Fees, Models & What Drives Price

When renovating or furnishing a Sydney home, the question often asked first is: how much does an interior designer cost? At Kaiko Design Interiors, a Surry Hills studio known for colour-led, detail-driven residential design, we value clarity as much as creativity.

This 2025/26 guide outlines the fee structures used across Sydney, what influences them, and how to approach your project budget with confidence.

Why costs vary?

Sydney’s homes are as diverse as its architecture from compact terraces to harbour side apartments. Each requires different levels of design input, documentation, and coordination.

Interior design is more than finishes and furnishings. It’s proportion, flow, joinery detail, light, and longevity. The work that happens behind the scenes, documentation, builder liaison and procurement shapes both cost and outcome.

Understanding what’s included in a designer’s fee helps you invest wisely, avoiding hidden extras later.

Typical Fee Models

1. Hourly Consultation
Best for targeted advice or early concept direction. Sydney rates usually sit between $200 – $400 ex GST depending on skill and service.

2. Fixed Fee Interior Design Services Packages
For well-defined scopes a fixed fee offers cost certainty. It’s based on estimated hours and deliverables agreed upfront. This is our preferred method of engagement at Kaiko Design Interiors. You can read more about our specific Stages of the Design Process and what to expect at each stage on our pricing page.

3. Percentage of Project Cost
Full-service design, documentation, and implementation are commonly charged as a percentage of overall spend, typically 8 – 15%, depending on scope and complexity.

4.Procurement or Trade Margin
When a studio manages sourcing and installation, a transparent margin covers supplier coordination and logistics. It ensures consistency across finishes, furniture, and lead-times, often saving money overall through access to trade discounts.

What Drives Price?

Scope & Documentation — The level of drawing, specification and detail required to guide trades is a major cost driver. Clear documentation upfront prevents on-site variations later.

Materials & Finishes — Natural stone, solid timber and artisan lighting elevate a project’s feel but also demand skilled specification and installation.

Coordination & Complexity — Multi-storey terraces, heritage joinery, and custom furniture all require additional project management. These hours are factored into professional fees.

Longevity & Sustainability — High-quality materials and well-resolved design cost more initially but reduce replacement and renovation over time a key principle of Kaiko Design Interiors colour-led, timeless approach.

For guidance on choosing the right studio fit, read How to Choose an Interior Designer in Sydney.

CHIPPENDALE HOME - RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGN AND DECORATION

The 2025/26 Outlook

Sydney’s design landscape continues to evolve toward transparency and tailored service. Homeowners now expect clear fee breakdowns, digital documentation and ethical sourcing. While material costs may fluctuate, design fees remain stable, reflecting experience, quality assurance and project scope.

Sustainability and Australian craftsmanship increasingly influence pricing. Choosing design that endures both aesthetically and functionally remains the most cost-effective decision over time.

Closing Thought

Design is an investment in how you live, not a line item to minimise. The true value of professional interior design lies in precision, coordination and long-term ease.

At Kaiko Design Interiors, every project balances colour, clarity and craftsmanship delivering Sydney homes that are composed, intentional and enduring.

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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

Sydney Interior Design Cost Guide 2025/26