If you’re planning to renovate, redecorate or reimagine your home, hiring a freelance interior designer could be the best way to bring your ideas to life, while staying within budget. Whether it’s a single room refresh or a full home transformation, working with a freelance designer offers flexibility, creativity and often, more affordable options.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to find the right freelance interior designer in the UK, what to look for, and how to get started.
Image above by Gagik, freelance interior designer in London. See his full profile and shortlist them for you home project here.
What Is a Freelance Interior Designer?
A freelance interior designer is an independent professional who provides interior design services without being tied to a larger company or studio. Freelancers typically manage their own projects, which means they can offer a more tailored, personal service — often at a lower cost than traditional interior design firms.
They are particularly well-suited for:
- Small to medium-sized home projects
- Budget-conscious renovations
- Clients who want a more collaborative, flexible design process
Looking for inspiration? See our list of the best interior designers for small home projects.
Benefits of Hiring a Freelance Interior Designer
1. More Personalised Service
With fewer layers of communication, you’ll work directly with the designer — helping ensure your vision is clearly understood and executed.
2. Cost-Effective Options
Freelancers tend to have lower overheads than larger design studios, which can translate into more affordable fees. Find out how to find an affordable interior designer here.
3. Flexibility
Freelancers are often more adaptable when it comes to project scope, style and timelines — making them ideal for unique or smaller-scale home improvements.
How to Find a Freelance Interior Designer in the UK
Step 1: Define Your Project Brief
Before reaching out to any designers, it’s important to clarify what you need. Your brief should include:
- The size and type of space
- Your style preferences (e.g. modern, rustic, minimal)
- Any specific goals (e.g. more storage, open-plan living)
- Your timeline and budget
A clear brief will help designers understand your goals and provide accurate proposals.
Step 2: Use a Curated Platform
Instead of trawling through directories or Google search results, use a curated platform like Design for Me, which matches homeowners with the best freelance interior designers across the UK — all in one place.
Simply post your project, and you’ll receive interest from available and suitable designers. You can then review their portfolios, message them directly and compare quotes.
See some of our top-rated interior designers for home renovations in the UK
Step 3: Shortlist and Meet Potential Designers
Once you’ve received some matches, shortlist a few that stand out. Arrange initial calls or meetings to get a feel for:
- Their communication style
- Whether they understand your brief
- Their enthusiasm for your project
A good designer should be able to interpret your ideas while bringing their own creativity and expertise to the table.
What to Ask a Freelance Interior Designer
During your initial conversations, consider asking:
- Can I see examples of similar projects?
- What services do you include (e.g. space planning, sourcing, project management)?
- How do you charge — fixed fee, hourly, or percentage of budget?
- What’s your availability and estimated timeline?
These questions can help you decide if their working style suits your needs.
Need help deciding? Here’s a full guide on how to choose the right interior designer.
Can a Freelance Interior Designer Work on a Small Project?
Yes – and they’re often the best choice. Many of the designers on Design for Me specialise in smaller projects such as:
- Living room makeovers
- Kitchen or bathroom refurbishments
- One-room transformations
- Home office setups
If you’re working with limited space or a tight budget, a freelance designer can often provide creative, practical solutions without overcomplicating the process.
Explore the best interior designers for small-scale renovations and projects.
Final Tips for a Successful Design Project
- Be honest about your budget. This helps the designer tailor their approach and avoid over-designing.
- Stay involved. While a designer will handle the details, your input along the way is important to ensure the result feels like your home.
- Keep communication open. Clear, timely conversations can avoid misunderstandings and help the project stay on track.
Summary: Find Your Ideal Freelance Interior Designer
Hiring a freelance interior designer is a smart choice if you want a flexible, cost-effective and collaborative approach to transforming your home. Whether your project is big or small, there’s a designer out there who can help turn your ideas into reality.
By using Design for Me, you can connect directly with interior designers across the UK – for free. Browse portfolios, compare quotes and choose the perfect match for your home and budget.
Find your interior designer
Design for Me helps homeowners find the best interior designers for their project.
Once you register your project, we’ll match it with the best architects, and you can see who may be available and eager to work on your project straight away.
- Quickly see who’s interested in your job.
- Create a shortlist.
- Invite up to three for a no-obligation consultation.
Emily Design for Me
