How Much Does Interior Design Cost? A Transparent Guide for Mid-Counties Homeowners.
This is the big question, and the first one everyone should be asking. How do interior design costs work, and what should you expect to get for your money when hiring an interior designer in Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, or the surrounding counties?
Hourly rate versus ‘design fee’
Typically, interior design studios charge a fixed percentage of the overall project cost to cover design work. This is usually around 15%, but can be higher or lower depending on the budget range, the longevity of the client-designer relationship, and other factors. So, if your project value is £100,000, you would end up paying an additional £15,000 to a designer, no matter how long they spend on the project. This can work in the client's favour, or it can be costly. Luxury studios tend to recommend high-value furniture, materials and fixtures, which means 'regular' people are often priced out of using interior design services.
At Realm, we separate our design fees from trade discounts. This means our clients have full control of the budget – you decide what you want to spend on design, and we recommend where that is best spent. Whether that's an hour spent looking at sofa options to finish off a room you love, or a full room or whole-home scheme quoted as a bespoke package, you only pay for the time we use – no more, no less.
It’s a trade-off
Much like the high-end studios, our design fees can still be offset by the trade discounts we offer. If you purchase your bed, sofa, kitchen, bathroom suite, lighting or any physical items through our trusted network of affordable trade partners, we pass on a proportion of the discount to you. This is a direct saving that offsets what you've spent on design time. Some of our clients have saved enough to cover their whole design fee; others, just a proportion. Either way, it all goes towards making professional interior design more accessible to more people across Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and the Cotswolds.
Packages and quotes
We've set out packages to ensure there's an option for everyone:
Paint picker – If you're stuck between two perfect shades, or simply don't know where to begin, our Paint Picker package is a quick, easy and cost-effective way to make those final decisions and get your project underway.
One room wonder – Whether you're looking to revamp one room, or want to update your home one room at a time, this option ties all the essential services into a single, neat package.
Furniture finder – If you're looking for that final piece to finish off a room, or don't know where to begin with a big purchase like a bed or sofa, we can help.
If none of these options feel right for you, we'll simply book a FREE initial 30-minute consultation to understand your hopes and dreams for your project, then quote a bespoke package to suit your needs. This is our Tailored to You package.
If none of these options feel right for you, we will simply book a FREE initial 30-minute consultation with you to understand your hopes and dreams for your project, then quote a bespoke package to suit what you need. This is our ‘Tailored to you’ package.
Payment options
Not only does our pricing work for a wider market, we also offer flexible payment terms. You can pay in blocks of hours to spread the cost, or pay based on key project milestones, such as installation or design approval. We work flexibly to ensure our interior design services reach as many people as possible across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.
You can also buy a small block of time as a gift for a loved one! Email hello@realmspaces.co.uk for more information on gifting design services.
We're on a mission to help as many people as possible achieve their interior design dreams, and to have a home that works for them and that they're proud of. If you'd like to understand more about how our fees work, or you'd like to get started, book a FREE initial 30-minute consultation, or get in touch with the team at hello@realmspaces.co.uk to find out more.