How to find and hire an interior designer

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If you want your home to look stylish and work well for your lifestyle, an interior designer can help you get there.

From choosing colour schemes and furniture layouts to managing a full redesign, they bring professional insight and creativity.

Hiring one isn’t just about making a place look good. It’s about creating a space that feels right for you.

Why hire an interior designer?

Designing a room might seem straightforward until you’re faced with endless choices for paint colours, fabrics, flooring, and furniture.

An interior designer cuts through the noise.

They know what works together, how to make the best use of your space, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Many also have trade discounts with suppliers, which can help your budget stretch further.

Where to find an interior designer

Personal recommendations are a good starting point. Friends, family, or neighbours may have worked with someone they trust. Professional organisations such as the British Institute of Interior Design list accredited designers across the UK.

You’ll also find local designers through social media or design showcases.

Online directories exist too, but be aware that some act as middlemen rather than putting you directly in touch with the designer.

What to ask during the first conversation

Some questions are best asked formally at the start. Others will come up naturally as you describe your ideas.

Formal questions to ask:

Are you a member of the British Institute of Interior Design or another recognised body?
Can I see examples of previous projects, ideally similar to mine?
How do you charge, by the hour, by room, or as a percentage of the project cost?
Do you handle project management, or will I need to hire contractors separately?
How do you manage budgets and keep spending on track?

Informal questions that often come up naturally:

Have you worked on homes like mine before?
What’s your view on open-plan versus separate spaces?
Do you think my existing furniture could be worked into the new design?
How do you usually approach small rooms or awkward layouts?
Would you be happy to suggest affordable alternatives if something I like is out of budget?

These conversations help you see not only the designer’s skill set but also how well you’ll get along – important when you’re trusting someone with your home.

Signs of a good interior designer

A good designer listens as much as they talk. They’ll ask about how you live in your home, not just what styles you like. They’ll provide mood boards or sketches to show their ideas, explain costs clearly, and be upfront about timescales.

If project management is included, they should also be confident working with builders, decorators, and other trades.

Typical costs

Interior designers use different pricing models. As a guide in the UK:

Hourly rate: £50–£200 depending on experience and location
Per room: £500–£1,500+ for design work, not including furnishings
Percentage of project cost: usually 10–20% if they’re managing a larger renovation

Always ask for a clear breakdown so you know what’s included. Some designers offer initial consultations at a fixed fee, which can be a useful way to test the waters.

Red flags to watch out for

Be cautious if a designer can’t show you any previous work, avoids discussing costs in detail, or seems unwilling to adapt their ideas to your taste. Pushing expensive options without explaining why they’re suitable is another warning sign.