FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Design

Have questions about your renovation or interior design project in Paris? Find here the answers to our clients' most frequently asked questions.

General Questions

How much does an interior designer cost in Paris?: Interior designer fees in Paris vary by project type. For a one-time consultation, expect €150-300/hour. For a complete project, fees typically represent 8-15% of construction costs, ranging from €5,000 to €50,000 depending on scope. Hauss Paris helps you find a professional suited to your budget.
What's the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?: An interior designer can modify your space's structure (partitions, plumbing, electrical) and coordinate major construction. A decorator works on styling: furniture selection, colors, textiles, accessories. For a complete renovation, choose an interior designer. For a refresh without construction, a decorator suffices.
Can I manage my renovation project from abroad?: Absolutely, this is actually our specialty at Hauss Paris. We support many international clients (expats, investors, second-home owners). The designer manages everything on-site: surveys, construction monitoring, deliveries. You receive regular updates with photos and validate key stages remotely.
How do I choose an interior designer in Paris?: Check their diploma (CFAI, ENSAD, recognized school), references, and style. Ask for examples of projects similar to yours. Ensure they have professional liability insurance. Hauss Paris verifies all these points before recommending a designer and presents you with 1-3 profiles suited to your project.

What budget should I plan for an apartment renovation in Paris?: Budget depends on scope: simple refresh (€500-800/sqm), partial renovation (€1,000-1,500/sqm), complete renovation (€1,500-2,500/sqm), high-end renovation (€2,500-4,000/sqm). These prices include construction but not designer fees (8-15% extra) or furniture.
Are designer fees negotiable?: Designers in our network offer transparent pricing from the first contact. Their billing method (flat fee, percentage, or hourly rate) is adapted to your project's nature. We help you compare quotes and choose the most relevant formula.
What are the hidden costs of a renovation?: Plan for a 10-15% margin for unexpected issues: discoveries during demolition (old plumbing, non-compliant electrical), supplier delays, mid-project changes. A good designer anticipates these risks and advises you on items to secure.

How long does an apartment renovation take in Paris?: Plan 2-3 months for a partial renovation (kitchen, bathroom), 4-6 months for a complete renovation of an 80-120 sqm apartment. Timelines include the study phase (1-2 months), condo board approvals (1-2 months), and actual construction (2-4 months).
Do I need a building permit to renovate an apartment in Paris?: A building permit is rarely needed for interior renovation. However, you must obtain condo board approval for work affecting common areas or modifying the exterior appearance. Some listed buildings have additional constraints that your designer will manage.
How does a project work with Hauss Paris?: 1) Free 30-min consultation to understand your project. 2) We select 1-3 suited designers. 3) You meet the candidates and choose. 4) The designer handles your project (study, construction, furnishing). Our matching service is free for individuals.

Do you work on commercial projects?: Yes, our network includes designers specialized in commercial spaces: shops, restaurants, hotels, offices. They know ERP standards, accessibility requirements, and tight retail deadlines. Contact us with your specifications.
Do you offer home staging services?: Yes, several decorators in our network specialize in home staging for sale or rental. They optimize your property's presentation to accelerate transactions and maximize price. Service particularly useful for investors.
Do you work outside Paris?: Our network covers central Paris and all Île-de-France: Neuilly, Boulogne, Versailles, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and departments 92, 93, 94, 78. For projects in provinces or abroad, contact us to explore possibilities.

Our team is available to answer all your questions and support you in your interior design project in Paris.