrooms, custom dressing room and high-end materials, plan for €180,000-250,000 ex-VAT in works. At 10% fees, the interior designer represents €18,000-25,000 ex-VAT.
Summary table by project type
| Project type | Surface | Works budget | Fees (10-12%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Small apartment | 25-40 m² | €25,000 - 50,000 | €2,500 - 6,000 |
| Standard apartment | 60-80 m² | €60,000 - 100,000 | €6,000 - 12,000 |
| Large apartment | 100-150 m² | €120,000 - 200,000 | €12,000 - 22,000 |
| Townhouse / Loft | 200 m²+ | €250,000+ | €20,000+ |
How to get the best value for money for your project?
Investing in an interior designer is a strategic decision that secures your project and optimizes every euro spent. To maximize this return on investment, some best practices apply.
Define your overall budget precisely before consulting professionals. This will allow the interior designer to propose solutions suited to your means. Compare several quotes (minimum 3) checking that the scope of missions is identical. A lower rate may hide an incomplete service.
Favor CFAI-certified professionals who offer guarantees (10-year warranty, professional liability) and whose references you can verify. Don't hesitate to ask for examples of similar projects to evaluate stylistic fit.
Hauss Paris supports individuals and professionals in their interior design projects in Paris. As a specialized intermediary, we facilitate the meeting between your project and an interior designer suited to your needs, style, budget and way of working. Renovation of Parisian apartments, volume optimization, office or commercial space design: from studio to large Haussmann apartment, we help you move forward with confidence through a human and structured approach, serving a demanding French and international clientele.
FAQ: Your questions about interior designer fees
Is an interior designer worth it on a small budget?
Yes, even on modest budgets. An interior designer avoids costly mistakes (poor material choices, unanticipated technical problems) and negotiates prices with contractors. On a €30,000 project, their €3,000-4,000 fees can generate greater savings through their expertise and network.
Can you negotiate an interior designer's fees?
Fees are freely set by each professional. Negotiation is possible, particularly by reducing the scope of the mission (design only without supervision) or entrusting multiple projects. However, fees that are too low may indicate a lack of experience or degraded service.
Is the first meeting paid?
Practices vary. Some interior designers offer a free first meeting of 30 minutes to 1 hour to assess the project. Others charge for this consultation (€80-200) but deduct this amount from fees if you sign a mission. Always ask for this information before booking an appointment.
How are payments spread throughout the project?
Fees are generally staggered according to project progress:
- 30% at contract signing
- 30% at preliminary design validation
- 30% during site supervision
- 10% at work completion
This payment schedule must be included in the contract.
Sources: Article 279-0 bis of the French General Tax Code, Ministry of Economy, Order of Architects, CFAI