Instant
01 · Ask
Concept, fit-out or both?
Some designers do paper only; others run the whole job. Describe what you need and the AI tells you which kind of designer to look for.
Design a holiday let.
Airbnb or holiday let interior — designed for photos, guest reviews and durable everyday use.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
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Hire an interior designer. Briefed, visualised, then bought.
Read the brief on fee models, trade discounts and visualisations — then let Three local designers quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Fee models, RIBA work stages 0–7, trade discount disclosure, sample boards vs CGI. Know the language before the first meeting.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 designer briefs
Three local designers quote on the same brief — concept, deliverables, project management, supplier discount terms. Compare like-for-like.
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Top tips
Hiring a interior designer, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Agree the fee model up front.
Hourly, fixed fee, percentage of project, or product mark-up — interior designers charge any of four ways. Pin down which before any work starts.
Get a written brief signed off.
'I want something modern' is not a brief. Insist on a written, signed brief covering scope, style, budget and timeline — change it later costs extra.
Ask about trade discounts.
Designers often buy at trade prices and pass on (or keep) the discount. Get clarity on whether you pay trade or retail through them.
Insist on visualisations, not mood boards.
Mood boards are vague; CGI or 3D visualisations let you see the actual room. Worth £400 to avoid a £4k mistake.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Consultation (per hour)
£80–£200/hr
Single-room design (concept only)
£800–£2.5k
Single-room full design + buyingExcl. furniture
£2k–£8k
Whole-house design (3-bed)Excl. furniture
£5k–£25k
Project management fee% of build cost
£10–£18
CGI / 3D visualisation
£400–£1.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Interior Designer briefing.
Infographic
Interior Designer quick-view
Video guide
Interior Designer explained
Holiday let and Airbnb interior design — guest experience and durability. Photogenic for booking platforms. Expect to pay £1,500–£12,000 for UK holiday let interior design.
What Does the Work Involve?
Designer with holiday-let experience. Photogenic palette for online listing. Durable contract-grade furniture. Quality bed and bathroom (the "5-star moments"). Local character touches. Welcome features. Photogenic styling for shoot.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed studio holiday let | 1,500 | 4,000 | Design fee |
| 2-bed holiday cottage | 3,000 | 8,000 | Design fee |
| Larger 4+ bed | 5,000 | 12,000+ | Design fee |
| FF&E (furniture etc.) per bed | 3,000 | 10,000 | Contract-grade |
| Professional photoshoot | 300 | 1,500 | For listings |
| Annual refresh (cushions, art) | 200 | 800 | Per room |
| Property turn-around clean | 50 | 200 | Per change-over |
UK Regulations
BS 5852 fire safety upholstery. Smoke and CO alarms mandatory. EICR if landlord. PAT testing for appliances. EPC. Planning permission for new holiday let.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best photogenic style?
Light, neutral, "feature wall" or local-character bedhead. Plants and books for life.
Contract-grade furniture essential?
Yes — domestic furniture wears 2-3x faster in let. £2k saving = £8k 5-year cost.
Booking platform impact?
Premium design photos = 30-50% higher bookings. Pays for itself.
Welcome touches?
Local produce, hand-written card, useful guide. Memorable for reviews.
Compliance checklist?
Fire, electrical, gas, CO, EPC, insurance. Designer-led project includes.
How long project?
4-12 weeks design + install. Plus 1-week styling and photoshoot.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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