How Much Does Full-Service Interior Design Cost in Brisbane, Gold Coast, & Sunshine Coast?
One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “How much does it actually cost to hire an interior designer?”
And the honest answer is — it depends.
Most homeowners know they want a beautifully designed home but have no idea what full-service interior design really includes or how to budget for it. Some assume it’s only for luxury homes. Others worry it will cost more than doing it themselves. Meanwhile, builders rarely explain how much time is involved designing, planning and selecting literally everything right down to the door stop.
This guide is a transparent breakdown of what full-service interior design costs in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, what’s included, and why the investment often saves clients stress, time and money in the long run.
What Is Full-Service Interior Design?
Full-service design means everything is taken care of — from the initial concept right through to furniture installation and final styling. It is not just a mood board or a shopping list. It includes:
In-home consultations and brief development
Floor plan optimisation and furniture layouts
Concepts, material selections and 3D/2D visualisations
Custom joinery design and detailed documentation
Furniture, lighting, artwork and decor sourcing
Ordering, deliveries, trade coordination and installation
Final styling and handover
This service is for homeowners who want a cohesive, considered home without managing every small decision themselves.
How Much Does a designer Cost in Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast?
The cost of full-service interior design varies depending on the size of the home, the level of furniture and customisation involved, and whether renovations or bespoke joinery are included.
As a guide, full-service design fees for interior design and furnishing typically start from around $5,000 and can reach $15,000 per main living area. A designer will typically develop a scope of works — this is the outline and steps a designer is going to take in order to complete your design project. Each scope is unique and priced based on the amount of work involved for the designer.
What Influences the Cost?
Several factors determine where your project will sit within these ranges:
1. Size and number of rooms
A single living room requires far less time and furniture than a full four-bedroom home with outdoor areas.
2. Level of customisation
Custom joinery, built-in seating, fireplaces or wine cellars all involve extra design hours and specialised CAD drawings.
5. Procurement management and installation
Coordinating deliveries, trades and installations takes time. Full-service clients don’t have to lift a finger — everything is managed for them.
CLIENT INVESTMENT (FURNISHING AND STYLING)
For furniture, lighting, artwork and decor in an open-plan living, dining and kitchen space, most clients will invest between $30,000 and $100,000 or more.
Furnishing an entire home can range from $80,000 for smaller properties to $250,000 or more for larger family homes. Another helpful way to budget is to allow between 10 and 15 per cent of the property’s value for a fully furnished, styled and move-in ready result. These figures are not fixed quotes, but realistic expectations based on current supplier pricing, trade costs, logistics and the quality of finish most clients are aiming for.
Where Your Investment Actually Goes
Many people assume interior design is just “making things look pretty.” In reality, your investment covers:
Professional space planning to avoid costly layout mistakes
Detailed design documentation for builders and cabinetmakers
Trade-only access to furniture and suppliers (often below RRP)
Time spent managing orders, delays, damaged deliveries, installers and trades
Styling and finishing to ensure every room feels cohesive and intentional
It is not just about furniture. It is a project managed from start to finish.
Can Hiring a Designer Save You Money?
Yes — and it often does.
Clients avoid expensive mistakes like the wrong-sized sofa or poorly placed lighting.
Builders and trades have a clear plan to follow often reducing mistakes through miss communications
Designers have access to trade pricing and exclusive suppliers not available to the public.
A cohesive design plan means clients don’t keep buying “filler” decor or replacing items that don’t work long term.
The design fee is usually a small percentage of what you save in avoided errors and bad purchases.
So, Is It Worth It?
If you value a home that feels layered, intentional and entirely yours, and you do not have the time to plan every detail — full-service interior design is worth the investment.
It is not for everyone. It is for homeowners who want professional expertise, high-quality outcomes and a stress-free process from start to finish.
Ready to Create Your Home?
If you are planning a new build, preparing to furnish your home or want help turning selections into a cohesive vision, I would love to help.
Book a complimentary discovery call to receive a tailored proposal for your project.