Transforming your home from a blank slate into a Pinterest-worthy space can be thrilling—until the invoice lands in your inbox. Many Singaporeans flirt with the idea of hiring an interior design firm in Singapore, only to pause at the numbers. Is it worth the investment? How much does it cost? The answers, while not as straightforward as a flat-pack instruction manual, can be navigated with the right context.

Engaging an interior design firm is not just about picking wallpaper and throwing cushions as it involves design consultation, spatial planning, carpentry, electrical works, and a great deal of project management. All of that carries a price tag, which varies wildly depending on what you want and who you hire.

What Drives the Cost Up (Or Down)

A major factor influencing interior design fees in Singapore is property type. A standard four-room HDB renovation is going to cost significantly less than overhauling a landed property. Smaller flats typically require fewer materials and man-hours, while larger or more architecturally complicated homes involve more intricate planning and customisation.

Next comes the scope of work. Are you just freshening up the kitchen and toilet? Or are you gutting the entire unit and rebuilding it from scratch? The more extensive the work, the higher the cost—not just for materials, but also for the expertise required to bring it all together. Partial renovations might start from around $15,000, whereas full-scale transformations can easily climb past $70,000, especially if you lean into luxury finishes.

Then there is the question of style. Minimalist designs require fewer built-ins and elaborate materials, keeping costs somewhat lower. On the other end of the spectrum, maximalist or bespoke styles—think fluted panelling, built-in archways, or imported tiles—can send your budget into orbit.

Design Fees and Packages: What You Are Paying For

Most people expect to pay for carpentry and tiles, but design fees themselves can be a surprise. These fees usually cover the designer’s time, expertise, and project coordination. It is the cost of turning your vague Pinterest board into a coherent and feasible plan.

An interior design firm might charge design fees as a flat rate or a percentage of the renovation cost. Expect to see design fees ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 depending on the firm’s reputation, portfolio, and the scale of the project. Some boutique firms may offer consultation packages or even waive design fees entirely—though rest assured, that cost will be absorbed elsewhere.

One tip is to look closely at what the quoted package includes. Some firms bundle in 3D renderings, material sampling, and site visits, while others treat these as chargeable extras. Always clarify this before signing on the dotted line.

Project management is another silent fee worth paying attention to—coordinating tilers, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians is a logistical headache most clients are happy to outsource. However, it does mean paying a premium for the firm’s time and oversight. 

READ MORE: How to Infuse Biophilic Design Elements into Your Home

Hidden Costs and Budget Stretchers

The initial quote is rarely the final bill. Many homeowners fall into the trap of underestimating “optional” add-ons. Changing your mind about the kitchen layout mid-project? That is a variation order. Upgrading materials after seeing them in person? That adds up. These small decisions accumulate and can inflate your final renovation bill by 20 to 30% if you are not careful.

Electrical work is another sneaky cost. Shifting power points, adding new lighting fixtures, or rewiring an entire flat can set you back several thousand dollars. Most interior design firms work with preferred electricians, but their rates vary and should be clarified early.

Furniture and appliances are usually not included in the renovation contract but will impact your budget. Clients frequently splurge after seeing the newly renovated space, only to realise they have gone over budget by a mile. The rule of thumb? Keep at least 15% of your renovation budget for furnishings, and try not to fall in love with an $8,000 Italian leather sofa until after the renovation.

READ MORE: Family-Friendly Interior Design: Creating Spaces That Grow with Your Family

Interior design costs in Singapore can range from modest to eye-watering, depending entirely on the choices made along the way. A thoughtful, well-informed homeowner who communicates clearly with their interior design firm can keep the project within budget without sacrificing quality. A good interior design firm does more than make a space look nice, it helps bring order to chaos and ideas to life and turns renovations from stressful to structured. It may not be cheap, but with the right partner, it might be worth every dollar.

Looking for a trusted team to handle your home’s transformation from concept to completion? Contact Interior Times today and discover how their interior design firm in Singapore can bring your vision to life without surprises.

Gloria Butler