Author: Laurent Galle, Interior Architecture and Decoration Studio
Reading time: 8 min | Date: April 2026
Are you planning to renovate your apartment, redesign your home, or transform your office space? This internal guide walks you through every pricing structure we use, real fee ranges, and exactly what a full-service project covers, so you can advise our clients with complete transparency.
1. The 3 Billing Methods
Unlike a licensed architect whose fees are regulated, an interior designer sets their own rates. Three main pricing structures exist on the market:
|
HOURLY RATE €50 – €150 per hour One-off consultations, materials advice, and plan reviews. |
FIXED PROJECT FEE €5,000 – €30,000 fixed fee Includes design, technical drawings, coordination and site supervision. |
% OF WORKS BUDGET 8 – 15% of pre-tax works budget Suited to larger projects. Aligns the professional's interests with the client's. |
2. 2026 fees by project type
These figures reflect average fees charged in France in 2026, excluding construction costs, for a full-service mission (design and supervision). For Paris and major cities, apply a 20–30% uplift.
| Project Type | Surface Area | Works Budget | Designer Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-room renovation | 15 – 30 m² | €10,000 – €25,000 | €1,500 – €4,000 |
| Apartment – partial renovation | 40 – 70 m² | €25,000 – €60,000 | €4,000 – €8,000 |
| Apartment – full renovation | 40 – 100 m² | €60,000 – €150,000 | €8,000 – €18,000 |
| Private house | 100 – 200 m² | €100,000 – €300,000 | €12,000 – €35,000 |
| Commercial space / offices | 50 – 200 m² | €50,000 – €250,000 | €8,000 – €30,000 |
| Consultation only | — | — | €150 – €500 / visit |
3. What affects the price
The scope of the mission
Design only, or a full-service engagement with site supervision: the extent of the designer’s involvement has a direct impact on fees.
Size and technical complexity
A classic Haussmann apartment requiring a complete reconfiguration of the floor plan demands far more hours than an open-plan loft that is newly built and ready to dress.
Finishes and materials
A high-end project featuring marble, custom joinery, and designer furniture requires significantly more intensive sourcing and oversight.
Geographic location
Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and the Côte d’Azur command rates 20 to 30% higher than mid-sized cities elsewhere in France.
Experience and professional standing
A senior interior designer with award-winning projects charges higher fees, but delivers proportionally greater value.
"A skilled interior designer is not a cost. They are an investment. By preventing design mistakes, negotiating with tradespeople, and enhancing the value of your property, a great designer more than earns their fee."
4. What a full-service mission includes
Phase 1: Diagnosis and Brief
On-site visit, assessment of the existing space, in-depth listening to the client’s needs, specification document, and preliminary budget.
Phase 2: Concept and Sketch Design
Space planning layouts, mood boards, material and colour palettes. Two rounds of revisions included.
Phase 3: Detailed Design Development
Dimensioned technical drawings (furniture layout, electrical, plumbing), sections and elevations, material schedules, and cost estimates.
Phase 4: Contractor Selection
Preparation of trade-specific briefs, tender process, comparative analysis of quotes, and final recommendation.
Phase 5: Site Supervision
Regular site visits, schedule management, coordination between trades, and snagging. Optional for design-only commissions.
Phase 6: Handover and Styling
Furniture placement, accessories, and final site inspection. Your interior is fully move-in ready from the moment the keys are handed over.
5. Why it is a worthwhile investment
Avoiding costly mistakes
Poor design decisions can cost 15 to 40% of the works budget to correct. A professional anticipates and prevents these issues from the very first sketch.
Negotiating with tradespeople
Our established network of skilled contractors, combined with the volume of work we generate, enables preferential rates that often offset a significant portion of the designer’s fees.
Increased property value
A property renovated with coherence and professional expertise sells or rents for 15 to 25% more than one renovated without expert guidance.
Considerable time savings
Managing a building project is a full-time occupation. Delegating this responsibility to a professional preserves the client’s energy and peace of mind, a benefit that is frequently underestimated.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of an interior designer?
Between €50 and €150 per hour, or 8 to 15% of the pre-tax works budget. For a complete fixed-fee package, expect to pay between €5,000 and €30,000 depending on size and complexity.
Is there a minimum budget required?
A full-service commission truly comes into its own from €20,000 to €30,000 of works upwards. Below that threshold, a one-off consultation may be sufficient.
What is the difference between an interior designer and a licensed architect?
A licensed architect works on structural elements and signs off on planning applications. An interior designer focuses on interior spaces: layouts, materials, furniture, and atmosphere.
Are fees tax-deductible?
For rental investment properties taxed under the standard (réel) regime, designer fees may be included as deductible works expenses. Each client should seek advice from their own accountant.
What happens at a first appointment?
An on-site visit lasting approximately one hour. The designer assesses the space and listens carefully to the client’s needs. A detailed fee proposal is then provided, with no obligation. Complimentary for any project with a works budget exceeding €20,000.
Have a client project to discuss?
Contact Laurent Galle for a detailed fee estimate. The first appointment is complimentary for any project valued above €20,000 in works.
