How Much Should I Spend on Interior Design? (A Budgeting Guide from Laura Jayne Design)
You’re ready to transform your home — but how much should you actually spend on interior design? Whether it’s a single room refresh or a full renovation, understanding what goes into a realistic interior design budget can help you plan effectively and avoid overspending.
At Laura Jayne Design, we guide our clients through every step — from vision to execution — with clear, tailored advice on what to invest and where. In this guide, we break down how much to spend on interior design based on your goals, space and lifestyle.
How Much Should I Spend on Interior Design? (A Budgeting Guide from Laura Jayne Design)
You’re ready to transform your home — but how much should you actually spend on interior design? Whether it’s a single room refresh or a full renovation, understanding what goes into a realistic interior design budget can help you plan effectively and avoid overspending.
At Laura Jayne Design, we guide our clients through every step — from vision to execution — with clear, tailored advice on what to invest and where. In this guide, we break down how much to spend on interior design based on your goals, space, and lifestyle.
What Does an Interior Design Budget Include?
Interior design isn’t just about paint colours and pillows. A complete budget should cover:
- Designer fees (consultation, concept, sourcing, styling)
- Furniture and soft furnishings
- Lighting fixtures
- Paint, wallpaper, flooring and materials
- Trades (painters, electricians, builders, fitters)
- Accessories and final styling touches
Planning for all these elements from the start helps avoid hidden costs down the line.
What Does an Interior Design Budget Typically Include?
Interior design isn’t just about paint colours and pillows. A complete budget should cover:
- Designer fees (consultation, concept, sourcing, styling)
- Furniture and soft furnishings
- Lighting fixtures
- Paint, wallpaper, flooring and materials
- Trades (painters, electricians, builders, fitters)
- Accessories and final styling touches
Planning for all these elements from the start helps avoid hidden costs down the line.
What Percentage of My Home’s Value Should I Spend?
A common rule of thumb is to spend 7% to 15% of your property’s value on interior design if you’re renovating extensively.
Home Value | Recommended Budget Range |
£300,000 | £21,000 – £45,000 |
£500,000 | £35,000 – £75,000 |
£750,000+ | £52,000+ |
This includes everything from design services to furnishings and build work — and often results in added property value. These are general costs, for an exact cost please browse our services and contact us!
Budgeting by Room: What Should You Expect to Spend?
Here’s a general guide based on common UK room sizes and mid-range finishes:
Room | Suggested Budget |
Living Room | £5,000 – £15,000 |
Bedroom | £3,000 – £10,000 |
Bathroom | £7,000 – £20,000+ |
Kitchen | £15,000 – £35,000+ |
Budgets can vary significantly depending on layout changes, materials, and whether bespoke items are included.
How Much Should Go Towards Design Fees?
On average, design fees represent around 10% to 20% of the total interior design budget. At Laura Jayne Design, we tailor our pricing based on project scope, and offer fixed-fee packages or flexible hourly rates to suit your needs.
Investing in professional design ensures your budget is used wisely, avoiding costly mistakes and delivering maximum impact.
Where Can You Save – and Where Should You Invest?
Not every element needs to be high-end to achieve a beautiful finish. Here’s how we typically advise clients:
Spend More On:
- Sofa and bed (comfort + longevity)
- Key lighting pieces (impact + ambience)
- Bespoke joinery (adds value + function)
Save On:
- Decorative accessories (easy to update seasonally)
- Off-the-shelf rugs or side tables
- Paint and wallpaper (unless going fully bespoke)
Is Interior Design Worth the Investment?
Absolutely. A well-designed home doesn’t just look better — it works better. Clients often tell us:
- They use their rooms more efficiently
- The home feels calmer, more organised and welcoming
- Visitors immediately notice the difference
Plus, great design can increase your property value — sometimes significantly.
Not Sure Where to Start? We Can Help
At Laura Jayne Design, we help you define your priorities, make the most of your budget, and deliver a home that reflects your style and story.
Whether you’re working with £5,000 or £50,000, we’ll help you spend it smartly.
