A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring an Interior Designer

Have you ever hired an interior designer before? Hiring one can make a difference in transforming your home into a beautiful and functional space, especially if you don't want to spend a lot of time and energy making all the home styling decisions yourself. It can feel so overwhelming!

Interior designers are professionals who offer experience, education, talent, relationships, and expertise in your home design (and sometimes decorating) process. Investing in the unique skill set of a reputable interior designer can save you in the long run—money and frustration. If you can hire an interior designer to help with this process, you should consider it.

The experts will tell you that there is a difference between interior designers and decorators. Designers focus on your space's overall design and functionality; they can help reconfigure layouts with their expertise in architecture, spatial planning, and building codes. Interior decorators focus more on aesthetics—colors, furniture, and decorative elements. They both offer valuable help in the home design and decorating process.

For this article, we will focus on how to find the right designer for your needs and style. And how do you find the best interior designer near you? This step-by-step guide will hopefully help you decide whether hiring an interior designer is a path you'd like to take.

1. Determine Your Style and Budget

Before you search for an interior designer, take some time to determine your preferred style and decide what a realistic budget would be for your project. Browse design magazines, websites, and Pinterest boards (or Spoken spaces!) to find inspiration and identify your desired elements.

Once you have a better idea about your design goals, you can start your search for a designer who aligns with those goals. An interior designer may charge using one of these pricing models.

Hourly Rate:

• $50 – $500 per hour (average: $100 – $200 per hour)
• Best for small projects or consultations.
• High-end designers in major cities (like NYC or LA) will charge more.

Flat Fee (Fixed Rate)

• $2,000 – $50,000+ per project
• Common for full-home designs or large-scale remodels.
• Based on project complexity, square footage, and estimated time required.

Percentage of Project Cost

• May be between 10% – 30% of total project cost
• Best for high-budget renovations and custom builds.
• Used when the designer manages purchases, contractors, and design execution.

Cost Per Square Foot

• $5 – $15 per square foot for standard interior design.
• $50+ per square foot for high-end, luxury projects.
• Often used for large commercial or residential projects.

Retainer + Hourly or Percentage Fees

• Some designers charge a retainer fee ($1,000 – $10,000+) before starting the work.
• Retainers ensure commitment and are deducted from the total fee.

Understanding these pricing models will help you know what to expect and feel confident in the designer you choose to work with.

2. Research and Referrals

Speaking of confidence, there's no greater confidence than knowing that others you trust have been happy with someone's work and character, especially when you want to hire someone for such an important project!

Start by asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Browse online portfolios and reviews to create a shortlist of potential designers. Look for designers with experience in your preferred style and a proven track record of satisfied clients.

Many online marketplaces, directories, and review-based platforms can offer guidance when you're in the research phase. These platforms allow you to search for licensed designers, read reviews, and see portfolios:

• Houzz – This is one of the best platforms for finding interior designers, decorators, and architects. Includes verified reviews, portfolios, and estimated pricing.
• ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) – Features vetted professionals with certifications and credibility.
• IIDA (International Interior Design Association) – Best for commercial interior designers.
• NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) – An excellent resource for finding kitchen and bathroom designers.
• Decorilla – A platform offering virtual and in-person interior design services with different pricing tiers.
• Google Reviews – Search “interior designers near me” and filter by highest-rated designers.
• Yelp – Great for checking local reviews and ratings.
• Angi (formerly Angie’s List) – Best for finding vetted professionals with verified customer reviews.

3. Schedule Consultations

Reach out to your shortlisted designers to schedule initial consultations. This is an opportunity to discuss your ideas, style, and budget and see if you have a good rapport with the designer.

This conversation will give you an idea about this person's creative process, experience, services, availability, timeline, and pricing. A few important questions you might ask during an initial consultation include:

• How long have you been working as an interior designer?
• Have you worked on projects similar to mine in style, size, or budget?
• How do you incorporate functionality and personalization into your designs?
• Can you work with existing furniture and décor, or do you prefer starting from scratch?
• What specific services do you offer (e.g., space planning, furniture selection, custom design)?
• Will you be sourcing materials and furnishings, or is that my responsibility?
• What is your estimated timeline for a project of this scope?
• How frequently will we communicate during the project?
• How do you structure your fees (hourly, flat rate, percentage of project cost)?
• Can you provide an estimated cost breakdown for my project?
• Can I request revisions if I’m unhappy with the initial design proposal?
• How do you ensure the final result reflects my taste and lifestyle?
• What happens if I decide to make changes after the project starts?
• Do you offer post-project support for maintenance or adjustments?

Most designers offer free or low-cost consultations to assess whether they fit your project well, but you should still ask beforehand so you aren't surprised by the cost of the consultation once it's over.

4. Ask for References and a Portfolio

Request references and a portfolio from the interior designers you're considering. This will give you insight into their past work and allow you to gauge their level of expertise. Don't be afraid to ask for specific examples of projects similar to yours.

5. Compare Quotes and Services

Once you've met with potential designers and reviewed their portfolios, compare their quotes and the services they offer. Remember, the lowest quote may not always be the best choice. Consider the quality of their work, communication skills, and overall compatibility when making your decision.

Your relationship with your interior designer will be a source of joy or frustration. If you don't feel compatible with them, it's okay to keep trying to find someone else to help you in this process. Communication skills and compatibility are key!

6. Discuss the Design Process

Before signing a contract, discuss the design process with your chosen designer. This should include timelines, communication preferences, and how revisions or changes will be handled. A clear understanding of the process will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth project.

7. Sign a Contract

A detailed contract is crucial when hiring an interior designer. It should outline the scope of work, fees, payment terms, and other relevant details. Read the contract thoroughly and ask for clarification on anything you're unsure about before signing.

8. Establish Communication Channels

Open communication is key to a successful design project. Establish the preferred communication method, whether email, phone calls, or in-person meetings, and set expectations for response times.

Making these decisions up front and agreeing on communication processes and channels will save a lot of frustration in the long run.

9. Be Open to Suggestions

While having a clear vision for your space is essential, be open to suggestions from your interior designer. They have the expertise and experience to offer innovative solutions you may not have considered.

If they make a suggestion you aren't sure about, it's okay to ask for a couple of days to think about it. You don't want to give up on something very important to you, but you may find that they offer creative and insightful ideas that you couldn't have come up with alone.

10. Trust the Process

Hiring an interior designer is an investment in your home and your lifestyle. Trust their expertise and allow them the creative freedom to bring your vision to life. Remember, collaboration and open communication are key to a successful design project.

11. Review and Provide Feedback

As the project progresses, review the work and provide feedback to your designer. This will help refine their ideas and ensure you're satisfied with the final result. It's okay

12. Enjoy Your New Space

Once the project is complete, take the time to enjoy your beautifully designed home. Don't forget to share your experience with friends and family or leave a review for your designer to help future clients make informed decisions.

These steps will help you hire the perfect interior designer for your home. You want a space that reflects your lifestyle, personality, and everything that makes a house feel like a home to you. Making a home can be hard, and asking for help is sometimes necessary.

Whether that looks like hiring an interior designer or asking a friend to help you pick out the perfect new piece on Spoken, you can still bring your vision to life with the help of someone you trust. We wish you all the best on the adventure of decorating and loving your space!