How much do interior designers charge in my area?

Interior designers charge $50 to $200 per hour on average, depending on the scope of work and the decorator's experience. Hiring an interior designer costs $5 to $17 per square foot for consultation, design work, management, and furnishings. A 1-hour in-home consultation costs $50 to $450 .

What does an interior designer do?

Interior designers provide decorating aesthetics, layout and space planning, and structural design expertise to make interior spaces functional, safe, and attractive. Designers help select color palettes, furniture, lighting, paint, wallpaper, fabric, window treatments, and accessories. Designers also work with you, suppliers, architects, and contractors to coordinate the entire design, building, and installation process.

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

Interior decorators provide aesthetic assistance for pre-constructed homes and rooms. Decorators focus on style, color palettes, furniture, lighting, paint, wallpaper, fabric, window treatments, and accessories. Interior decorating doesn't address structural work, exterior elements, or how the space functions. Interior decorators are not required to be certified or have a degree, but may have taken courses. Interior designers provide decorating aesthetics, space planning, and structural design expertise. Interior designers work with you, your architects, and your builders through the architectural design phase, the construction or renovation stages, and the complete interior decorating process. Interior designers are formally trained and may be required to have a degree or certifications to practice as designers. Designers are trained in drafting, lighting, computer-aided design (CAD), drawing, space planning, architecture, furniture design, and color and fabric.

How do interior designers work with clients?

Interior designers ask the client to complete a detailed questionnaire before the initial consultation. After scoping the project, the designer sets the expectations, timeline, and explains estimated costs. Designers will begin working on the structural and aesthetic design, while considering building codes, safety and flow, space planning, and current design trends. Designers present at least two design concepts, layout plans, mood boards, furniture, colors, and work hands-on with the client to finalize the details and decor. Designers can assist throughout the architectural and construction process, or the initial planning or interior decorating only. After the furnishings are selected, the decorator organizes the purchasing, transportation, and installation.

How long does the interior design process take?

The interior design process takes 2 to 3 weeks, including the initial consultation, two design concepts, layout planning, 3D modeling, researching (materials, finishes, and furniture), and hiring suppliers and contractors.

How do you find a good interior designer?

To find the local interior designers, do the following: Start your search on websites like HomeGuide and Google. Ask for recommendations from family, friends, neighbors, builders, and architects. Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google. Peruse their portfolio and look-book from past projects. Get at least three price estimates from different designers to compare. Select companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced. Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees. Look for designers who are part of the American Society of Interior Designs (ASID) or have passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) exam. Ask about their warranties and guarantees. Ask for a full itemized estimate or contract in writing. Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed. After asking questions, hire the best interior design service near you.

What questions should I ask local interior designers?

When hiring a home designer, ask them the following questions: How long have you been an interior designer? What is your interior design style? What design services are offered? Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers and photos from previous projects? How do you decide which projects are a good fit for your company? Where do you get your design inspiration? Do you work alone or with a team of designers? How much client involvement is recommended? Do you charge a flat rate, by the hour, use the cost-plus method, or a combination? How much will my project cost? How do you prioritize my budget throughout the project? Are there any potential complications you foresee with my project? What type of materials will you use? Can you provide me a written estimate or contract? What’s your payment schedule? What do I need to provide to get started? What to ask references: Did you enjoy working with this designer? Would you work with them again? What we're their strengths and weaknesses? Did the designer adhere to your budget? Did they communicate promptly and thoroughly? Did you feel heard and understood? Did any issues arise? If so, how were they handled? Did the design turn out as expected?

The 10 Best Interior Designers in Washington, DC (2025)

Design Studio LLC

5.0Exceptional(8)

Offers online services

29+ years in business

Serves Washington, DC

Deborah S. says, "I was moving into a stark condo and really didn’t know where to start. I knew I wanted it painted before I moved in but the paint needed to coordinate with everything else. Once I started working with Susan, I just couldn’t believe how much was available to her but never to the public. Even if it was available to the public, I didn’t have the time to look for the right pieces, making sure everything was coordinated and then expediting everything to my finished home. I also really liked that we spent a lot of time on my style preferences. I had some magazine pictures but Susan had lots more so we could really refine my taste. She also had fabric boards to test out different fabrics, textures and color ways. The 3D renderings and the drapery renderings were so very helpful. Instead of being so worried that everything would go together when it arrived, I could just relax because I saw the finished project in her 3D renderings before we purchased. It was all so coordinated. It showed she had a process that worked. Many Thanks Susan !!" Read more

Reviews for Washington interior designers

Recent success stories from people in the Washington area.

Laetitia M.

What an incredible experience! From the beginning planning stages to the ideation, sourcing to the execution, the Morrow Hone has made my space feel truly unique, special and beautiful. As a first time homebuyer, I was nervous to embark on a design journey and needed help. In comes Jenna! Your vision and your delivery was impeccable. I am forever grateful and can’t wait to do it again in the next home!

Morrow Design Studios

Margaret P.

Just getting to the point where I recognized that I needed professional help in decorating my sun room was a major accomplishment for me. I even bought and read a book on “How to Work with an Interior Designer!” I learned that the main reason you hire a professional is that they are aware of so much more about the products that are available and ways to combine them than I ever could. Susan was a godsend for me. She spent a lot of time just talking to me about my tastes, my styles and what I wanted. She explained her process so that I knew what to expect, which was so comforting. All of her design hours were fixed priced with a work scope. She was very empathetic and completely professional. I was given all the opportunities that I needed and wanted to review designs, fabrics, furniture, and paint. She over delivered all the way through the process. She seamlessly incorporated my existing pieces into the new design and showed me through her 3D renderings how it would look before I spent a nickel. She made it her first priority to show me how I was getting the best value for the prices I paid. She knew the construction and where all of the pieces came from. It showed that she did a lot of research on the manufacturers that she recommended. The people that she employs are also top-notch. I HEARTILY recommend the gentleman she employs to design, make, and install draperies. In short, while you as the Buyer do have to do work to ensure that you get what you want, Susan and her team work tirelessly to make the experience as positive, and even enjoyable, as possible. I am already eyeing a second room and have every intention of working with her again!

Design Studio LLC

Bernard S B.

Promptly and reasonably

RL Martin

Emma F.

Emington and his crew with Home Improvement were a pleasure to work with. And I want to start off by saying this house was in very bad shape. It might have been easier to knock this house down and rebuild. Home Improvement were professional with respect for the persons living in the house and neighbors that surrounded the area. Ermington’s crew works as a unit. The first time we met, Home Improvement gave me an estimate and the second time we met we discussed the details of the estimate. I was absolutely positive this house didn’t need a new roof. I couldn’t have been more wrong. In a blink of an eye the 4 men who came with Emington were grabbing their ladders and were now in the attic and on the roof of my house. As we talked Emington’s crew was sending him photos of the attic and roof damage. As we moved forward, I was blissfully unaware of what I wanted in colors and styles. Emington told me to drive around the neighborhood and look at siding and roof colors. Extremely good advice. I told him what I saw and from there he suggested what colors would complement each other. His crew replaced the roof first. There was no screaming or cross talking from the crew for the roof replacement. The siding was next. Same crew, same results. Excellent work and respectful. I noticed they paid attention to splices with the siding. Everything looked even with no gaps. The windows were next along with the air conditioning. The perfect plan was to bring each company to me for each project. Pella came in for the windows and showed me styles, designs, etc.… I never had to run around looking for what I wanted. There was no sales pitch and no one talked me into an upgrade. This also applied to the air conditioning. There was a timeline but because I worked in an environment where my clients always need a ship date, I was already prepared for delays and wrong products. I can assure you mistakes will happen to delay projects that are totally out of the contractor’s hands. But with Home Improvement, Emington took control and followed up on the issue right away. He would send me emails and updates. This was very much appreciated. There was also an emergency with my family and we had to put the entire project on hold for 30 days. Emington understood and he never gave me a hard time nor did he up charge me for lost time. Home Improvement and Emington and crew were very easy to work with. If I wanted to make a change, they would tell me honestly if that change would affect another room or if the cost was so far out of range I would decline. The crew was polite respectful, no cussing and they cleaned up after themselves. Emington’s crew also did little things to help us out. Took the battered trash cans and got rid of them for us, accepted delivers and so on. These things add up and, in the end, saves you time. At the moment, I decided to hire Emington and crew from Home Improvement to build a screened in back porch. My decision was based on his work and the art of his craft. I highly recommend Home Improvement as one of the best contractors I have ever worked with. This was not my first rodeo with a construction company to turn a house into home. This site was the first time I worked with a structure in ruin and Home Improvements turned it into a home. My highest recommendations go to Home Improvement, Emington and Crew. Emma Fox

Home Improvements LLC

Francis B.

Great experience working with Howard. He is very professional and did an excellent job.

B&P CARPENTRY-HARDWARE, L.L.C.

Mr. M.

I just wanted to extend my sincerest satisfaction to your company. From the beginning, your manager John provided an awesome demonstration of the quality windows you provide. The Capital Remodeling Inc. installers were superb and very prompt. They installed 8 windows in my residence on time and the quality of the workmanship they provided significantly enhanced my house. Lastly, the follow up courtesy call was very considerate and helpful. She ensured I had no issues with any aspect of the job and the quality of the windows. Again, please accept my deepest appreciation for a job well done to your employees. Great job Capital Remodeling Inc.

Capital Remodeling, INC.

Find interior designers in Washington, DC

Find interior designers in Washington, DC

Find interior designers in Washington, DC

Top 10 interior designers in Washington, DC

Black Squirrel Company INC

Tiera Interiors, LLC

Morrow Design Studios

Cabinets Granite Depot

Harris And Co Design Build Group LLC

Design Studio LLC

Inner Loop Design

American Home & Hardscape

Cabinet EZ

Design Services Plus

Your Interior Design questions, answered

How much do interior designers charge in my area?

What does an interior designer do?

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

How do interior designers work with clients?

How long does the interior design process take?

How do you find a good interior designer?

What questions should I ask local interior designers?

What to ask references:

Reviews for Washington interior designers

Nearby interior designers in and around Washington

Washington interior designers by service

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