Interior Design Sydney | How to Choose the Right Studio
KILLARA HOUSE - RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGN AND DECORATION
Looking for a Sydney interior designer who’ll…
…balance creative vision with practical execution? Who can manage your renovation from concept to completion all while delivering a home that feels truly yours?
At Kaiko Design, we specialise in full-service residential interiors for discerning Sydney clients. From spatial planning to final styling, our process is both structured and expressive, designed to deliver thoughtful, detail-rich homes that stand the test of time.
If you’re searching for a studio that leads with colour, documents meticulously and communicates with clarity, you’re in the right place.
This guide outlines what to look for in an interior design studio and why Kaiko Design might be the right fit for your project.
Why hire a professional interior designer?
If you’re building, renovating or furnishing a home, a qualified interior designer offers more than just a trained eye. Here’s what a good design studio brings to the table:
Budget protection: A clear plan helps avoid reactive, expensive mistakes during construction
Planning and compliance: We navigate DA or CDC approvals where required
Trade discounts: Leverage our access to trusted suppliers and industry pricing
Project management: Reduce overwhelm with a single point of contact from design to install
What makes Kaiko Design different?
We’re not generalists. Kaiko Design exists to help homeowners unlock the full potential of their space through a strategic, personalised and colour-led approach. Here’s how we stand apart:
1. Colour expertise
We’re known for bold, intelligent colour use, not trend-driven schemes, but rooms with atmosphere, energy and restraint.
2. Detailed documentation
Our full-service offering includes drawings, schedules, lighting layouts and specifications because great design depends on precision.
3. Fixed-fee transparency
We don’t charge by the hour during design. Our clients know what they’re paying for, with fees clearly broken down by stage.
Our step-by-step design process
Working with Kaiko Design means moving through a structured, collaborative process. We guide every decision — from architectural adjustments to curtain length — so nothing feels left to chance.
Discovery – Initial briefing and site review
Concept Design – Spatial planning and vision setting
Design Development – Finishes, joinery and documentation
Procurement – Furniture sourcing and trade coordination
Installation – Site visits, styling and handover
Cost overview for Sydney projects
Interior design fees vary depending on the scope of work. At Kaiko Design, we structure our fees in two distinct ways:
For renovation projects, we work on a fixed-fee basis, which covers all aspects of design, documentation and builder coordination to tender. These fees typically represent 5 to 15 per cent of the total build cost, depending on the scope, complexity and budget of the project.
For furnishing and decoration, we charge a service fee based on the trade price of the items sourced. This is per 20 per cent of the total furniture and styling budget.
This clear split allows you to plan confidently and understand exactly where your investment is going.
Portfolio highlights
Explore some of our recent Sydney interiors:
Chippendale Terrace House
A layered reimagining of a classic Victorian terrace, balancing expressive finishes with a calm base palette.
View project
Killara House
A dramatic reworking of a dated home into a refined, colour-led interior designed for a young family.
View project
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you only take on full-home renovations?
Not necessarily. We work across a range of project sizes from complete renovations to furnishing a newly built home. What matters most is fit.
2. Can I use Kaiko Design for just decoration?
Yes. While our strength is in hard renovation, we also offer decorative services including custom furniture, window treatments and art sourcing as part of a full interior.
3. How far in advance should I engage a designer?
As early as possible. Ideally before finalising architectural plans or engaging a builder. Our involvement early on ensures cohesive outcomes and fewer costly changes.
4. Do you offer 3D renders or mood boards?
We work primarily in 2D and use reference imagery during concept development. Our strength lies in drawing, documentation and material resolution not visualisation tools. These are available at an additional fee.
Book your complimentary consultation
If you’re ready to start your renovation or want to understand if we’re the right fit for your project, book a discovery call with Kaiko Design - or send us an inquiry and we will call you back