You’ve got ideas. Maybe you’re building from scratch, fixing up a tired room, or just sick of how your place feels—but you’re not quite sure where to start. That’s when the thought hits: maybe it’s time to bring in a pro.
Getting an interior designer in Melbourne on board can be one of the smartest decisions you make when it comes to transforming your space. But let’s face it, the big question on everyone’s mind is: how much is this actually going to cost me?
The short answer: it depends. The long answer? Well, let’s break it down together.
What Affects the Price?
There’s no set rate across the board. You might find one professional charging $150 an hour, while another offers flat rates or tiered packages. That’s because the price depends on a whole bunch of factors, including:
1. Project Scope
This is one of the biggest pricing factors. A simple room refresh—think new paint, furniture, and layout tweaks—will cost far less than a full-scale renovation. The more complex the project, the more hours and planning it requires.
If you’re redesigning your entire home, you’re not just paying for ideas—you’re paying for weeks or even months of coordination, sourcing, and site visits.
2. Experience and Reputation
Like any creative service, experience comes with a price tag. Someone just starting out might offer more affordable rates, while an award-winning designer with a strong portfolio could cost significantly more.
Well-established professionals often charge more because they bring a proven eye, industry contacts, and fewer chances of missteps. That said, newer designers can still do amazing work—especially for smaller projects or tight budgets.
3. Billing Structure
Designers don’t all charge the same way. Some offer an hourly rate, while others provide fixed pricing for set deliverables. You might also come across designers who charge a percentage of the total project cost.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common billing styles:
- Hourly Rate: Typically ranges from $100 to $300+ per hour.
- Flat Fee: A fixed amount based on your project scope.
- Percentage of Budget: Often around 10–20% of the total cost of the renovation or fit-out.
- Per Room or Per Square Metre: Especially common for simpler styling or staging work.
The best choice depends on how defined your project is. If you know exactly what you want, a flat fee might be more cost-effective. If you’re unsure and want to workshop ideas, an hourly model gives more flexibility.
4. Level of Involvement
Do you just need someone to give you a direction, or do you want them involved every step of the way? Some clients only want help with the planning stage—selecting finishes, suggesting layouts, and offering a few mood boards. Others expect full-service support: product sourcing, ordering, coordinating trades, and styling at the end.
More involvement means more hours, more decisions, and yes, more cost.
5. Size of the Property
It’s not just about how many rooms you have—it’s also about the complexity of each space. Kitchens and bathrooms, for example, often require more detailed planning than bedrooms or living rooms, due to plumbing, cabinetry, lighting, and material selections.
If your home includes outdoor areas, custom joinery, or built-in tech, expect the pricing to reflect that complexity.
What Does It Typically Cost in Melbourne?
Now for the part you’re probably here for: actual numbers.
Across Melbourne, these are the average price ranges you can expect:
These ranges aren’t set in stone, of course. Some professionals work with clients on a very tight budget, offering styling-only services. Others work on high-end projects that involve custom architecture and luxury finishes.
If you’re doing something simple—like refreshing a small apartment—you can likely get by on the lower end. If you’re building from scratch and want someone to guide the whole vision, plan for a bigger investment.
Other Costs That Might Come Up
Here’s what people sometimes forget to budget for when bringing a designer into the picture.
Furniture and Materials
The cost of furniture, decor, lighting, and finishes usually isn’t included in the design fee. You’ll either be given a list of recommended items to buy yourself, or your designer will purchase them for you.
In some cases, you’ll get access to trade discounts. That can help save a bit, but the total price will still depend on your taste—and how fancy you want to go.
Project Management
If your designer is managing trades like painters, cabinetmakers, or electricians, there might be an extra fee for that. This is sometimes a flat amount or a percentage of the total build cost—usually around 10% to 15%.
Site Visits or Revisions
Most packages include a set number of revisions or site visits. If you ask for more changes or extra check-ins along the way, it may cost more. It’s worth asking upfront what’s included and what’s not.
Ordering and Deliveries
Coordinating orders, checking lead times, managing returns—this admin takes time. Some professionals charge a procurement fee to cover it, especially if they’re sourcing a lot of custom or bulky items.
How to Make the Most of Your Budget
No one wants to throw money away. Here’s how to make sure every dollar counts:
- Know your budget before you start. Share it honestly. Good designers know how to work within limits and won’t push you into things you can’t afford.
- Bring examples. Pinterest boards, photos, saved Instagram posts—it all helps your designer understand your style faster.
- Stick to the plan. Changing your mind halfway through is one of the fastest ways to blow the budget. If something’s unclear, speak up early.
- Ask for a breakdown. A clear scope of work helps you understand exactly what’s covered—and where you might see extra charges.
- Be upfront about what you can do yourself. Some people want to source items on their own or manage trades. That can cut down on fees if done right.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Bringing a professional on board isn’t just about pretty throw pillows and matching tones. It’s about solving problems you didn’t know you had. Things like awkward layouts, poor lighting, or a home that just doesn’t flow the way it should.
Sure, the cost might feel steep upfront—but so is the price of redoing a space you weren’t happy with in the first place. A good designer doesn’t just make things look better. They make them work better.
And for anyone who’s short on time, overwhelmed by choices, or just sick of guessing what goes with what, it’s a pretty solid investment.
Conclusion
Working with a designer isn’t just about choosing furniture. It’s about creating a space that fits your life, your routines, your style—even the things you didn’t know you wanted.
You’re not just paying for their time. You’re paying for their eye, their know-how, and their ability to turn a blank room—or a dated one—into something that feels like you.
And when it’s all said and done? You walk into your home and think, this is exactly how it’s supposed to feel.
