A breakdown of interior design pricing, affordable alternatives, and how to transform your space without spending thousands.
If you've ever searched "how much does an interior designer cost?" you've probably seen answers ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands.
But we are here to tell you that there are interior design options for only a few hundred dollars that also accommodate virtually any budget
The reality is that interior design isn't a one-size-fits-all service.
Over the years, we've worked with both homeowners and short-term rental hosts, and one thing we've learned is that not every project requires a complete redesign. Some spaces need a comprehensive plan and a larger investment. Others simply need a fresh perspective, a few strategic updates, and a clear direction.
The truth is that interior design pricing varies widely depending on the scope of your project, the designer you hire, and the level of service you're looking for.
For years, professional interior design was most commonly associated with luxury homes, large-scale renovations, and extensive furnishing projects. While those services still have an important place, they're no longer the only option available.
Today, there are design solutions for a wide range of budgets, whether you're furnishing an entire home, refreshing a single room, upgrading a short-term rental in stages, or looking for guidance before making major purchasing decisions.
What Does an Interior Designer Typically Cost?
Interior designers may charge in several different ways:
- Hourly rates, often ranging from $75 to $500+ per hour
- Flat-fee design packages
- Percentage-based fees tied to renovation budgets
- Full-service design packages that can range from several thousand dollars to well over $50,000 depending on the project
The right option depends on your goals.
If you're completing a major renovation, building a custom home, or furnishing multiple rooms from scratch, a full-service design may be the best fit.
But what if your space doesn't need a complete overhaul?
Sometimes the Biggest Transformations Come From Small Changes
One of the most common misconceptions in interior design is that every room needs to be completely redone to feel better.
In reality, many spaces already have a strong foundation. They're simply missing a few key pieces that bring everything together.
A living room that feels disconnected may need:
- A properly sized rug
- New paint colours
- Better lighting
- Updated artwork and accessories
A bedroom that feels unfinished may need:
- Layered bedding
- Window treatments
- New bedside lighting
- A more cohesive colour palette
A basement that feels chaotic may benefit from:
- Better furniture placement
- Clearly defined zones
- Consistent decor
- Strategic storage solutions
The same principle applies to short-term rentals. Many hosts assume they need a complete redesign to improve bookings, but that's not always the case. Sometimes a property is already performing well and simply needs a few strategic updates to stay competitive. A better furniture layout, upgraded bedding, fresh paint, improved lighting, or a standout feature wall can often have a bigger impact than people expect.
The goal isn't always to replace everything. Often, it's about creating a plan that makes the room feel intentional.
Real Examples of Strategic Design Updates
These projects didn't require tearing everything down and starting from scratch. Instead, they focused on thoughtful design decisions that created a dramatic difference in how the spaces looked, felt, and functioned.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
When people think about investing in design, they often focus on what it costs.
A better question might be: what is it costing you not to make the change?
Many homeowners spend years living in spaces that feel unfinished, cluttered, stressful, or simply "not quite right."
You walk past the same room every day knowing it needs attention. You keep a running mental list of things you'd like to change. You avoid inviting people over. You purchase random decor items hoping they'll solve the problem, only to discover the room still doesn't feel finished.
Over time, those small frustrations add up.
The longer a space remains unfinished, the longer it continues to impact your daily experience. Your home should be a place that helps you relax, recharge, and enjoy your life. If a room consistently creates frustration or mental clutter, there is a cost associated with that too.
For short-term rental hosts, the cost of doing nothing can show up differently. It might look like lower nightly rates, fewer bookings, declining guest satisfaction, or a listing that blends into a crowded market. Small improvements made today can often generate returns for years to come, while waiting another season means missing potential revenue in the meantime.
An Affordable Alternative to Full-Service Interior Design
For homeowners and short-term rental hosts who want professional guidance without committing to a large design budget, we created our Room Revamp service.
It's especially popular with people who want to improve one room at a time, test a new design direction before investing further, or make meaningful upgrades without taking on a full-scale renovation.
For just $297 USD, you'll receive a customized design plan for a single room that's tailored to your style, goals, and budget.
Whether you're updating a bedroom, living room, nursery, home office, game room, or refreshing a key space within a short-term rental, our goal is to help you create a room that feels intentional, functional, and complete.
Every Room Revamp includes:
- A professionally designed before-and-after concept
- A clickable mood board
- A curated shopping list
- A detailed placement guide showing exactly where everything goes
No guesswork. No overwhelming process. Just a clear roadmap for transforming your space.
Is Hiring an Interior Designer Worth It?
The answer depends on what you're trying to achieve.
If you're planning a large-scale renovation, a full-service design may be worth every penny.
If you're looking to refresh a room, improve functionality, or finally finish a space that's been bothering you for years, a smaller design investment may deliver exactly what you need.
Good design isn't about spending the most money. It's about making intentional decisions that help your space work better for your life.
And sometimes, all it takes is one room to completely change how your home feels.
We originally developed this approach while working with short-term rental owners who needed to maximize impact while staying within an investor-friendly budget. Over time, we realized the same strategy works just as well for homeowners, and there was a clear need for our services in personal properties.
Whether you're trying to create a more relaxing home environment or a more memorable guest experience, thoughtful design doesn't have to happen all at once. Sometimes the smartest approach is simply starting with one room.
Ready to Transform a Space Without Spending Thousands?
If you've been putting off a room refresh because you thought professional interior design was out of reach, you're not alone.
The good news is that creating a space you love doesn't always require a major renovation or a five-figure investment. Sometimes all you need is a clear plan, a fresh perspective, and a few strategic updates. We’re here to help!
If you're reading this before June 30, 2026, use code SAVE50 to save $50 on your Room Revamp package.
Reading this after June 30? Join our email list for interior design tips, decorating inspiration, and subscriber-only offers delivered straight to your inbox. You can also browse our blog for more room makeover ideas, home design advice, and short-term rental design insights.