How Much Does an Interior Decorator Cost in Canada in 2026?

Interior Decorator Costs: Room-by-Room Breakdown & Planning Insights

Give your home a refresh with the help of an interior decorator. We break down interior decorator costs per room and what you can expect to pay on average. Discover how an interior design consultation could be your key to a beautifully styled home.

In this price guide:

1. Average Interior Decorator Costs in Canada
2. What Affects the Cost of an Interior Decorator?
3. Per Room Pricing Explained
4. Initial Consultation Costs
5. Budgeting for Interior Design
6. Hidden Costs of Interior Decorating
7. Find an Interior Decorator on HomeStars
8. Common Questions

Average Interior Decorator Costs in Canada

The cost of hiring an interior decorator in Canada depends heavily on the pricing model, the scope of work, and where you live. The table below summarizes typical 2026 ranges across the main fee structures.

Fee Structure	Typical Cost
Hourly rate (junior decorator)	$50 to $100 per hour
Hourly rate (mid-level decorator)	$100 to $250 per hour
Hourly rate (principal at larger studio)	up to $500 per hour
Per room (design only)	$450 to $1,500
Per room (furnishings included)	$1,000 to $12,000
Full home redesign	$2,000 to $10,000+
Initial consultation	$150 to $500

For a broader look at what interior designers charge for full renovation planning and project management, see our interior design cost guide.

Find interior decorators near you on HomeStars

What Affects the Cost of an Interior Decorator?

Several factors push interior decorator costs up or down, regardless of the pricing model used.

Scope of the project

A single-room refresh and a full home redesign are priced entirely differently. Full-home projects involve multiple site visits, procurement oversight, and ongoing coordination, all of which add to the total. The more decisions a decorator manages on your behalf, the higher the cost.

Location

Decorator costs are noticeably higher in major urban centres. In Toronto and Vancouver, mid-level hourly rates commonly run $125 to $250, while comparable work in mid-sized Ontario or Prairie cities tends to run $75 to $150. Your city's cost of living affects both labour and material sourcing.

Level of service

There is a significant difference between a decorator who delivers a mood board and one who manages procurement, contractor coordination, and project delivery end to end. Full-service decorating costs substantially more than a design plan you implement yourself.

Furnishings and procurement markup

Many decorators apply a markup of 17% to 45% on furniture and materials sourced on your behalf, on top of any hourly or flat fee. In some arrangements, the markup replaces or supplements an hourly fee entirely. Confirm upfront which model your decorator uses, as it affects your total cost significantly.

Decorator's background and studio size

A decorator building a portfolio charges considerably less than one with an established body of work. Boutique studios in high-demand cities command higher rates regardless of project size.

Understanding Interior Decorator Fees: Per Room Pricing Explained

One of the most common pricing approaches used by interior decorators is the per room pricing model, which provides clients with clarity based on specific room requirements.

Here's a table outlining typical interior decorator costs per room:

Room Type	Typical Cost Range
Living room	$1,500 to $5,000
Bedroom	$1,000 to $3,000
Kitchen	$2,500 to $10,000
Bathroom	$1,500 to $4,500
Dining room	$1,200 to $4,000

HomeStars Tip: Per room pricing works well for homeowners who want to refresh one or two spaces without committing to a full-home project. Confirm upfront what the fee covers, whether that is a mood board, a furniture plan, a shopping list, or all three.

Getting Started with Interior Design: Initial Consultation Costs

An initial consultation is a key first step in any interior design project. It's an opportunity for you and the decorator to discuss your vision, budget, and the scope of the project.

The cost for an interior design consultation in Canada typically ranges from $150 to $500. High-end decorators may charge upwards of $500, reflecting their depth of work and the level of personalisation they offer.

During this session, a decorator might cover a project overview, rough timelines, and initial design ideas. Some decorators apply the consultation fee toward the total project cost if you choose to proceed with their services.

Note: Some furniture retailers in Canada offer complimentary design consultations tied to purchases. These can be a useful starting point for smaller projects, though they are generally limited to the retailer's product range.

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Budgeting for Interior Design: What Are the Typical Cost Structures?

Understanding the average cost for interior design services can help you plan effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. Costs vary based on the size and complexity of the project, the decorator's background, and location.

Hourly rates: paying by the hour for design services

Many interior decorators charge hourly rates, which can provide flexibility for both parties. Hourly billing is common for smaller projects or when the total time commitment is uncertain.

On average, junior decorators charge between $50 and $100 per hour, while mid-level decorators may charge from $100 to $250 per hour. For principal decorators at larger studios, rates can go up to $500 per hour.

HomeStars Tip: When planning a project, ask whether there is a minimum number of billable hours per session. This helps you manage costs on shorter or more flexible engagements.

Flat fees: when interior decorators charge a one-time price

Flat fee pricing is another common approach, where a decorator charges a set price for a defined scope of work. This method suits comprehensive projects because it gives you a clear upfront cost.

Flat fees range from $450 to $1,500 per room for design services. When furnishings are included, costs can range from $1,000 to $12,000 per room. For full-service projects covering entire home redesigns, fees may range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on scope.

Keep in mind: Before signing a flat-fee agreement, confirm exactly what is included, whether plan revisions have a limit, and what additional charges apply if the scope changes.

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Hidden Costs of Interior Decorating: What Additional Charges Might Surface?

When planning an interior decorating project, it's easy to overlook additional costs that can affect your budget. Discussing these with your decorator upfront is the most straightforward way to avoid surprises.

• Freight charges: costs for shipping materials and furnishings, which vary widely based on distance and method.
• Revisions: additional fees may apply for changes made to the design plan after initial approval.
• Project management: daily or hourly fees for managing contractors, timelines, and project flow.
• Travel fees: if your decorator needs to visit sites, you may incur fees often calculated as half of the regular hourly rate.
• Design drawings: decorators may charge for perspective drawings or 3D models, typically ranging from $450 to $500.
• Material procurement: decorators often apply a markup of 17% to 45% over retail prices for materials and furnishings sourced on your behalf.

HomeStars Tip: Ask your decorator to walk through all potential additional charges before work begins so you can build them into your budget from the start.

Find an Interior Decorator on HomeStars

Comparing decorators is easier when you can read reviews from other homeowners before reaching out. On HomeStars, you can browse interior decorator profiles, read reviews from previous projects, and connect with pros who are available to take on your project. Post your project for free and let interested decorators come to you.

Start your interior decorator plan today

FAQ: Common Questions Readers Ask About Interior Decorator Costs

Can I hire an interior decorator for a rental property or do landlords need to be involved?

Whether you need landlord approval depends on the scope of work. Purely decorative changes like furniture, lighting fixtures, and window treatments generally fall within a tenant's rights and don't require permission. Structural changes, paint, or built-in installations typically do, so it's worth clarifying with your landlord before booking a decorator to avoid having to reverse the work at the end of your lease.

Does an interior decorator's fee change if I already have furniture I want to keep?

It can, in both directions. Working around existing pieces reduces procurement time, which lowers costs under an hourly model. However, it can also add complexity if the decorator needs to build a cohesive scheme around items that don't naturally complement each other. Be upfront about what you're keeping when you request a quote so the fee reflects the actual scope.

How can I estimate the total cost before starting a project with an interior decorator?

Define the scope clearly before your first meeting: the number of rooms, the level of service you need, and whether you want the decorator to manage procurement or just deliver a plan. Ask each decorator for a written proposal covering their fee structure, what is included, and any additional charges. You can get two or three proposals on the same scope through HomeStars, making it straightforward to compare what you are actually being offered.

Is the consultation fee applied toward the project total?

This varies by decorator. Many apply the consultation fee as a credit toward the project if you hire them, making it an advance on future work rather than a separate charge. Others treat it as a standalone fee regardless of outcome. Ask this directly before booking so you know what to expect. On HomeStars, you can read reviews from other homeowners to get a sense of how a decorator handles pricing and communication before committing.