One bad design can cost thousands to fix.

Designing a space that actually feels like you—and not just a mashup of trends—is harder than it looks. Between layout decisions, furniture picks, and colour palettes, it’s easy to spend a fortune and still end up with a space that doesn’t work. That’s why working with a professional interior designer in Melbourne is more than just a luxury.

To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the top firms for you—each one representing the kind of interior designer Melbourne has to offer that’s worth the investment.

What Exactly Does An Interior Designer Do?

Interior designers do more than just make your home look nice—they help create a space that works for your lifestyle. They plan layouts, select materials, choose colours and furniture, and make sure everything flows together. They also think about how the space feels, how it’s used every day, and how to make the most of it. If you’re renovating or building, a designer can even work alongside your architect or builder to make sure every detail is just right.

What Is The Difference Between An Interior Decorator And An Interior Designer?

People often confuse the two, but there’s a big difference. An interior decorator focuses on styling—things like cushions, curtains, art, and accessories. They come in after the structure is done. An interior designer, though, is involved from the start. They can help redesign the layout, suggest structural changes, and choose finishes, lighting, and more. Think of decorators as the final touch, and designers as the big-picture planners.

How Much Does An Interior Designer Cost In Melbourne?

The cost depends on the size of the project and how the designer charges. Some charge by the hour—usually anywhere from $100 to $300+—while others offer fixed packages or work based on a percentage of your total project budget. A simple room refresh might cost a couple of thousand dollars, while a full home design could be upwards of $10,000. While it’s definitely a financial commitment, many homeowners find that a designer helps them avoid expensive mistakes and get better results overall.

Now that you know what to expect, here are some of the best interior designers in Melbourne who can help bring your dream space to life.

1. Fiona Lynch Office

Fiona Lynch Office is a Melbourne interior design studio led by Fiona Lynch, whose background in fine arts brings a distinct, expressive quality to the studio’s minimalist aesthetic. Since 2013, the team has developed a reputation for crafting atmospheric interiors rich in texture and material detail. Their work spans residential homes, hospitality venues, retail spaces, and cultural projects—each one carefully tailored with thoughtful attention to finishes, lighting, joinery, and custom furniture. Collaborations with both local and international artisans add another layer of depth, as seen in standout projects like the coastal Sorrento House, the tactile River House, and retail spaces for brands such as Viktoria & Woods.

The studio takes a collaborative, hands-on approach to each project, adapting the design process to suit individual clients and contexts. The team includes a registered architect, which allows them to offer end-to-end services, from creative concept to project management and contractor coordination. Their commitment to sustainability comes through in initiatives like Future Archive—a platform that curates eco-friendly materials and design solutions. With industry recognition including Belle’s Interior Designer of the Year and a Design Institute of Australia Fellowship, Fiona Lynch Office combines deep local insight with a global sensibility, consistently producing work that’s refined, personal, and quietly impactful.

Interior Design Styles:

• Spirited Minimalism
• Japanese-Inspired Minimalism
• Contemporary Australian Design

Services Offered:

• Interior Design
• Architectural Services
• Custom Furniture Design
• Custom Lighting Design
• Textile Design
• Joinery Design
• New Builds
• Major Structural Renovations

Why Choose Fiona Lynch Office?

Award-Winning Design Leadership: Founded by Fiona Lynch in 2013, the studio has garnered international acclaim, including multiple “Interior Designer of the Year” awards and recognitions from Belle, Vogue Living, IDEA, and AHEAD Asia for excellence across residential, hospitality, and commercial projects.

Artistic, Layered Interiors: Fiona Lynch’s fine arts background shapes a design language that fuses bold colour, tactile materials, and sculptural elements. The result is striking interiors that feel both curated and lived-in, often enriched with bespoke art and furniture.

Collaborative & Multidisciplinary Team: The studio brings together interior designers, architects, artists, and artisans—ranging from ceramicists to metalworkers—to co-create unique design experiences tailored to each project.

High-Profile Clients: The studio has designed interiors for prestigious names such as the National Gallery of Victoria, TarraWarra Museum, Ace Hotel, Marriott Luxury Collection, and Country Road, among others.

Cultural & Global Reach: While based in Melbourne, the studio’s work spans cultural institutions, boutique hotels, and private homes both in Australia and abroad. Signature projects include Kiln at Ace Hotel Sydney and exhibitions at the Powerhouse Museum.

Critically Acclaimed Projects: Fiona Lynch Office has been featured in global publications like Living in Colour and By Design by Phaidon Publishing, and regularly appears in architecture and design media worldwide.

Tailored Project Capabilities: From new builds to structural renovations, the firm offers highly customised design solutions, with Fiona overseeing the creative direction of each project to ensure authenticity and excellence at every stage.

Fiona Lynch Office

75 Langridge Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066
Phone: + 61 (03) 9079 2500
Email: studio@fionalynch.com.au

2. Studiomint Design Group

Studiomint Design Group is a Melbourne-based architecture and interior design studio that’s been designing thoughtful, refined spaces since 2009. With projects across Australia and the UAE, their work covers high-end homes, commercial interiors, hospitality venues, and multi-residential developments. What sets them apart is a people-focused approach—blending creativity with function to create spaces that not only look polished but feel considered. Their designs often feature clean lines, natural textures, and a strong connection to light, all tailored to reflect each client’s lifestyle or brand identity.

The studio offers a complete range of design services, from concept development and space planning to 3D visuals, material selection, and styling. They also handle architectural design, contractor coordination, and project management, ensuring everything stays on track from start to finish. Their process is structured but collaborative, with clear communication at every stage.

Interior Design Styles:

• Luxury Contemporary
• Japandi
• Traditional Elegance
• Wellness-Centric Design
• Minimalist
• Scandinavian
• Art Deco
• Biophilic Design
• Heritage Revival
• Sustainable Design

Services Offered:

• Residential Interior Design
• Workplace Interior Design
• Healthcare Interior Design
• Wellness Interior Design
• Hotel Interior Design
• Hospitality Interior Design

Why Choose Studiomint?

Bespoke Interior Design Excellence: Studiomint specialises in transforming interiors through a personalised approach that blends luxury with creativity. Their team tailors every project to reflect each client’s unique style, lifestyle, and vision.

Diverse Project Expertise: From high-end residential homes to commercial offices, healthcare facilities, and hospitality environments, Studiomint’s portfolio showcases their versatility and ability to meet the specific needs of different industries.

Human-Centred Design Philosophy: More than just aesthetics, Studiomint prioritises well-being, productivity, and emotional impact in their work—enhancing how people live, work, and feel in the spaces they inhabit.

Award-Winning Recognition: Studiomint has earned industry accolades and been featured in respected publications like The Age, The Australian, Forge, LUXlife Magazine, and received honours including the Good Design Award and Melbourne Design Awards.

Timeless, Sustainable Results: With a focus on lasting impact, Studiomint creates interiors that balance beauty, function, and sustainability—ensuring their designs inspire admiration and endure the test of time.

Thought Leadership & Innovation: Their platform explores trends in luxury, culture, fashion, and lifestyle through the lens of interior design, reflecting a deep understanding of contemporary high-end living in Australia and the UAE.

Studiomint Design Group

Level 14, 10 Queens Road Melbourne VIC 3004
Phone: +61 3 7064 0519
Email: studio@studiomint.com.au

3. Mark Alexander Design Artistry

Mark Alexander Design Artistry is an Australian interior design studio recognised for its refined, detail-driven approach to luxury interiors. Led by founder Mark Alexander—who brings over 30 years of experience in high-end design and furniture craftsmanship—the studio draws from classic European styles while keeping things fresh and relevant. Their work spans both residential and commercial spaces, with a design portfolio that includes everything from French Provincial and Hamptons to Modern Parisian and Neoclassical. One of their strengths lies in custom furniture design, where clients can choose everything from materials to dimensions, ensuring each piece fits seamlessly into the space.

Notable projects include Melbourne penthouses and the Cartier flagship store in Sydney, reflecting both their range and precision. The process is structured yet personal: it starts with a detailed consultation, moves through concept development and space planning, and often includes made-to-order furnishings before full execution. Mark Alexander personally oversees production and quality control, keeping the focus on craftsmanship throughout. While costs vary by project, proposals are transparent and tailored after the initial consultation. With studios in Melbourne, Sydney, Ballarat, Brisbane, and Adelaide, they combine national reach with local insight—backed by project management that keeps timelines and details in check from start to finish.

Interior Design Styles:

• Mid Century
• Modern Parisian
• French Modern
• Hamptons Interior
• French Provincial Hamptons
• Mid Century Minimalist
• Cartier Mid Century
• Hollywood Glam
• Italianate Interior
• Contemporary
• Art Deco
• Victorian Interior
• Georgian Interior
• Neoclassical Interior

Services Offered:

• Complete design, planning, and furnishing for new builds
• Consulting on architect plans for new builds and renovations
• Interior design advice and concept development
• Custom furniture design and manufacturing
• Project management and coordination

Why Choose Mark Alexander Design Artistry?

Decades of Experience: With over 30 years in the field, Mark Alexander is one of Australia’s most established luxury interior designers and furniture makers, known for delivering high-end residential and commercial design projects locally and internationally.

Bespoke Interior Design & Manufacturing: The firm offers a complete design and production service—from concept to execution—creating handcrafted interiors and furniture that reflect each client’s personality, vision, and lifestyle.

Award-Winning Craftsmanship: Mark Alexander’s background in French polishing and fine timber work, coupled with his accolades for original craftsmanship, ensures every project is finished to the highest standard of quality and detail.

Melbourne Studio & Heritage Showroom: Operating from a beautifully restored 1854 Gold Rush-era bank building in Ballarat, the studio spans three levels and showcases evolving interior concepts rooted in European elegance and timeless style.

Collaborative Client Approach: Each interior is crafted in close partnership with the client. The team invests in understanding individual needs and tailors every element to reflect their story—ensuring a truly meaningful and luxurious outcome.

Australia-Wide & Global Reach: Serving clients across Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Ballarat, Mark Alexander Design Artistry also consults for projects abroad, bringing Australian design sensibility to homes around the world.

Mark Alexander Design Artistry

Level 27/101 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone: 1300 133 326
Email: info@markalexanderdesign.com.au

4. Brownlow Interior Design

Brownlow Interior Design is a Melbourne-based studio founded in 1989 by Barb Brownlow, whose background in fashion and deep appreciation for antiques, textiles, and contemporary art still shape the studio’s distinctive style today. Now working alongside her daughter Alexandra, the duo brings decades of design experience to homes and boutique commercial spaces across Melbourne. Their interiors are known for their timeless quality—layered, elegant, and comfortably lived-in, blending classic details with a modern sensibility. Every space is designed with the client’s lifestyle in mind, with services that cover everything from space planning and finishes to custom furniture and curated sourcing of both antique and contemporary pieces.

The studio’s portfolio includes richly detailed projects like the jewel-toned Armadale Residence and the softly layered Toorak Residence, each showing a clear eye for character and comfort. Brownlow manages projects from start to finish, handling all aspects of coordination and ensuring the process stays smooth and collaborative. Their South Yarra showroom also offers a curated collection of homewares, lighting, rugs, and artwork—an extension of their design philosophy. With over three decades of experience and strong ties to Melbourne’s design and arts scene, Brownlow continues to create interiors that feel personal, refined, and deeply connected to the people who live in them.

Interior Design Styles:

• Classic
• Traditional
• Eclectic
• French Provincial
• English Country
• Chinoiserie
• Contemporary
• Transitional
• Maximalist
• Antique-Inspired
• Art-Inspired
• Botanical
• Layered Textural
• Decorative
• Period Style

Services Offered:

• Interior Design
• Decorative Accessories
• Furniture
• Mirrors
• Soft Furnishings
• Lighting
• Rugs
• Artwork

Why Choose Brownlow Interior Design?

Established Legacy: Founded in 1989, Brownlow Interior Design has decades of experience delivering refined residential and commercial interiors with a timeless aesthetic throughout Australia.

Expert Founders: Led by Barb Brownlow, a former fashion designer celebrated for her classic, decorative style and deep knowledge of antique furniture and textiles, and Alexandra Brownlow, a trained interior designer from RMIT and NGVWA member known for blending diverse design periods into cohesive spaces.

Timeless Design Philosophy: Brownlow Interior Design is recognised for its elegant layering of luxurious materials, antiques, contemporary art, and fine furnishings—creating unique interiors that balance quality, comfort, and beauty.

Professional Accreditation: The firm is a long-standing member of the Design Institute of Australia, reflecting its commitment to industry standards and design excellence.

South Yarra Studio & Showroom: The Brownlow studio offers both interior design services and a curated flagship retail store featuring textiles, lighting, furniture, rugs, art, and accessories.

Thoughtful Approach: With meticulous attention to planning and detail, the team delivers interiors that are both stylish and functional—designed to meet the specific needs of each client with a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

Brownlow Interior Design

409 Malvern Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: +61 3 9826 0062

5. VMD Interiors

VMD Interiors is a boutique interior design studio based in Malvern, Melbourne, led by principal designer Vikki Montalban. Known for creating spaces that are both elegant and genuinely livable, the studio blends classic charm with a modern sensibility. Every project is approached with a personalised touch—whether it’s a full interior overhaul, a custom kitchen, or just the right window treatments. Their work, seen in homes like the Middle Park and Blairgowrie residences, reflects a thoughtful balance of style and comfort, tailored to each client’s lifestyle. Clients often mention their clear communication and knack for bringing out the best in a space without losing its original character.

VMD Interiors offers a complete design service, covering everything from bespoke joinery and one-off furniture pieces to interior decoration and project coordination. Their process is hands-on and straightforward, making the experience approachable for homeowners while ensuring every detail is carefully managed. The team draws on experience across design, construction, photography, and fashion, which adds depth to their creative perspective. 

Interior Design Styles:

• Modern
• Traditional
• Contemporary
• Transitional
• Coastal
• Scandinavian
• Minimalist
• Eclectic
• Classic
• Mid-Century Modern

Services Offered:

• Interior Design
• Kitchens & Bathrooms
• Custom Joinery
• Custom Furniture
• Window Coverings
• Interior Decoration

Why Choose VMD Interiors?

Tailored Residential Interiors: VMD Interiors is a full-service Melbourne-based studio that specialises in crafting fresh, authentic, and liveable homes by blending traditional and modern design elements.

Client-Centred Design Philosophy: The studio places great emphasis on understanding each client’s lifestyle, family dynamics, and personal values—ensuring every design is a true reflection of how they want to live.

Comprehensive Interior Services: VMD Interiors offers end-to-end design services including spatial planning, detailed drawings, materials and fixture selection, and project coordination—providing expert guidance from concept to completion.

Immersive Studio Experience: The studio space features a curated collection of custom furniture, finishes, tiles, and paint samples. This tactile environment simplifies the decision-making process and inspires creative collaboration with clients.

Bespoke and Balanced Design: VMD Interiors creates thoughtful interiors that harmonise style, function, and personality. Each project integrates curated textures and tones to tell a unique story.

Trusted Local Network: The team collaborates with a carefully selected network of local workrooms, craftsmen, and tradespeople to ensure high-quality execution and attention to detail in every project.

Malvern Boutique Studio: Operating from their boutique design and decoration studio in Malvern, VMD Interiors delivers spaces that feel intentional, welcoming, and beautifully aligned with the homeowner’s lifestyle.

VMD Interiors

57 Glenferrie Road, Malvern VIC 3144
Phone: 03 9509 5037
Email: vikki@vmdinteriors.com.au

6. Empire Interiors

Empire Interiors is a Melbourne-based interior design studio led by founder Nicole Chapman, located in the heart of Albert Park. With a strong appreciation for the city’s architectural heritage, the studio focuses on creating spaces that feel honest, warm, and lived-in. Their work spans residential, commercial, and hospitality interiors—ranging from small styling projects to full-scale renovations. What sets them apart is their ability to offer custom furniture through their sister brand, Empire Home, giving clients truly tailored spaces. Their portfolio includes standout projects like the Iron House in South Melbourne and the Empress Road residence in St Kilda East, which was featured on 9Life’s Open Homes Australia. Natural materials, soft palettes, and a grounded, timeless aesthetic are common threads throughout their work.

The team’s process is collaborative and personal, designed to guide clients smoothly from first ideas to final execution. They don’t publish a fixed pricing structure, which suggests a flexible, case-by-case approach depending on each project’s needs. Clients often highlight their professionalism, creativity, and open communication—qualities that make working with them both reassuring and enjoyable. With added support from Empire Project Management, the studio ensures tight coordination on site and keeps things running to plan. Backed by years of experience and regular features in design publications, Nicole and her team bring both expertise and a genuine care for getting it right.

Interior Design Styles:

• Contemporary
• Minimalist
• Neo-Classical
• Heritage-Inspired
• Scandinavian
• Mid-Century Modern

Services Offered:

• Interior Designs
• Renovations
• Extensions
• New Builds
• Architectural Plans
• Town Planning

Why Choose Empire Interiors?

Melbourne-Inspired Aesthetic: The studio’s work is deeply rooted in its love for Melbourne, drawing creative inspiration from the city’s character to produce interiors defined by authenticity and simplicity.

Effortless and Uncomplicated Design: Each space is crafted to reflect a philosophy of effortless elegance and boundless simplicity, delivering designs that feel natural, calming, and timeless.

Range of Services: The studio provides a full suite of design solutions, including renovations, extensions, new builds, architectural planning, and town planning—offering end-to-end expertise for any residential project.

Core Design Values: Projects are driven by a commitment to creating meaningful spaces that are both functional and refined, underpinned by a clear design ethos that values integrity and lifestyle alignment.

Empire Interiors

86 Bridport Street, Albert Park, VIC 3206
Phone: 0438 443 060
Email: info@empireinteriors.com.au

7. Sisällä

​Sisällä Interior Design is a Melbourne studio founded by Lauren Li in 2012, bringing together over 20 years of experience and a strong design education from Swinburne and RMIT. The name—Finnish for “inside”—captures their Scandinavian-influenced style: warm, clean, and quietly refined. Lauren and her team focus on creating interiors that feel elevated yet completely liveable, working across residential and boutique commercial spaces. Their portfolio, including standout projects like the Albert Park House, blends natural materials with contemporary forms and a strong sense of comfort. Sisällä’s work has been featured in publications like Vogue Living, Elle Decoration UK, and Belle, thanks to its layered textures, thoughtful details, and relaxed elegance.

Their services cover everything from full-scope interior design to furniture selection and personal styling, always tailored to how clients actually live. The process is collaborative and clear, starting with getting to know the client and moving through concept design, documentation, and construction support. They also offer practical guidance to fellow designers, with resources on pricing and proposals—reflecting their structured, transparent approach.

Interior Design Styles:

• Scandinavian
• New French Look
• Modern Mediterranean
• Japanese Influenced
• Californian Cool
• Grandmillennial
• Mexican Maximalist-Inspired
• Bauhaus Revival
• Warm Minimalism
• Contemporary

Services Offered:

• Interior Design
• Furniture Selection
• Interior Styling
• Courses and Mentorship
• Homewares Shop

Why Choose Sisällä?

Purposeful, Personalised Interiors: Sisällä, meaning “inside” in Finnish, is known for deeply personal design work that captures each client’s story, lifestyle, and way of life. Interiors are layered with thoughtful textures and clever layouts to feel not only beautiful but unmistakably you.

Scandinavian Elegance with an Australian Heart: Founded by Lauren Li, the Melbourne-based studio blends the refined simplicity of Scandinavian style with the warmth and practicality suited to Australian living.

Mentorship and Thought Leadership: Through “The Design Society,” Lauren Li mentors emerging and established designers, offering insights into design software, professional growth, and creative development.

Recognised Author and Educator: Lauren Li is the author of the Style Study series, including The New French Look and Beachside Modern, which explore global and local interior styles with practical, accessible advice.

Full-Service Studio Approach: Sisällä offers a complete design service—from furniture and styling to layout, renovation, and construction. They collaborate with engineers, architects, and builders to bring visions to life across new builds, renovations, and curated styling projects.

Consultation-Based Guidance: For clients not ready for full-scale projects, Sisällä offers 1:1 video or in-person consultations covering everything from floor plans to colour palettes, providing clarity at any stage of a design journey.

Featured in Leading Publications: Sisällä’s work has been featured in Belle, Elle Decoration, The Design Files, Vogue Living, Australian House & Garden, and more—earning praise for its soulful, layered, and emotionally resonant interiors.

Sisällä

Suite 2120, 251 Lower Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe East, VIC 3079
Phone: 0408 838 138
Email: studio@sisalla.com.au / lauren@sisalla.com.au

What Is The 60/40 Rule In Interior Design?

The 60/40 rule is a simple way to create balance in a room. It means about 60% of the space should stick to one main style or theme—like your core colour palette or furniture pieces—while the other 40% can bring in contrast or personality through things like artwork, textures, or accent pieces. It’s a great way to make your space feel cohesive but not boring.

Should Interior Designers Be Licensed?

Interior designers in Australia don’t need a license to work, but many of them do have formal training or belong to industry organisations like the Design Institute of Australia. While it’s not a legal requirement, hiring someone with the right experience, credentials, and a strong portfolio can make a big difference—especially if you’re investing in a large project.

Do Interior Designers Provide Furniture?

Yes, many interior designers help source and select furniture as part of the process. Some work with trade-only suppliers, so you might get access to pieces you won’t find in regular stores. Others offer custom furniture options to make sure everything fits your space just right. Basically, they’ll help pull the whole look together—including the furniture.

Is It Worth Paying For An Interior Designer?

If you want your home to look polished and feel just right for your lifestyle, working with an interior designer can be totally worth it. They know how to bring your ideas to life while helping you avoid costly mistakes or design regrets. Plus, they’ll often save you time and take the stress out of all the little decisions that come with decorating or renovating.

Conclusion

Good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that make life smoother, calmer, and more enjoyable. The right interior designer helps you bring that vision to life without the stress of second-guessing every detail. These Melbourne firms are here to do just that. So if your space is ready for a reset, now’s a good time to bring in the pros who can make it happen.