How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost in Scottsdale?

Alex Kaminer
Mar 19
7 min read

Do you want to make your home look really nice? An interior designer in Scottsdale can help you do that.

But you may be asking — how much does it cost? That is a great question. And we are going to answer it in simple, easy words.

In Scottsdale, Arizona, there are many great designers. Some cost a little. Some cost a lot. Let us walk you through it — step by step.

What Is an Interior Designer?

An interior designer is a person who helps make rooms look nice. They pick colors. They choose furniture. They decide where things should go.

Think of them like a helper for your home. You tell them what you like and they make it happen.

In Scottsdale, designers are very popular. The city is sunny and beautiful. People love their homes here. The Scottsdale Design Center has been helping homeowners find the right designers for over 37 years. So there are many great options to choose from.

How Much Does It Cost? The Simple Numbers

Here is a quick look at what you might pay for an interior designer in Scottsdale.

How They Charge	Price Range
Per hour	$100 – $250
One room	$1,500 – $8,000
Whole home	$5,000 – $50,000+
Percent of your budget	10% – 30%

Good to know: These are just the design fees. You also pay for furniture, paint, and other things on top of this. Always ask your designer what is included. You can explore all the resources and services at Scottsdale Design Center to get a clear picture of what is available.

How Do Designers Charge?

Designers can charge you in different ways. Here are the 4 most common ways.

1. By the Hour

Some designers charge for each hour they work. In Scottsdale this is usually $100 to $250 per hour. This works well if you only need a little help.

2. One Flat Price

Some designers say — "I will do the whole job for one price." You know the cost before they start. No surprises. This is great for bigger projects.

3. A Percent of What You Spend

Some designers take a cut of your total budget — usually 10% to 30%. So if you spend $50,000 on your home, the designer gets $5,000 to $15,000.

4. Markup on Furniture

Some designers buy furniture for you at a low price. Then they charge you a higher price. That difference is how they make money. Places like the Scottsdale Design Center connect you with designers and furniture experts all in one place, which can help you save on markups.

How Much Does Each Room Cost?

Different rooms cost different amounts. Here is a simple breakdown.

Room	Design Fee	Full Cost (with furniture)
Living Room	$1,500 – $5,000	$8,000 – $40,000+
Bedroom	$1,200 – $4,000	$6,000 – $30,000
Kitchen	$2,000 – $8,000	$20,000 – $100,000+
Bathroom	$1,500 – $4,500	$10,000 – $50,000+
Home Office	$800 – $2,500	$4,000 – $15,000
Outdoor / Patio	$1,000 – $4,000	$8,000 – $35,000+

Kitchens and bathrooms usually cost the most. If you are planning a kitchen update, you can read more about kitchen cabinets and remodeling options in Scottsdale to get a better idea of what to expect.

Why Do Prices Go Up or Down?

Not every designer charges the same. Here is why the price changes.

Experience : A designer with many years of work will cost more. The Scottsdale Design Center has over 400 combined years of design experience across its team.
Size of your project : One room costs less than the whole house.
Custom furniture : Things made just for you cost more than things from a store.
How fast you need it : Need it done quickly? That will cost more.
Your neighborhood : Fancy areas in Scottsdale usually mean higher fees.
Full service vs. advice only : If the designer does everything, it costs more. Read about the difference between interior design and interior decorating to know which one you really need.

Is It Worth the Money?

Yes! Here is why most people say hiring a designer is worth it.

You save money — Designers stop you from buying the wrong things. Read about 5 common interior design mistakes that most homeowners make.
Your home looks great — They know what works and what does not.
They save you time — They talk to workers and shops so you do not have to.
Your home value goes up — A well-designed home sells for more money.
Special access — Designers can get furniture and materials you cannot buy yourself. The stores at Scottsdale Design Center offer luxury home goods that are hard to find anywhere else.

What Kind of Design Help Can You Get?

Not sure what kind of help you need? Here is a simple list of the most popular design services in Scottsdale.

Kitchen remodeling — Update your kitchen with new cabinets, counters, and more. See kitchen remodeling ideas for Scottsdale homes.
Bathroom remodeling — Make your bathroom look brand new. Learn about kitchen and bath renovation in Scottsdale.
Full interior design — A designer plans every room in your home.
Rugs and furnishings — Pick the right rugs and furniture for each space. Here is a great guide on rug shopping in Scottsdale.
Art and wall decor — Add personality to your walls. Check out top wall decor trends for modern interiors.
Desert-style design — Love the Scottsdale look? Read about desert-inspired home decor ideas that fit right into the Arizona lifestyle.

How to Find a Good Designer in Scottsdale

Not sure where to start? Here are a few simple steps.

Visit a design center. The Scottsdale Design Center has 12 home design stores and over 70 design experts all in one place.
Look at their past work — called a portfolio.
Ask at least 3 designers for their prices.
Read their reviews online.
Check out the SDC Blog for helpful tips and design ideas from local Scottsdale experts.
Ask if they charge for the first meeting.
Get everything in writing before work begins.

Not sure if you should remodel or just redecorate? This guide on remodeling vs. redecorating can help you decide before you spend any money.

Scottsdale vs. Other Cities

How does Scottsdale compare to other places?

City	Hourly Rate	Full Home Fee
Scottsdale, AZ	$100 – $250/hr	$10,000 – $30,000
Phoenix, AZ	$85 – $200/hr	$8,000 – $22,000
Los Angeles, CA	$150 – $400/hr	$20,000 – $75,000
Dallas, TX	$100 – $220/hr	$10,000 – $28,000
US Average	$75 – $200/hr	$5,000 – $20,000

Scottsdale costs a little more than average. But it costs much less than cities like Los Angeles. And with places like the Scottsdale Design Center — open to the public, with over 900 five-star reviews — you get great value for your money.

Simple Tips Before You Hire a Designer

Set a budget before you call anyone.
Ask at least 3 designers for their prices.
Look at their past work — called a portfolio.
Ask if they charge for the first meeting.
Make sure you know what is included in the price.
Get everything in writing before work begins.
Visit the Scottsdale Design Center stores to see furniture and materials in person before you decide.

Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest design trends, check out this article on 2025 home renovation and interior design trends in Scottsdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a designer charge per hour in Scottsdale?

Most designers charge between $100 and $250 for each hour. Some top designers charge $300 or more. Newer designers may charge around $75 to $90 per hour.

How much does a whole home design cost in Scottsdale?

Just the design fee is usually $10,000 to $50,000. The total cost — including furniture and materials — can go from $50,000 to over $200,000. It depends on the size of your home. You can explore options at the Scottsdale Design Center to get a better idea of what you need.

Is a decorator cheaper than a designer?

Yes, usually. A decorator picks nice things like curtains, pillows, and paint. A designer can also change the layout of a room. Decorators cost less. Designers do more. Read this simple guide on the difference between interior design and decorating for more details.

Do I pay for the first meeting?

Some designers charge $150 to $300 for the first meeting. Others do it for free. Always ask before you book.

What is the difference between a flat fee and an hourly fee?

A flat fee means you pay one set price for the whole job. An hourly fee means you pay for each hour the designer works. Flat fees are easier to plan for. Hourly fees are more flexible.

What does the design fee include?

Usually it includes the plan, color choices, and furniture picks. It does NOT usually include the cost of the furniture or materials. Always ask your designer to write down exactly what is included. You can learn more about what to expect from the full list of design resources at Scottsdale Design Center.

Can I hire a designer for just one room?

Yes! Many designers in Scottsdale do single rooms. A one-room design usually costs $1,500 to $8,000 for the design fee. The total room cost — with furniture — is usually $8,000 to $40,000.

How do I find a good designer in Scottsdale?

Visit the Scottsdale Design Center in person or browse their website. They have been Arizona's number one destination for home design since 1987. You can also check the SDC Blog for tips and ideas from real Scottsdale designers.

Where can I see design ideas before I hire anyone?

The best place to start is the Scottsdale Design Center blog. They have articles on everything — from how to upgrade your home interior to top interior designer trends for 2025.