Hiring an interior designer doesn’t have to mean a full home renovation. In fact, many homeowners choose to start with just one room — whether it’s a bedroom, home office, or kitchen — as a smart and affordable way to transform their living space.
Designing a single room can set the tone for your whole home, and it’s an ideal solution if you’re looking for professional design guidance on a realistic budget.
Why Start with Just One Room?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of renovating your whole house, starting small is not only more manageable, but can also deliver big results. A single-room makeover can:
- Set the visual style or palette for the rest of your home
- Solve a specific problem (e.g. storage, layout, lighting)
- Help you test out working with a designer before committing to larger projects
- Provide a design “template” that can be applied later to other rooms
Even if you’re renting or planning to move in the future, a well-designed space can make everyday life more enjoyable and functional.
Single Room Interior Design Costs – At a Glance
Prices will vary depending on the type of room, designer experience, and your location, but here’s a rough guide:
| Service Type | Typical Cost (per room) |
|---|---|
| Design consultation only | £50 – £300 |
| Design-only service | £300 – £1,500 |
| Full service (design + implementation) | £1,000 – £5,000+ |
| Hourly rate | £50 – £150 per hour |
These figures are general estimates for single rooms. For specific guidance on living rooms, see our article:
How much do interior design services cost?
What’s Included in a Single-Room Design Service?
A designer’s offering will vary, but for a single room you can typically expect:
- Initial consultation and site visit (or virtual consultation)
- Mood boards and design concepts
- Colour schemes and finishes
- Furniture layout and planning
- Lighting and styling advice
- Shopping lists (which may include high street options)
- Storage and organisation tips
Some designers may offer tailored online design packages for specific room types, which are ideal for smaller budgets.
Affordable Interior Design
A common misconception is that interior designers are only for luxury homes. In reality, many designers work with a wide range of budgets and offer flexible services.
Here’s how a designer can help you stay on budget:
- Design within your limits: If you give a designer a strict budget upfront, they will work within it.
- High-street sourcing: Designers often curate stylish options from affordable retailers like Zara Home, Dunelm, IKEA or Made.com.
- Avoid costly mistakes: With a proper plan and layout, you’ll save money in the long run by buying the right items first time.
- Decluttering through smart storage: Many designers specialise in making small or awkward spaces work harder with clever storage solutions.
See some great matches for smaller projects in our article:
Best interior designers for small home projects
Which Room Should I Start With?
Some of the most popular single-room projects include:
- Bedrooms – A calm, clutter-free retreat can transform your quality of sleep and relaxation.
- Home offices – Especially important if you’re working remotely or hybrid.
- Hallways or entryways – These spaces set the tone and can often be redesigned with minimal budget.
- Bathrooms – A great space to invest in quality finishes even on a small scale.
Need inspiration? Read a real-life story about a hallway and living room re-design here:
Case study – a perfect match
Find the Right Designer for a Single Room
Whether you’re updating a bedroom or refreshing a home office, working with an interior designer on a single room project is more affordable and accessible than you might think.
At Design for Me, we make it easy to match with talented designers who are happy to take on small, one-room projects. Tell us about your space and we’ll connect you with designers who fit your style and budget – all for free.
Emily Design for Me
