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 your home office.
Work-from-home space — desk, storage, lighting, acoustic treatment — designed for full days of focused work.
✓ 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.
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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.
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Interior Designer quick-view
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Interior Designer explained
Home office design — dedicated work-from-home space. Productivity and wellbeing focus. Expect to pay £500–£8,000 for UK home office design.
What Does the Work Involve?
Designer surveys space. Ergonomic workstation planned. Storage and filing. Lighting (task + ambient). Acoustics and soundproofing. Video-call backdrop. Power and IT infrastructure. Sometimes garden office shell.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home office design fee | 500 | 2,500 | Design only |
| Bespoke fitted furniture | 2,500 | 10,000 | Desks + storage |
| Garden office shell + design | 15,000 | 40,000 | Premium |
| Spare room conversion | 1,500 | 5,000 | Including furniture |
| Ergonomic chair | 200 | 1,500 | Herman Miller etc |
| Acoustic treatment | 500 | 3,000 | Soundproofing |
| IT infrastructure | 300 | 2,000 | WiFi, ethernet |
UK Regulations
HSE DSE (Display Screen Equipment) guidance. Building Regs for garden office >2.5m height. Electrical Part P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garden office or spare room?
Garden: separation, quiet, £15k+. Spare room: cheaper, faster, less separation.
Best chair investment?
Herman Miller Aeron, Steelcase Leap. £700-£1,500. Long-term investment.
Acoustic treatment essential?
For video calls and concentration: helps. Acoustic panels £500-£3,000.
Property value impact?
Dedicated WFH space: positive 2-5%. Garden office: even more.
Tax-deductible?
Self-employed: portion of home costs. Use-of-home allowance HMRC.
How long office project?
Spare room: 4-8 weeks. Garden office: 12-20 weeks.
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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