How to Budget for an Interior Design Project: What You Need to Know

price guides

6 May

Introduction

One of the most important steps in planning a successful home renovation or redesign is setting a realistic budget. Whether you’re updating a single room or undertaking a full-home transformation, understanding how to budget for an interior design project ensures a smoother process, fewer surprises, and better results.

At Kaas Interiors, we believe that great design can be both beautiful and financially responsible. This guide outlines what you need to know when setting a budget for your interior design project.

a green laundry with natural timber benchtops and farmers sink

Why Budgeting Matters in Interior Design

A well-planned budget gives you clarity and control throughout your project. It helps you:

Make informed design decisions
Prioritise spending based on what matters most
Prevent cost overruns and delays
Understand where to invest for the greatest impact
Ensure transparency when working with designers and trades

Without a clear budget, it’s easy to overspend or get overwhelmed with too many choices.

What Factors Affect Your Interior Design Budget

Several elements influence how much your interior design project will cost:

Scope of Work

Are you updating finishes, changing layouts, or planning a full renovation? The bigger the scope, the higher the investment.

Rooms Involved

Kitchens and bathrooms are typically more expensive due to plumbing, cabinetry, and fixtures. Living rooms and bedrooms usually involve fewer trade costs.

Customisation Level

Custom joinery, high-end finishes, and bespoke solutions will increase your investment, but also add long-term value.

Project Size and Property Type

Designing a compact apartment requires different considerations (and fewer materials) than a multi-storey family home.

Materials and Finishes

Choices like natural stone, hardwood, or premium fittings will impact your total costs. Your designer can guide you toward smart substitutions when needed.

How Much Should You Budget for Interior Design?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are general guidelines for estimating your budget:

Design Fees

At Kaas Interiors, we offer transparent fixed-rate pricing so you know what to expect. We don’t want you to pay for design and documentation you don’t need, that’s why we quote a package specifically tailored to you and your project.

Kitchen Renovation

Allow $30,000 to $50,000+ for joinery depending on size, materials, and level of customisation.

Bathroom Renovation

Allow $25,000 to $45,000+ per bathroom depending on layout changes, fixtures, and finish levels.

Living Room or Bedroom

Allow $8,000 to $20,000+ depending on joinery, lighting, flooring, and furnishings.

Remember, these are broad estimates. Your budget should reflect your specific goals, lifestyle, and the value of your home. Also, please take into consideration that things like trades and stone can be additional extras depending on the specific project.

If you are uncertain about your budget, feel free to contact us and book an appointment. We can use our experience to guide you through the process, set realistic budget expectations, and put you in contact with a reliable and fairly priced trades network.

What to Include in Your Budget

A comprehensive interior design budget should cover:

Interior design fees
Trades and contractor labour
Demolition and prep work
Materials and finishes (tiles, flooring, paint, cabinetry)
Fixtures and fittings (lighting, plumbing, hardware)
Appliances and white goods (if relevant)
Contingency buffer (recommended 10-15%) for unexpected costs

a traditional bathroom with v-groove walls, marble countertop and brushed nickle hardware

Tips for Managing Your Interior Design Budget

Prioritise High-Impact Areas

Invest where it matters most - kitchens, bathrooms, and custom joinery tend to offer the most value.

Be Transparent With Your Designer

At Kaas Interiors, we tailor every design to your budget. The more we know about your goals and limitations, the better we can guide your investment.

Allocate a Contingency

Unexpected issues can arise. Set aside 10-15% of your total budget for flexibility.

Review Your Budget at Every Stage

Track expenses against your original plan and adjust as needed. Staying engaged throughout helps avoid surprises.

Conclusion

Budgeting for an interior design project is more than just setting a number. It’s about aligning your vision with realistic costs, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and making smart design decisions.

At Kaas Interiors, we work with you to create a tailored design plan that fits your goals and your budget. Our fixed-rate design fees and clear planning process make it easy to move forward with confidence.

Schedule a free consultation today and let’s bring your project to life - within budget and without compromise.

Book a Consultation with us to get started.