Guide to Interior Design Costs in Central New Jersey in 2025
How to Budget for Your Home’s Transformation with a Local Designer
From design services to materials and furnishings, interior design can be a substantial investment. But the return on that investment is huge — often priceless — because when you enhance the beauty and functionality of your home, you’ll enjoy more comfort, satisfaction, and happiness, every day.
For homeowners in Central New Jersey, understanding the factors that affect interior design costs is key to planning a successful project. In this post, I’ll break down what influences the cost of hiring an interior designer, common pricing structures, and what you can expect to pay for different types of services in the Central New Jersey area.
Factors Affecting Interior Design Costs in Central NJ
When estimating the cost of an interior design project, several factors come into play. These are not one-size-fits-all, and can vary based on your home’s specific needs, your personal style, and the scope of your project. Here are some of the most important elements that will influence the price:
— Scope of Work
The scope of the project is one of the biggest determinants of cost. Are you redesigning your entire home or focusing on a single room like the living room or kitchen? Full-home designs typically require more time and resources than smaller-scale projects, which will be reflected in the cost.
— Design
The level of customization, the materials and finishes selected, and the overall design complexity significantly impact your project’s total cost. Custom pieces, such as bespoke furniture, custom cabinetry, or high-end finishes like marble countertops, add to the budget. In contrast, opting for off-the-shelf furnishings or more affordable mid-range materials can help manage costs without sacrificing style.
Additionally, the intricacy of your design—whether it’s a minimalist modern look or a more elaborate traditional or eclectic style—will influence both the time required and the associated expenses. More detailed or complex designs need greater planning and oversight, contributing to higher overall costs.
— Timeline
The project timeline can also have a big impact on overall costs. If you need a fast turnaround, your designer may need to put in more hours to source readily available items, which could limit the range of choices and increase costs. Expedited shipping fees, especially for large furnishings or custom pieces, will add to your budget.
In some cases, shorter timelines may also require compromises on material quality or craftsmanship, as tradespeople and furniture makers might have less time to deliver their highest level of work. Planning ahead allows more flexibility in selecting materials, finishes, and tradespeople, which can help you balance cost and quality.
— Location Impact
Finally, location can affect interior design costs. Central New Jersey, while generally less expensive than nearby New York City, still benefits from its proximity to a major metropolitan area. Designers here may charge slightly less than those in Manhattan, but demand for high-end residential services in places like Monmouth County or Middlesex County can drive costs higher than in other parts of the state.
Common Pricing Structures for Interior Design Service
Interior designers typically offer several different pricing models, or sometimes a combination of pricing models, depending on the scope of work and the client’s preferences. Here are the most common ways designers charge for our services:
— Hourly Rate
Many designers charge an hourly rate for their services. In Central New Jersey, hourly rates can range from $100 to $300 per hour, depending on the designer’s experience and expertise. Hourly rates are usually ideal for smaller projects or consultations, where the scope of work isn’t extensive enough to require a flat fee or percentage-based pricing.
— Flat Fees
For typical projects, many designers offer flat-fee pricing — this is the model I use at Jennifer Li Interiors. This involves the designer estimating the service cost for the entire project upfront, based on their evaluation of the scope of work, materials, and time involved. Flat fees can range widely, from $5,000 for a single room redesign to $20,000 and more for a full-home renovation, depending on the complexity and size of the project, as well as the size and overhead for the design firm.
— Percentage of Project Cost
Some designers charge a percentage of the total project cost, usually ranging from 10% to 30%. This model is often used for large-scale renovations or new builds, where the designer will be involved in every stage of the project, from concept to final installation. This percentage-based approach ensures that the designer’s fee reflects the overall scope of the project.
— Cost-Plus or Markup
In this pricing model, the designer adds a markup fee to each item purchased on behalf of the client. For example, if a sofa costs $10,000, the designer may add a 30%-40% markup, meaning the client would pay $13,000-$14,000. This covers the designer's fee for sourcing, purchasing, and managing all aspects of the project, including time spent on product research, order management, and installation coordination.
— Retainer and Deposit
Designers may also require a retainer or deposit before beginning work. This is a common practice to secure the designer’s time and cover initial planning stages. Some designers, especially for large-scale renovations, may opt for a retainer around 20% to 50% of the estimated project cost, which would be credited toward the final invoice. At JLI, I typically require a 50% retainer before starting the project.
Average Interior Design Fees in Central New Jersey
To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, here are some ballpark figures for interior design services in Central New Jersey.
— Design Consultation
A design consultation is usually the first step in working with a designer. This is where the designer will visit your home, assess your needs, and discuss your vision. In Central New Jersey, consultations typically range from $200 to $500.
— Full-Service Interior Design
For full-service interior design, costs can range widely depending on the project’s scale. For a small home or apartment, you might expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 in fees to your designer. For large homes, the cost can easily rise to $50,000 or more, especially if the project involves multiple rooms, custom furniture, or high-end finishes.
— Room Makeovers
If you’re focusing on a single room, the cost will be more manageable but still depends on your goals. For a living room or kitchen, prices generally start around $5,000 and can go up to $20,000 or more if the project involves new furniture, lighting, and construction work.
The Cost of Furnishings and Materials
It’s important to remember that design fees are just one part of the overall cost — furnishings, materials, and decor often make up a substantial portion of a project budget. Setting realistic expectations for these items is crucial to understanding the full scope of your interior design project. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:
Furniture Costs
The cost of furniture varies greatly depending on style, brand, quality, and customization. Here are some typical price ranges:
Living Room: A living room setup, including a sofa, coffee table, side tables, lighting, and accessories, can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more. A custom or designer sofa alone can easily cost between $5,000 and $12,000, depending on fabric and build quality.
Bedroom: Expect to spend between $8,000 and $20,000 for a full bedroom set, which may include a bed frame, mattress, nightstands, dresser, and lighting.
Dining Room: A dining room table and chairs can range from $5,000 to $15,000, with custom pieces often costing more. Higher-end materials, such as marble or solid wood, will also drive up the price.
Custom Furniture: If you opt for custom furniture pieces, such as built-in cabinets, custom sofas, or bespoke dining sets, expect to pay a premium. Custom-built furniture often costs 30% to 50% more than off-the-shelf options due to the tailored craftsmanship.
Decor and Accessories
Accessories, artwork, and decor may seem like smaller costs, but they add up. A well-designed space will incorporate everything from lighting to throw pillows, area rugs, and wall art. Here’s what to budget for:
Lighting: Quality lighting is essential to setting the mood in a room. A designer chandelier can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $7,500, while more budget-friendly fixtures may be closer to $500 to $2,000.
Rugs: Rugs vary widely in price depending on size and material. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for a high-quality area rug for a living or dining room.
Window Treatments: Curtains or blinds can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more per room, depending on fabric choice and whether they’re custom-made.
Artwork: Original artwork or large framed prints can range from $500 to $5,000 or more per piece, depending on the artist and framing.
Materials and Finishes
Beyond furniture, the materials and finishes you choose for your home play a huge role in the total cost. Flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and fixtures are often the most significant contributors to material costs:
Flooring: Wood flooring or high-quality tile can range from $10 to $25 per square foot installed — think, $2,500 – $7,500 for an average-sized kitchen or primary bedroom, or $3,000 – $10,000 for a living room. Luxury materials like marble or custom patterns will increase costs.
Countertops: Countertops vary depending on material. Quartz or granite countertops may range from $50 to $200 per square foot installed, while high-end materials like marble or quartzite can go much higher. For a typical kitchen in Monmouth County, that might look like $2,500 – $10,000+ for countertop materials and installation.
Cabinetry: Kitchen or bathroom cabinetry can range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more depending on custom features, materials, and finishes.
Total Project Cost Expectations
By combining the costs of design fees, furnishings, and materials, you can get a sense for the full scope of an interior design project.
Here’s an example budget breakdown for a medium-sized interior design project in Central NJ:
Design Fees: $10,000 – $40,000
Furnishings: $25,000 – $75,000
Materials and Finishes: $15,000 – $50,000
Decor and Accessories: $5,000 – $15,000
Subcontractors and Installation Fees: $10,000 – $40,000
Estimated Total Cost: $65,000 to $220,000+ depending on the scope of the project and the level of customization involved.
For major renovations that require permitting and professional architecture, engineering, and/or general contracting services, costs will be even higher by about 20% – 30%.
Tips for Maximizing Your Interior Design Investment with Jennifer Li Interiors
You can probably see why I said interior design can be a substantial investment! But with careful planning, you can keep costs under control. As a designer specializing in high-end residential design in and around Monmouth County, I’m here to help you navigate the process. Here are some key strategies to manage your budget successfully, and how I can assist you:
— Set a Realistic Budget
Before diving into the design process, be honest about how much you’re willing to spend and communicate this clearly to your designer. At Jennifer Li Interiors, I work closely with you to understand your financial parameters and help determine the best approach to achieve optimal results within your budget.
— Prioritize
If you have a limited budget, prioritize the areas of your home that matter most. Focus on spaces where you spend the most time, like the living room or kitchen. As your designer, I can help you phase your project effectively, concentrating on essential elements first while planning for future updates in other areas.
— Communicate Your Needs
Clear communication is key to staying on budget. Discuss your financial limits upfront and clarify must-haves versus nice-to-haves. This enables me to create a tailored plan that meets your aesthetic desires while respecting your budget.
— Mix High and Low
You don’t need to splurge on every item in your home! Combining high-end pieces with affordable options can stretch your budget without sacrificing style. My experience in sourcing furnishings helps you achieve the perfect balance of quality and affordability.
— Local Expertise and Tailored Services
Having worked extensively in Central New Jersey, I understand the specific needs of local homes and the nuances of the market. My local expertise allows me to source the best materials, contractors, and vendors for your project, ensuring quality and value at every step. Whether you’re considering a full-home redesign or simply refreshing a single room, I’m dedicated to guiding you through the entire process. Together, we can create designs that not only meet your aesthetic preferences but also enhance the value of your home in the competitive Central New Jersey real estate market.
Let’s get started!
Ready to transform your home? Contact Jennifer Li Interiors today to schedule a consultation and start planning your next design project.