One of the first questions many homeowners ask when planning a renovation or new home project is: how much does interior design cost in the UK?
Whether you are refurbishing a period property, furnishing a newly built home, or redesigning several rooms, working with a professional interior designer can transform both the look and functionality of your space. Understanding the potential costs involved can also help you plan your project more effectively.
The cost of luxury interior design in the UK depends on the size of the property, the level of bespoke design, and the scope of renovation.
In this guide, we explain typical luxury interior design costs in the UK, what influences the budget, and how working with a designer can add value to your home.
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
A professional interior designer does far more than select furniture or colours. A full-service interior design studio typically provides:
- Spatial planning and layout design
- Concept design and mood boards
- Lighting design and electrical planning
- Bespoke joinery and furniture design
- Furniture and material sourcing
- Project coordination with builders and contractors
- Installation and styling
For larger residential projects, designers often oversee the entire design process from initial concept through to final installation.
Typical Luxury Interior Design Costs in the UK for Renovations and New Build Homes
Every project is unique, but luxury residential interior design projects in the UK typically fall into the following ranges.
Single Room Design
For a single room such as a living room, bedroom, or home office, budgets often range from:
£15,000 – £50,000+
This can include furniture, lighting, soft furnishings, and decorative elements depending on the level of customisation.
Multi-Room Interior Design Projects
For several rooms within a home, such as a ground floor redesign or a full apartment furnishing project, budgets typically range from:
£50,000 – £150,000+
This often includes bespoke furniture, joinery, lighting design, and coordinated finishes across multiple spaces.
Whole Home Interior Design
For large renovation projects, country houses, or new build homes, full interior design projects can range from:
£150,000 – £500,000+
In some luxury homes, especially those requiring bespoke joinery, custom furniture, and extensive furnishing, the investment may be significantly higher.
What Influences Interior Design Costs?
Several factors influence the overall investment required for a project.
Size of the Property
Larger homes require more materials, furnishings, and design work. Country houses and multi-storey homes naturally involve larger budgets.
Bespoke Furniture and Joinery
Custom-designed furniture, fitted cabinetry, and bespoke joinery can significantly enhance a space but will increase costs.
Furniture Quality
Luxury interior projects typically involve high-quality materials, handcrafted furniture, and designer lighting, all of which influence the final budget.
Scope of Work
Projects that include full-service design and project management generally require more design time but also ensure a cohesive and professionally executed result.
Interior Designer Fees in the UK
Interior designers may structure their fees in several ways, depending on the type of project.
Common fee structures include:
- Fixed design fee
- Percentage of project cost
- Hourly consultation fees
- Procurement-based pricing
For larger residential projects, designers often work on a comprehensive design and procurement basis, managing everything from concept development through to final installation.
Is Hiring an Interior Designer Worth It?
For many homeowners, working with an experienced designer can actually save time, reduce costly mistakes, and deliver a far more cohesive result.
Benefits include:
- Professional planning of layouts and lighting
- Access to trade-only suppliers and bespoke makers
- Coordinated design across the entire property
- Efficient project management
- A finished home that feels considered and complete
For larger renovations or new-build homes, having a designer involved early in the process can make a significant difference to the final outcome.
Planning Your Interior Design Project
If you are considering working with an interior designer, it is helpful to begin by thinking about:
- The number of rooms you would like to redesign
- Your approximate investment range
- Whether the project involves renovation, refurbishment, or furnishing
- Your preferred design style and level of customisation
These details allow a design studio to understand your goals and propose the most appropriate approach.
Luxury Interior Design in Berkshire and the Home Counties
At Kings Interiors Ltd, we specialise in luxury residential interior design for country houses, period homes, and new-build properties across Berkshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and the Cotswolds.
Our projects often involve complete interior transformations, combining bespoke furniture, carefully selected materials, and thoughtful spatial planning to create elegant and highly personal homes.
Considering an Interior Design Project?
If you are planning a renovation, building a new home, or simply looking to elevate your interiors, professional interior design can help turn your vision into a beautifully finished space.
To learn more about our luxury interior design services or to discuss a potential renovation or new build project, feel free to get in touch with our studio.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Interior Design Costs
How much does a luxury interior designer cost in the UK?
Luxury interior design costs in the UK vary depending on the size of the property, the level of bespoke design, and the scope of the project. For full home renovations or new build properties, interior design projects can range from £150,000 to £500,000 or more.
Do interior designers charge a percentage of the project cost?
Many interior designers charge either a fixed design fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the overall project budget. For larger residential projects, a percentage-based structure is often used to cover design development, sourcing, and project coordination.
Is it worth hiring an interior designer for a renovation?
Hiring an interior designer during a renovation can save time, reduce costly mistakes, and ensure a cohesive result. Designers also coordinate layouts, lighting plans, materials, and furnishings to create a well-planned and beautifully finished home.
When should you hire an interior designer during a new build?
Ideally, an interior designer should be involved early in the planning stages of a new build project. Early involvement allows the designer to influence layouts, lighting plans, finishes, and bespoke elements before construction progresses too far.