Boston Interior Designer Pricing

When considering a design transformation for your home, understanding Boston interior designer costs is an important first step. Of course, we work throughout New England, New York, and beyond, but Boston is home. Our pricing reflects the market rate of design services in our area. The expense of working with a professional interior designer can vary depending on the scope of your project and the level of service you need. From full-service design to simple consultations, knowing the different pricing models available will help you make an informed decision that aligns with both your budget and design goals. Let’s break down the four different pricing models and what to expect from each one.

Full Service Interior Design in Boston: Carefully Considered & Executed

Full-service design is ideal for clients who are committed to doing their projects the right way, with substantial involvement throughout the process. Whether it’s a large-scale historic renovation, a new construction project, or a comprehensive furnishing overhaul, this approach is for clients who want every detail carefully considered and executed. These projects are billed hourly, with larger ones requiring 650 hours or more—and in some cases, over a thousand—to complete. While the process requires close collaboration, you can expect a seamless flow from concept to completion. Here’s a breakdown of what full-service design involves:

1. Technical Skills: We create CAD floor plans (2D & 3D) and construction drawings in-house, including bid and construction documents.
2. Project Organization: We manage all project elements, ensuring every detail is accounted for.
3. Design Selection: Curate and select materials, fixtures, furniture, and more to reflect your vision.
4. Execution: Prepare invoices, place orders, and manage the installation process on-site. My professional background includes experience with both commercial and residential builders.
5. Budget Management: Oversee budgets and ensure costs align with the plan—thanks to a math major on the team! Expect lots of spreadsheets.
6. Purchasing: We apply a markup to both construction and decorating-related purchases. This fee covers the time required to create invoices and oversee the purchase through delivery.
7. Finishing Touches: Add the final design elements like furniture, rugs, window treatments, and art for a polished, cohesive space.

Full-service interior design can cost up to 15% of your construction budget. This isn’t the formula used to calculate your design fees, but rather a guideline to help you assess whether it aligns with your budget. Full-service requires a lot of work and time, but the results are truly worth it; these projects are press-worthy, well-designed, and flawlessly executed.

We can’t provide estimates for this service wihtout sitting down with client. But in the Boston area in March of 2025, the level of design we offer typically aligns with construction costs averaging at least $600 per square foot. These figures are not exact but offer a reference point to gauge if this service fits.

Demi Interior Design Services in Boston: Flexible Solutions

For clients who aren’t ready for full-service design, demi-service design offers a flexible solution. We consult and bill hourly, with a minimum of 40 hours; these projects typically range from 40 to 100 hours. This allows us to understand your project, provide impactful advice, and dive into the details—keeping your fees low while ensuring expert guidance. Here’s a list of specific services included in this offering, useful for both renovation and decorating projects:

1. Technical Skills: Create simple CAD floor plans for guidance, this does not include comprehensive bid or construction drawings. We don’t include 3D renderings, but clients can request them for an additional fee.
2. Project Organization: Oversee key tasks and ensure everything stays on track, but clients are responsible for managing the day-to-day details and coordinating their team.
3. Design Selection: We provide expert advice and guidance on materials, fixtures, furniture, and decor, leaving the final decisions to the client.
4. Execution: Clients are responsible for purchasing and managing their own construction team.
5. Budget Management: Limited budget management; clients maintain control over their financial planning.
6. Purchasing: Purchasing services are available for these clients. We apply a markup after extending our designer discount, meaning the discount helps offset the markup.
7. Finishing Touches: Provide recommendations for final design elements, with clients handling the purchase and installation.

This service requires more client involvement than the designer doing everything. But the results are impactful and tailored to your needs. You’ll have a beautifully curated space while keeping the process manageable and within your budget. As of March 2025, these services start at $12,000.

On-Site Consultation: Focused & Professional Advice

Our consultation service provides focused, professional advice for clients who want guidance without a full commitment. During a 2-hour on-site visit, we assess your space and discuss your needs. We also set aside an additional 2 hours for travel and follow-up, delivering a PDF with advice, helpful links, and relevant information to guide your next steps. While we don’t stay involved throughout the project, we offer expert insights that make a meaningful impact.

1. Technical Skills: No CAD services are provided. We may provide hand sketches during the site visit, but they will be rough.
2. Project Organization: We provide advice only during the visit; we do not offer ongoing project management.
3. Design Selection: We provide expert advice on materials, fixtures, furniture, and decor. The client takes notes during the visit and makes all final decisions.
4. Execution: Clients are responsible for follow-through. Minimal notes will be provided after the site visit.
5. Budget Management: Limited budget advice is provided verbally during the visit.
6. Purchasing: Purchasing services are available for these clients. We apply a markup after extending our designer discount, meaning the discount helps offset the markup.
7. Finishing Touches: Recommendations for final design elements may be provided, with clients handling the rest of the process.

This consultation provides focused, professional advice to get your project on the right track. While not fully involved, you’ll receive expert insights that will help guide your decisions. As of March 2025, this service costs $1,500.

Off-The-Cuff Session: Virtual Interior Design Services From Boston

In the era of Zoom and all things virtual, we’re offering a quick, one-hour consultation where you’ll receive expert advice based on 20 years of experience. This is a fast, off-the-cuff session, with no follow-up or additional materials provided—just real-time insights to help guide your project. Pay for a single hour of our time, and get valuable, no-frills advice. We don’t assist with purchases for these services because they are quick calls and are not ongoing projects. As of March 2025, this service costs $750.

Purchasing & Trade Discounts

As mentioned, we offer purchasing assistance. If we help facilitate a purchase—whether selecting tile, ordering furniture, or preparing any invoice—we charge a 20% fee. This applies to both small and large projects. For high-value purchases over a certain threshold, we reduce the fee to 15%, depending on project size and scope.

We also extend trade discounts where applicable and bill you directly for purchases made through us, ensuring a streamlined process with access to exclusive pricing.

Since we extend our trade discount, the markup is offset—meaning you’d likely pay more if purchasing on your own. We invest time in selecting items and creating invoices, so we appreciate clients supporting us and our process. This ensures a streamlined experience with a trusted vendor rather than navigating purchases independently.

Something For Everyone

Boston interior designer costs vary widely, often reflecting differences in education, training, and experience. We are proficient designers with a strong foundation in both technical and creative disciplines. I studied math and art at a well-regarded Connecticut school and also completed graduate work for interior architecture in Boston. With 15 years at leading design and construction firms, I’ve refined best practices and collaborated with top general contractors on major commercial projects.

Some designers offer lower rates due to less experience or formal training, while others charge similarly without the same credentials—making it difficult to compare. We focus on our own approach, confident that our expertise, experience, and dedication to quality justify our pricing.

We offer design services for projects of all sizes. Clients often start with a virtual consult or a short-term engagement before expanding to larger projects, like a 40-hour demi-service or full-scale design. We carefully manage our schedule, with specific services available on designated days. Reach out to learn more about how we can work together.