In This Cost Guide
Most people pay $2,000 to $15,000 per room for a full makeover. A simple refresh can cost less than $2,000. A luxury kitchen can cost more than $60,000.
The final price depends on three things:
- The room. Kitchens and bathrooms cost the most because of plumbing, cabinets, and fixtures.
- The quality level. Budget, mid-range, and high-end materials can differ by 3x to 5x in price.
- Who does the work. A designer, a contractor, or you.
How to Read the Cost Tables in This Guide
Every table below uses three price columns:
- Budget: Basic materials, ready-made furniture, minimal changes.
- Mid-Range: Good quality materials, a mix of retail and designer pieces.
- High-End: Premium materials, custom work, and a full-service designer.
Each row is one part of the job. The Total row at the bottom of each table adds up the rows above it (rounded to the nearest $100 or $500).
Quick Summary: Total Cost Per Room
| Room | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
| Living Room | $5,000 – $12,000 | $12,000 – $27,000 | $27,000+ |
| Bedroom | $3,800 – $9,400 | $9,400 – $21,000 | $21,000+ |
| Kitchen | $12,500 – $27,000 | $27,000 – $62,500 | $62,500+ |
| Bathroom | $4,100 – $10,300 | $10,300 – $24,900 | $24,900+ |
| Dining Room | $3,300 – $8,600 | $8,600 – $21,500 | $21,500+ |
| Home Office | $2,050 – $6,100 | $6,100 – $15,400 | $15,400+ |
| Kids Room / Nursery | $2,250 – $6,100 | $6,100 – $14,500 | $14,500+ |
| Entryway | $1,150 – $3,400 | $3,400 – $8,400 | $8,400+ |
Living Room Cost Breakdown
In short: The living room is the most-used space in most homes, and furniture is the biggest expense.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
| Furniture (sofa, chairs, tables) | $1,500 – $3,500 | $3,500 – $8,000 | $8,000+ |
| Flooring | $1,000 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $4,500 | $4,500+ |
| Wall Paint | $300 – $800 | $800 – $1,500 | $1,500+ |
| Lighting | $200 – $600 | $600 – $1,800 | $1,800+ |
| Window Treatments | $200 – $600 | $600 – $1,800 | $1,800+ |
| Rugs & Decor | $300 – $800 | $800 – $2,500 | $2,500+ |
| Design Fee | $500 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $4,000 | $4,000+ |
| Labor Costs | $1,000 – $1,700 | $1,700 – $3,000 | $3,000+ |
| Total | $5,000 – $12,000 | $12,000 – $27,000 | $27,000+ |
Ways to save
- Spend on the sofa, since it is used every day, and save on side tables and decor.
- Use floor lamps and table lamps instead of rewiring for new ceiling lights.
- Buy a good-quality rug in a standard size instead of a custom one.
Bedroom Cost Breakdown
In short: The bed, mattress, and storage make up more than a third of the cost.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
| Bed & Mattress | $800 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $4,000 | $4,000+ |
| Storage (wardrobe, dresser) | $500 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $3,500+ |
| Flooring | $800 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $3,800 | $3,800+ |
| Wall Paint | $250 – $600 | $600 – $1,200 | $1,200+ |
| Lighting | $150 – $400 | $400 – $1,200 | $1,200+ |
| Bedding & Curtains | $300 – $700 | $700 – $2,000 | $2,000+ |
| Design Fee | $400 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $3,000 | $3,000+ |
| Labor Costs | $600 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $2,400 | $2,400+ |
| Total | $3,800 – $9,400 | $9,400 – $21,000 | $21,000+ |
Ways to save
- Buy a quality mattress, but choose a simple bed frame.
- Use a paint accent wall instead of wallpaper on all four walls.
- Layer bedding and curtains from home-decor sales to get a hotel-style look cheaply.
Kitchen Cost Breakdown
In short: The kitchen is the most expensive room because of cabinets, appliances, plumbing, and skilled labor.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
| Cabinets | $3,000 – $6,000 | $6,000 – $15,000 | $15,000+ |
| Countertops | $1,000 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $6,000 | $6,000+ |
| Appliances | $2,000 – $4,000 | $4,000 – $9,000 | $9,000+ |
| Flooring | $800 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $4,000 | $4,000+ |
| Backsplash | $300 – $800 | $800 – $2,000 | $2,000+ |
| Lighting | $300 – $800 | $800 – $2,500 | $2,500+ |
| Plumbing & Fixtures | $400 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $3,000 | $3,000+ |
| Wall Paint | $200 – $500 | $500 – $1,000 | $1,000+ |
| Design Fee | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $8,000 | $8,000+ |
| Labor Costs | $3,000 – $6,000 | $6,000 – $12,000 | $12,000+ |
| Total | $12,500 – $27,000 | $27,000 – $62,500 | $62,500+ |
Ways to save
- Keep the existing layout. Moving plumbing and gas lines is expensive.
- Paint or refinish existing cabinets and replace only the doors and handles.
- Buy appliances as a package during holiday sales for bundle discounts.
- Choose laminate or quartz instead of natural stone countertops.
Bathroom Cost Breakdown
In short: Bathrooms are small, but tile, waterproofing, and plumbing labor make them costly per square foot.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
| Tile & Flooring | $500 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $3,500+ |
| Vanity & Sink | $300 – $900 | $900 – $2,500 | $2,500+ |
| Toilet & Fixtures | $300 – $800 | $800 – $2,000 | $2,000+ |
| Shower / Tub | $600 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $5,000 | $5,000+ |
| Lighting & Mirror | $150 – $400 | $400 – $1,200 | $1,200+ |
| Wall Paint | $150 – $350 | $350 – $700 | $700+ |
| Design Fee | $600 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $4,000 | $4,000+ |
| Labor Costs | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $6,000+ |
| Total | $4,100 – $10,300 | $10,300 – $24,900 | $24,900+ |
Ways to save
- Keep the toilet, tub, and shower in the same spot to avoid plumbing changes.
- Tile only the shower area and paint the rest with moisture-resistant paint.
- Replace the faucet, mirror, and lighting for a quick update without a full remodel.
Dining Room Cost Breakdown
In short: The table, chairs, and a statement light fixture set the style and most of the cost.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
| Table & Chairs | $600 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $4,500 | $4,500+ |
| Storage (sideboard) | $300 – $900 | $900 – $2,500 | $2,500+ |
| Lighting (chandelier) | $150 – $500 | $500 – $2,000 | $2,000+ |
| Flooring | $800 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $3,800 | $3,800+ |
| Wall Paint | $250 – $600 | $600 – $1,200 | $1,200+ |
| Rug & Decor | $200 – $600 | $600 – $2,000 | $2,000+ |
| Design Fee | $400 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $3,000 | $3,000+ |
| Labor Costs | $600 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $2,500 | $2,500+ |
| Total | $3,300 – $8,600 | $8,600 – $21,500 | $21,500+ |
Ways to save
- Buy a solid table and mix and match the chairs for a designer look.
- Use a pendant light instead of a large chandelier.
- Skip the sideboard and use open shelves or a bar cart.
Home Office Cost Breakdown
In short: A comfortable chair and good lighting matter most. Everything else can be simple.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
| Desk & Chair | $400 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $3,000 | $3,000+ |
| Storage & Shelving | $200 – $800 | $800 – $3,000 | $3,000+ |
| Flooring | $500 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000+ |
| Wall Paint | $150 – $400 | $400 – $900 | $900+ |
| Lighting | $100 – $400 | $400 – $1,000 | $1,000+ |
| Design Fee | $300 – $900 | $900 – $2,500 | $2,500+ |
| Labor Costs | $400 – $900 | $900 – $2,000 | $2,000+ |
| Total | $2,050 – $6,100 | $6,100 – $15,400 | $15,400+ |
Ways to save
- Invest in the chair first. Buy a basic desk and upgrade later.
- Use wall-mounted shelves instead of custom built-ins.
- Place the desk near a window to reduce lighting costs.
Kids Room / Nursery Cost Breakdown
In short: Safety and flexibility come first. Choose pieces that will grow with your child.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
| Bed / Crib & Mattress | $400 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $2,500 | $2,500+ |
| Storage & Furniture | $300 – $900 | $900 – $2,500 | $2,500+ |
| Flooring | $500 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000+ |
| Wall Paint / Wallpaper | $200 – $500 | $500 – $1,200 | $1,200+ |
| Lighting & Decor | $150 – $500 | $500 – $1,500 | $1,500+ |
| Design Fee | $300 – $800 | $800 – $2,000 | $2,000+ |
| Labor Costs | $400 – $900 | $900 – $1,800 | $1,800+ |
| Total | $2,250 – $6,100 | $6,100 – $14,500 | $14,500+ |
Ways to save
- Choose a convertible crib that becomes a toddler bed.
- Use neutral walls and change the look with removable decals and bedding.
- Accept hand-me-down furniture, but always check it meets current safety standards.
Entryway Cost Breakdown
In short: Small space, big first impression, and often the cheapest room to upgrade.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
| Console & Storage Bench | $200 – $700 | $700 – $2,000 | $2,000+ |
| Flooring | $300 – $800 | $800 – $1,800 | $1,800+ |
| Wall Paint | $100 – $300 | $300 – $700 | $700+ |
| Mirror & Lighting | $100 – $400 | $400 – $1,200 | $1,200+ |
| Design Fee | $200 – $600 | $600 – $1,500 | $1,500+ |
| Labor Costs | $250 – $600 | $600 – $1,200 | $1,200+ |
| Total | $1,150 – $3,400 | $3,400 – $8,400 | $8,400+ |
Ways to save
- Use a slim console and wall hooks instead of built-in cabinets.
- A large mirror makes the space look bigger for very little money.
- Choose a durable doormat and runner instead of replacing the floor.
What Affects Interior Design Cost?
- Room size: Bigger rooms need more material and more labor.
- Location: Costs in big cities can be 20% to 50% higher.
- Scope of work: Decorating is far cheaper than renovating.
- Designer experience: Well-known designers charge more.
- Materials: Natural stone, solid wood, and imported tile cost more than laminate or engineered options.
- Custom vs. ready-made: Custom furniture and cabinetry can double the price.
- Timeline: Rush jobs often cost extra.
How Interior Designers Charge
| Fee Type | Typical Cost | Best For |
| Hourly | $50 – $250 per hour | Small jobs and consultations |
| Flat fee | $1,000 – $10,000 per room | Clear, defined projects |
| Per square foot | $3 – $15 per sq ft | Larger rooms |
| Percentage of project | 10% – 30% | Full renovations |
| Markup on furniture | 10% – 35% | Furnishing-focused projects |
| Online design (e-design) | $75 – $500 per room | Budget-friendly guidance |
Hidden Costs Most People Forget
- Delivery and installation fees
- Permits for electrical, plumbing, or structural work
- Sales tax on furniture and materials
- Removing and disposing of old furniture or flooring
- Repairs found after opening walls or floors
- Small items such as curtain rods, hardware, art, and plants
- Contingency: Set aside an extra 10% to 15% for surprises.
12 Smart Ways to Save on Interior Design Cost
- Set a firm budget before you start. Tell your designer the maximum you can spend.
- Hire for one room first. Test the designer’s style before committing to the whole house.
- Try e-design. Online designers give you a plan for $75 to $500 per room.
- Splurge and save. Spend on items you use daily (sofa, mattress, kitchen counters) and save on accessories.
- Do the easy work yourself. Painting, assembling furniture, and hanging art can save hundreds in labor.
- Keep the layout. Moving walls, plumbing, or electrical points is one of the biggest cost drivers.
- Buy during sales. Holiday weekends and end-of-season sales often offer 20% to 40% off.
- Refresh instead of replacing. Repaint cabinets, reupholster chairs, and replace handles.
- Phase the project. Do one room at a time over several months.
- Compare at least three quotes. Check what is included, not just the total.
- Choose look-alike materials. Luxury vinyl plank, quartz, and porcelain tile mimic wood and stone at lower cost.
- Ask for trade discounts. Designers often get 10% to 40% off retail and may pass some savings on.
Is It Worth Hiring an Interior Designer?
Yes, if:
- You are renovating a kitchen or bathroom.
- You want a cohesive look across several rooms.
- You do not have time to shop and manage vendors.
Maybe not, if:
- You only need a simple refresh.
- You enjoy DIY and have a clear style in mind.
- Your budget is tight. E-design or a one-time consultation may be enough.
Final Thoughts
Interior design cost per room depends on the room, your material choices, and how much work you hand over to professionals. Use the tables above to set a realistic budget, decide where to spend and where to save, and always keep a buffer for surprises.
Cost Guide Details
A quick reference of every estimate in this guide, plus how the numbers were put together.
Low Estimates (Budget)
Best for a simple refresh: ready-made furniture, basic materials, minimal design help, and mostly DIY finishing.
| Room | Low Estimate | What This Usually Covers |
| Living Room | $5,000 – $12,000 | Ready-made sofa and tables, basic flooring and paint, simple lighting |
| Bedroom | $3,800 – $9,400 | Standard bed and mattress, basic storage, paint and bedding |
| Kitchen | $12,500 – $27,000 | Stock cabinets, laminate counters, basic appliances, same layout |
| Bathroom | $4,100 – $10,300 | Standard vanity, tub or shower, simple tile, same layout |
| Dining Room | $3,300 – $8,600 | Ready-made table and chairs, pendant light, paint |
| Home Office | $2,050 – $6,100 | Basic desk and chair, wall shelves, lighting |
| Kids Room / Nursery | $2,250 – $6,100 | Crib or bed, simple storage, paint, basic decor |
| Entryway | $1,150 – $3,400 | Console, mirror, hooks, paint, durable mat |
Average Estimates (Mid-Range)
The most common budget: good-quality materials, a mix of retail and designer pieces, and some professional help.
| Room | Average Estimate | What This Usually Covers |
| Living Room | $12,000 – $27,000 | Quality sofa, better flooring, layered lighting, window treatments |
| Bedroom | $9,400 – $21,000 | Quality mattress and bed, fitted storage, upgraded flooring |
| Kitchen | $27,000 – $62,500 | Semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, mid-range appliances |
| Bathroom | $10,300 – $24,900 | Upgraded vanity, tiled shower, better fixtures and lighting |
| Dining Room | $8,600 – $21,500 | Solid table and chairs, sideboard, statement light |
| Home Office | $6,100 – $15,400 | Ergonomic chair, quality desk, built-in style storage |
| Kids Room / Nursery | $6,100 – $14,500 | Convertible furniture, upgraded flooring, wallpaper or feature wall |
| Entryway | $3,400 – $8,400 | Storage bench, statement mirror, new flooring |
High Estimates (High-End)
For premium and custom work: designer-led projects with high-end materials and skilled trades. There is no upper limit, so these figures show where high-end pricing starts.
| Room | High Estimate | What This Usually Covers |
| Living Room | $27,000+ | Custom upholstery, premium flooring, designer lighting and art |
| Bedroom | $21,000+ | Custom bed and built-in wardrobes, premium finishes |
| Kitchen | $62,500+ | Custom cabinetry, natural stone, professional-grade appliances |
| Bathroom | $24,900+ | Natural stone tile, freestanding tub, custom vanity, luxury fixtures |
| Dining Room | $21,500+ | Custom table, designer chandelier, bespoke storage |
| Home Office | $15,400+ | Custom built-ins, premium furniture, integrated lighting |
| Kids Room / Nursery | $14,500+ | Custom furniture and built-ins, high-end finishes |
| Entryway | $8,400+ | Custom millwork, natural stone floor, designer pieces |
Methodology / Data Source
What the estimates include
Each estimate covers furniture, materials, finishes, the design fee, and installation labor for a typical, average-sized room. It does not include structural changes, permit fees, sales tax, delivery, or the 10% to 15% contingency we recommend you add.
How we built the numbers
- Split each room into line items. For example, flooring, paint, lighting, furniture, design fee, and labor.
- Set a price range for each item in three tiers. Budget, Mid-Range, and High-End, based on typical market pricing for ready-made, quality, and custom materials and services.
- Add the line items to get each room total. Totals are rounded to the nearest $100 or $500.
- Cross-check design fees. Designer fees follow common pricing models: hourly ($50 to $250), flat fee per room, per square foot, percentage of project cost, and furniture markup.
Data sources
The ranges are planning estimates based on general market pricing patterns for U.S. residential projects in 2026. They draw on typical prices for these inputs:
- Retail and trade pricing for furniture, flooring, paint, lighting, and appliances
- Typical labor rates for painters, flooring installers, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers
- Published interior designer fee structures (hourly, flat fee, percentage, and e-design packages)
Limitations
- Prices vary by city, region, season, and supplier. Large metro areas can cost 20% to 50% more.
- Material and labor costs change over time, so treat these figures as a starting point for your budget.
- Your final cost depends on room size, condition, and the scope of work you choose.
- For an accurate number, get at least three written quotes from local designers or contractors.
Cost information is provided as a general planning guide. Actual prices vary by location, materials, labor rates, project scope and market conditions.
Cost-Saving Tips
1
Spend on the sofa and since it is used every day and save on side tables and decor.2
Use floor lamps and table lamps instead of rewiring for new ceiling lights.3
Buy a good-quality rug in a standard size instead of a custom one.Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to design one room?
Design services alone usually cost $1,000 to $5,000. A complete makeover with furniture and labor typically runs $2,000 to $27,000 or more.
Which room is the most expensive to design?
The kitchen, followed by the bathroom, because of cabinets, appliances, plumbing, and skilled labor.
How much does an interior designer charge per hour?
Between $50 and $250 per hour, depending on experience and location.
Can I hire an interior designer for just one room?
Yes. Many designers offer single-room packages, hourly consultations, or online design.
How can I redesign a room on a small budget?
Repaint the walls, rearrange the furniture, update the lighting, and add rugs, curtains, and plants. A budget refresh can cost under $2,000.
How much should I set aside as a buffer?
Plan for 10% to 15% of your total budget for unexpected costs.