Guide to Interior Design Costs in New York City: 20 Ideas to Consider

“How much is this going to cost me?” As an experienced Brooklyn-based interior designer, I often get this question from clients, who want to know if the return on the investment in their property is worth the interior design costs. Obviously, this is an important consideration in any interior design project: the budget. I wanted to revisit the important topic of interior design costs in this article and clear up questions about how interior designers in New York (and often similar in other parts of the country) charge for their services.

First and foremost, interior design is an investment that can dramatically enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your living space. Understanding the cost structure and the value it brings can be, however, challenging. So, here’s a comprehensive overview of interior design costs in NYC that I hope can take out some of the mystery so you can make informed decisions regarding your project.

Finding the Right Interior Designer in NYC…What to Really Look For

Choosing the right interior designer in New York City involves more than just picking someone whose work you admire. Here are some key factors to consider:

Portfolio and Style

Examine the designer’s portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Each designer has a unique approach, and it’s crucial to find one whose aesthetic resonates with your taste. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a classic, luxurious feel, the designer’s past projects should reflect your preferences.

Communication and Rapport

Effective communication is vital in any design project. The designer should be able to understand your needs and articulate how they will meet them. Building a good rapport ensures a smooth collaboration, where your ideas and feedback are valued and incorporated. This is something we strive for at our firm. Keeping the conversation going and continually making sure expectations are being met is part of our philosophy.

Budget Transparency

Discussing your budget upfront is essential. (And since much of this article is about the expense side of a project, this is fundamental.) A good designer will provide a clear breakdown of costs and help you understand where your money is going. This transparency helps in managing expectations and avoiding surprises down the line.

Flexibility and Availability

Ensure that the designer has the time and flexibility to commit to your project. Their availability should match your timeline, and they should be adaptable to any changes or challenges that arise during the project. Again, this is a crucial element of interior design. And I would say it is particularly important in hectic environments such as in New York. There are demanding schedules all around and this needs to be recognized upfront. Working through this will make the project work best.

Understanding Interior Design Costs in New York City

The cost of hiring an interior designer in NYC can vary widely based on several factors. On average, interior design services in New York City range from $2,000 to $15,000 per room… or dare I say more? It truly depends on the complexity of the project and the materials and furnishings chosen. A lot goes into it, with such estimates including the initial consultations, the design plans, and the procurement of building materials, furniture, and décor items.

New York Interior Design Costs Per Feet

For larger projects such as loft or brownstone renovations (especially gut renovations), designers often charge based on the square footage of the space. The New York interior design costs per foot typically ranges from $100 to $200. This pricing model is especially useful for extensive renovations or multi-room projects. The number above can be considered an average as spaces that are renovated are also broken down into “dry” and “wet” spaces. Dry meaning living or bedrooms are in the $30 to $50 per square foot range, while wet spaces, meaning kitchens and baths are in the $300 and $400 range, respectively.

Factors Influencing Interior Designer Costs in New York

Several factors influence the cost of interior design services:

Scope of Work

The extent of the design work required significantly affects the cost. A complete redesign involving structural changes will be more expensive than a simple makeover. For instance, gut renovations are large undertakings, and understanding the scope of such a project is important. As an example, for a 700-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment, a typical renovation can be in the $50,000 to $70,000 range, while a more extensive “gut renovation” will often go up to and even exceed $100,000.

Materials and Furnishings

The choice of materials and furnishings plays a crucial role in determining overall interior design costs. High-end materials and custom-made furniture can substantially increase the budget. I have talked about this in the past in other articles. Quality does mean it can increase the cost of a project. But quality also means (usually!) means longevity. Purchasing high-quality materials and investing in furniture, rugs, and other items for the home is not something that should be taken lightly. You want to create a refuge. The objects around you should be part of your story…or your family legacy…or at least on some level meaningful! We are not just filling a space; we are creating a sanctuary for you to enjoy and be proud of.

To get even more granular about cost when it comes to purchasing furnishings…the average markup when we make purchases is a net of 4% to you versus if you did it on your own. So, for example, $1,000 retail – 20% average discount = $800 net price * 1.4 admin fee = $1,120 final price. (Hope this is helpful 😊)

Designer’s Reputation

The reputation of the designer will, of course, also affect the cost of an interior design project. Established designers with a strong portfolio and a good reputation often charge higher rates. This is certainly the case in major metropolitan areas such as New York and Los Angeles, and in European cities such as London and Paris. Their experience and track record can justify such premium pricing. I’m not suggesting one solely look for the most visible designer out there, but it is good to see what people are saying about the designer you are considering.

Understanding Interior Design Service Fee Structures in New York City

Here are some examples of the different ways some interior designers structure their fee schedules. These interior design costs will involve the initial consultations, design plans, and some basic furnishings. (Custom pieces, extensive renovations, and high-end materials can drive the cost higher.)

Hourly Rates

Many interior designers in NYC charge by the hour. The rates can vary significantly, but on average, interior designer rates in New York range from $100 to $400 per hour. Here’s a breakdown of typical per-hourly rates:

• Junior Designers: $100-$150
• Senior Designers: $150-$200
• Principal Designers: $200-$400

For example, at Jarret Yoshida, Inc., the majority of billing comes from associates at an hourly rate of $100/hour, while senior associates and principal designers have higher rates.

Flat Fees

Some designers offer flat fees for their services. This fee structure can be beneficial for clients who want a clear understanding of costs upfront. The flat fee usually covers all aspects of the design process, from initial consultation to final implementation. However, any changes or additions to the original plan can incur additional costs.

Percentage of Project Cost

Another common fee structure is charging a percentage of the total project cost. This percentage can range from 10% to 25%, depending on the complexity and scope of the project. This model aligns the designer’s compensation with the overall budget, ensuring they are incentivized to manage interior design costs effectively.

Cost-Plus Markup

In some cases, designers use a cost-plus markup model, where they add a percentage fee on top of the actual cost of materials and furnishings. This markup typically range from 10% to 30%. For instance, if a designer purchases a sofa for $5,000 and their markup is 20%, the client will pay $6,000 for the sofa.

Example Fee Structures

To illustrate these fee structures, here are some examples if applied to a “specific” project:

• Hourly Rate: A client hires a designer for a 30-hour project at $150 per hour. The total cost would be $4,500.
• Flat Fee: A designer charges a flat fee of $40,000 for a studio redesign.
• Percentage of Project Cost: For a project with a budget of $50,000, a designer charges 15%, resulting in a fee of $7,500.
• Cost-Plus Markup: The total cost of materials and furnishings is $50,000. With a 20% markup, the client pays $60,000.

The above hypotheticals are just that – hypothetical. It’s really challenging to say some project is going to cost: X. That said, I’m trying to give you at least some of the ways you may be billed when working with a designer. As you know, we’ve been operating our interior design studio in NYC for over a decade. We always work hard to provide clients with high-quality furniture, art, and other home objects at fair prices. We look to find the best value for clients. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a huge discount. Again, it depends on the balance between finding the right, quality items for the right and fair price.

Key Phases of the Interior Design Process

Initial Consultation

When clients decide to hire an interior designer, the first step is an initial consultation. During this meeting, the designer discusses the client’s lifestyle, preferences, and budget. This conversation helps set the foundation for the project. At Jarret Yoshida, Inc., we make it very clear to our clients in the beginning that this is about how they want their space to function…how they want it to look…how they want it to feel in their home. This is the basis for the talk about the total budget for the whole project.

Concept Development

Once a designer understands the client’s needs, they begin the concept development phase. For us, the process includes creating mood boards, design drivers, and inspiration presentations. The goal is to help clients discover and refine their desired aesthetic and functional needs. We ensure continuous and active communication with clients while seeking feedback and ongoing brainstorming together.

Design Planning

In the design planning phase, the designer creates detailed drawings and documents. This includes floor plans, furniture layouts, and recommendations for structural changes. Reference pictures of materials, styles, colors, and sizes of major products like sofas, lamps, curtains, and artwork, are provided. (In case you don’t know, I work with clients in securing artwork for their homes…it’s a passion of mine and something that clients truly benefit from. You can learn more about that here on my Services page. Scroll down to the Art Consultation and Curation section to learn more. 😊)

Budgeting and Procurement

After finalizing the design plan, the designer provides detailed price estimates. Clients can choose to modify the design requirements or increase the budget if necessary. Once the budget is set, the designer contacts trusted vendors to place orders. Experienced designers, (like those at Jarret Yoshida!) strive to provide high-quality furniture at optimal prices. Again, our goal is to make sure you build a home furnished with items that have meaning and are beautiful.

Visualization and Implementation

To help clients visualize their new spaces, designers create digital renderings and elevation drawings. Site visits, either in person or virtual, are conducted to develop customized solutions. The designer ensures that the space maximizes functionality while adhering to the aesthetic vision.

Project Completion and Follow-Up

Throughout the project, active communication between the designer and the client is crucial. Even after the project’s completion, designers often remain available for follow-up to address any issues, such as returns, damage to furniture, or small tweaks to make sure the client is completely satisfied.

Summing it Up!

Understanding interior design costs in New York City can be complex, but it’s a worthwhile investment for transforming your living space. By choosing the right interior designer, being clear about your budget, and understanding various fee structures, you can achieve your dream space efficiently. Whether you’re looking for interior design in NYC (Manhattan, Brooklyn, etc.) for smaller projects or larger, high-end projects, the key lies in clear communication, realistic budgeting, and finding a designer who truly understands your vision.

Interior design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle while maximizing functionality and comfort. Whether you’re embarking on a small renovation or a complete home redesign, investing in professional interior design services can significantly enrich your living experience.