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 period property.
Victorian, Georgian or Edwardian property interior — period-correct but liveable. By heritage-aware designers.
✓ 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 explained
Period property interior design — sensitive restoration meets modern living. Victorian, Georgian, Edwardian, Arts & Crafts. Expect to pay £1,500–£15,000 for UK period interior design.
What Does the Work Involve?
Heritage-aware designer. Architectural detail respected (cornicing, panelling, fireplaces). Period colour palettes (Farrow & Ball Heritage, Little Greene). Era-appropriate furniture. Modern services discreetly integrated. Listed building advice.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Period consultation | 200 | 600 | Initial advice |
| Single room period design | 1,500 | 4,000 | Sensitive |
| Whole house period scheme | 5,000 | 15,000+ | Comprehensive |
| Listed building consent | 500 | 2,500 | Plus design |
| Period restoration plaster | 500 | 3,000 | Per room cornicing |
| Restored fireplace | 1,500 | 8,000 | Plus design |
| Heritage colour scheme | 200 | 1,500 | Designer-specified |
UK Regulations
Listed building consent for material changes. Conservation area planning. Article 4 may restrict changes. SPAB advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Listed building consent process?
Council conservation officer. Pre-application advice helpful. £500-£2,500 design fees.
Best period brands?
Farrow & Ball, Little Greene paint. Original Style tiles. Period Property fireplaces.
Modernise heating/electrics?
Yes — discreet integration. Underfloor heating. Concealed sockets.
SPAB advice useful?
Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings. Membership £35/year. Technical advice valuable.
Common pitfall?
Over-restoration to "show home". Authentic patina is value.
Property value impact?
Sympathetic period design: 10-20% premium. Wrong-style modernisation: discount.
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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